\tApplications<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t02\/03\/2026
\n\t\t\t\t457 views
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t11 likes<\/p>\n
The European Space Agency (ESA) and GSMA Foundry have opened a call for ideas to\u00a0provide up to \u20ac100 million in funding for\u00a0projects improving the combined use of satellite and\u00a0ground\u00a0connectivity networks. The funding opportunity \u2013 provided by ESA Member States and announced during the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain \u2013 will empower companies to bridge the digital divide.<\/p>\n
The funding initiative is aimed at companies within eligible ESA\u2019s Member States to promote the convergence of space and mobile networks. By supporting hybrid systems that connect satellites and\u00a0ground\u00a0networks, uninterrupted global connectivity is closer to becoming a reality. The open calls will focus\u00a0on\u00a0four\u00a0challenges:\u00a0<\/p>\n
AI in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN):\u00a0Using AI to\u00a0optimise\u00a0connectivity between\u00a0satellites\u00a0in multiple orbits and\u00a0ground\u00a0networks. AI enables quicker and smarter transitions between networks, adapting efficiently to varying levels of network congestion.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Direct-to-Device (D2D):\u00a0Supporting studies and developments aimed at delivering standard-based connectivity to mobile phones directly from satellites without ground infrastructure. This will extend connectivity to remote regions, support emergency services, and bridge the digital divide for underserved communities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
5G\/6G Hubs:\u00a0Establishing\u00a0new hybrid 5G and 6G testing hubs, building on the example of the 5G\/6G Hub at ESA’s European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications in Harwell, UK. These hubs integrate satellite\u00a0and\u00a05G\/6G\u00a0networks, enabling industry to test use cases from autonomous vehicles to next-generation\u00a0logistics, smart\u00a0cities\u00a0and public safety networks.\u00a0<\/p>\n
6G Innovation:\u00a0Looking ahead to technologies that will make our future phones, homes, and connected devices faster and smarter. This includes things like real\u2011time apps that respond instantly and everyday objects that can \u2018think\u2019 on the spot.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMobile World Congress 2026 Barcelona [Image from GSMA]<\/a><\/p>\n At MWC, the world\u2019s leading connectivity event, ESA and its partners will\u00a0demonstrate\u00a0how they are moving Europe towards enhanced ground connectivity through the power of satellites. Through a series of presentations and demonstrations, participants will see ESA\u2019s approach to\u00a0optimising\u00a0current technological capabilities by integrating them with\u00a0innovative space-based solutions. This year\u2019s exhibition will spotlight the latest advances in the convergence between satellite and 5G networks, featuring robotics, remote rover operations, XR (Extended Reality) collaboration, and 8k video streaming enabled by 5G\u00a0millimeter wave\u00a0and satellite communications. The goal is to highlight what is already achievable, motivating potential partners to explore the many opportunities made possible by the new funding\u00a0programme.\u00a0<\/p>\n Interested companies and\u00a0organisations\u00a0are invited to\u00a0submit\u00a0their ideas and proposals.\u00a0Those whose submissions supported by their National Delegation and successfully pass the ESA application process may be eligible for funding.\u00a0Selected applicants will receive funding as well as opportunities to collaborate with leading\u00a0organisations\u00a0in the telecommunications and space sectors.\u00a0They will also\u00a0have the opportunity to\u00a0showcase their achievements at MWC27 and other GSMA Foundry events.<\/p>\n