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The UK Space Agency, under the national space technology programme, invites proposals for its pathfinders grants. These support highly innovative pathfinder projects that have strong enabling potential for future space activities, and projects developing instrumentation for commercial applications. The aim is to develop the capability of the UK space sector by providing seed funding for early stage innovative ideas. Proposals are sought for space technology research and development projects in areas including:

•early technology readiness level innovation;

•technology proof of concept;

•small technology developments;

•establishing new industrial research collaborations;

•market studies;

•studies into spin in or out of technologies for space.

Acceptable activities are: fundamental research; feasibility studies; experimental development; and industrial research.

Industrial co-funding may be required for the selected projects in accordance with the EU state aid regulations. Projects that introduce technologies that offer disruptive or enabling potential to existing concepts are considered, and proposals that include elements of technology demonstration are welcome. Projects which are from collaborative teams are given preference, and combined industrial-academic teams are encouraged to apply. Collaborative proposals that form part of a larger activity funded by one or more other organisations are also considered, and organisations new to space technology are encouraged to participate. The UK organisation must lead the consortium. Non-UK based organisations cannot receive funding, but may participate.

Grants are worth up to £75,000 for a maximum of six months.