ESA Spark Funding Austria
Challenge
Technology transfer between the space industry and other sectors. This includes the utilisation of all areas of technology, e.g. materials, components or systems.
Goal
Technology transfer projects (financing for adaptation or prototyping phase) including commercialisation strategy for new application sectors.
Target group
Funding is available for companies of any size. An existing product line is required. Research institutes and universities can provide space technologies.
Project size
- SME receive a co-funding rate of 80%, with a maximum ESA funding of €50.000.
- Large companies receive a co-funding rate of 50%, with a maximum ESA funding of €50.000.
Duration
Up to 12 months.
Required documents
- Applications can be submitted at any time (open call).
- The submission deadline for the next evaluation is 14.10.2024 at 23:59.
FAQ
What is ESA Spark Funding?
The Spark Funding initiative aims to support and accelerate technology transfer between space and non-space sectors and advance product development.
The ESA Spark Funding Austria offers financial support of EUR 50,000.00 with a funding rate of 80 % for SMEs and 50 % for large companies. The total project cost is expected to reach EUR 62,500 for SMEs or EUR 100,000 for large companies. Should the applicants wish to contribute with their own or other funds, it is possible without limits, however it is not mandatory.
Projects must have a duration of minimum 6 and maximum 12 months.
Who can apply for ESA Spark Funding?
To apply, you must be a legal entity (a public law company / a private law company / an association / a foundation, etc.) registered under the laws of Austria. You must be headquartered in Austria and fully compliant with Austrian tax and social security obligations.
Can a consortium apply for ESA Spark Funding?
The proposal needs to have one main organization named as the Product Developer. If this organization decides to collaborate with others (like a research center, a university or another company), it should list them as partners in the proposal. However, the original applicant, who is the Product Developer, must remain as the project leader and the contact person for the project.
The applicant is allowed to choose any suppliers or partners for the project as long as they are related to the project's goals. They can be introduced in the proposal document.
ESA Spark Funding evaluation process
The evaluation process consists of two stages:
- First stage: After the submission deadline, the Tender Opening Board (TOB) checks whether all formal requirements have been correctly fulfilled.
- Second stage: After the TOB, the Tender Evaluation Board (TEB) meeting takes place. In this meeting, the applicant presents their project for about 15 minutes and then answers questions from the Committee. The TEB evaluates each applicant based on specific criteria and decides whether they'll be offered funding under the call or not. The TEB is held a few weeks after the submission deadline and the applicant receives the results shortly afterwards.
The TEB consists of representatives from ESA, the Aeronautics and Space Agency FFG/ALR and Brimatech.
Can ESA Spark Funding be combined with ESA BIC support?
No. Alumnies of ESA BIC are eligible to apply, if their incubation period had passed prior the ESA Spark Funding application.
Can ESA Spark Funding be spent outside of Austria?
ESA Spark Funding is intended to be used in Austria, unless the product/service isn't available there or if there's an international collaboration involved (for example, if the Product Developer is in Austria but the Technology Provider is elsewhere). However, in any situation, only up to 50% of the ESA Spark Funding Austria can be spent outside of Austria.
In a technology transfer project (between space and non-space sectors), two main parties are involved:
- The Product Developer, who works on creating or enhancing the product/service.
- The Technology Provider, who owns the technology used in the project.
"Non-space market" meaning
Non-space markets refer to areas like agriculture, energy, environment, health, safety, and transport, among others. Essentially, any market with direct use on Earth is included.
Other
- You didn't find the answer for your question?
- Do you have any further questions?
- Please contact us via sparkfunding@brimatech.at.