UK Space Agency: Navigation Innovation and Support Programme (NAVISP) - open calls
- Funding
- Contact funder
- Deadline
- Check with the funder
- Location
- England
- Applications
- Rolling applications
Overview
The European Space Agency funds UK organisations working on positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) through its Navigation Innovation and Support Programme (NAVISP), with the UK Space Agency approving UK applicants. In November 2025 the UK Space Agency subscribed £53 million over three years. There are three routes. Element 1 is competitive tenders, funded up to 100%. Element 2 is an open call for space and non-space companies, large and small, and start-ups. ESA pays up to 100% for universities and other non-commercial bodies, up to 80% for SMEs and up to 50% for larger companies. Element 3 supports national PNT work, with proposals up to 100% funded. The Element 3 Industry Route caps costs at €1m. Projects can cover the space segment, ground infrastructure and user segment, including applications and services. Before you submit a final bid, the UK Space Agency PNT team, the UK National Delegate, must approve funding. For Element 1 tenders, ask at least two weeks before the tender deadline. The funder's website gives no single deadline.
Requirements to check
Key requirements:
- UK Space Agency (National Delegate) approval is required before final bid submission
- Applicants must be UK-based; commercial companies need a UK registration at Companies House
- Funding covers up to 100% for non-commercial organisations, up to 80% for SMEs and up to 50% for larger companies under Element 2
- Element 3 Industry Route costs must not exceed €1m
- Element 3 Industry Route expects an existing contact in a UK Government department
Who it is for
- UK-based organisations seeking UK National Delegate support
- Commercial companies with a UK registration at Companies House
- Space and non-space companies, large and small, and start-ups (Element 2)
- Universities and other non-commercial organisations (Element 2, up to 100% funded)
- Industry Route applicants with a UK Government department contact already in place (Element 3)
Who it is not for
- Organisations that are not UK-based, for National Delegate support
- Bids submitted without prior National Delegate funding approval
- Element 3 Industry Route proposals with costs above €1m
Organisations must be UK-based to be considered for UK National Delegate support. Commercial companies must also have a UK registration at Companies House. Element 2 welcomes space and non-space companies, large and small enterprises, start-ups and non-commercial organisations such as universities. For the Element 3 Industry Route, you are expected to have a contact from a UK Government department already in place. If you do not have a UK registration, you can ask the UK Space Agency PNT team for guidance.
This summary may not include every exclusion. Check the full eligibility rules, including who and what the funder will not support.
See how well this grant fits your organisation, free
Create a free account and check your organisation against this grant’s requirements before you spend time applying. No card needed.
Start freeWho is this for?
UK-based organisations working in positioning, navigation and timing, from start-ups and SMEs to larger companies and universities.
Regions
No published award history for UK Space Agency. Some funders do not publish their grants data.
Full details from UK Space Agency
Organisations working in Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) can receive funding from the European Space Agency, with support from the UK Space Agency.
How to apply
Contact the UK Space Agency PNT team at PNT@ukspaceagency.gov.uk to get funding approval from the National Delegate before you submit your final bid. Then apply through Element 1, 2 or 3 using the links on the Innovate UK Business Connect page. Innovate UK Business Connect's Space team can also give you advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can a university apply to NAVISP Element 2?
Yes. Element 2 welcomes non-commercial organisations such as universities, and ESA will fund up to 100% of their cost.
How much funding can I get from NAVISP?
Rates depend on the element. Element 2 pays up to 80% for SMEs and up to 50% for larger companies. Element 3 proposals can be up to 100% funded, with Industry Route costs capped at €1m.
Do I need UK Space Agency approval before applying to NAVISP?
Yes. UK companies must get funding approval from the National Delegate, the UK Space Agency PNT team, before final bid submission. Contact PNT@ukspaceagency.gov.uk.
Loading your grant tools...
Get notified about grants like this
Create a free account to receive alerts when new information & communication funding opens.
Create free accountLast updated: 9 November 2026