GovWire

The UK Space Agency is running a new Call for Applications under the ARTES Telecoms Space for 5G & 6G Strategic Programme Line, titled Connecting People. We are inviting applications for support from UK companies looking to develop technologies, products, and services in 5G/6G telecommunications.

The Connecting People Call will make up to 8,000,000 of funding available for proposals from both industry and academia to develop sustainable 5G/6G technologies, products and services that will benefit beyond the Space Sector. No upper or lower limit has been set for individual projects.

All projects must include a compelling element of matched funding to be eligible under the programme. Further details on matched funding and other eligibility requirements are contained in the guidance documents.

Who can apply

UK Industry and Academia

Total funding amount

8,000,000

Deadline for Connecting People Call

14 March 2023, 12 midday

Please read the guidance on how to apply for UK support and note the requirement to submit an Expression of Interest, prior to the submission of your proposal.

The Connecting People opens on Tuesday 7 February 2023 and will close at midday on Tuesday 18 April 2023. The UK Space Agency will aim to notify all applicants of the results of their proposals by Tuesday 2 May 2023.

This Call is being run in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA). Please note that applicants who are invited to apply, after submitting an Expression of Interest, will need to submit anESAOutline Proposal to both the UK Space Agency andESAby the closing date. This is to allow consideration of proposals by the UK Space Agency andESAin parallel and reduce the time to award for successful applicants.

Schedule for UK support for the Connecting People Call

(Note: This does not include theESAapplication process. Please see UK Space Agency guidance for further details on this.)

1. Funding Call Opens: 7 February 2023 at midday GMT.
2. Deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest (EOI): 14 March 2023 at midday GMT.
3. Deadline for submission of proposals, if EOI is successful: 18 April 2023 at 11:00am GMT (12 midday BST).
4. Notification of UK outcomes: 2 May 2023.

Any questions about this funding opportunity should be submitted to artes@ukspaceagency.gov.uk. Questions submitted to any other UK Space Agency email address may not be considered.

Industry Events

In addition to this Call, we have organised an online webinar:

The webinar for the Connecting People Call will be held on 6 February 2023 between 11:00 and 11:45am (GMT). It will include a walk-through of both the UKSA and ESA application processes. There will also be Q&A sessions after the agency presentations, where participants will have the opportunity to ask any questions relating to the Call.

If you are interested in joining this event, please complete the online form