The National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP) provides co-funded grant support to derisk high-reward R&D projects with a clear target market.
NSIP operates open funding calls for all space-related technologies under two strands:
NSIP Kick Starter that supports highly disruptive early-stage innovations
NSIP Major Projects which emphasizes commercialisation and growth of particularly lucrative ideas from UK businesses, universities and research organisations.
NSIP Call 3 will expand the NSIP portfolio of innovative R&D projects that meet the programme’s objectives to catalyse investment into the UK space sector, capture market growth, raise Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) of priority space capabilities, and position space activities closer to commercialisation and exploitation.
Kick Starter Scheme: Grants ranging from £150,000 to £1,000,000 for early-stage (TRL 1–4) disruptive or novel proposals with a maximum duration of 30 months.
Major Projects Scheme: Grants ranging from £150,000 to £2,000,000 for higher maturity (TRL 5–9) projects focused on commercialisation and investment, lasting up to 30 months.
Priority Subsectors with particular emphasis on Space Domain Awareness, In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing, Assured Access to Space, and Satellite Communication Technology
Outline Proposals are required by Friday, 21 August 2026.
Applications close 12 November 2026.
For further information please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-space-innovation-programme-call-3
