Notice

Unlocking Space for Business Grant Call – Q&A

Updated 17 May 2024

This notice was withdrawn on 24 October 2024

The call has now closed.

1. When does the grant call close?

The grant call closes at 4pm BST on Wednesday 22 May 2024. Applications must be submitted to commercial@ukspaceagency.gov.uk by this time.

2. How many projects are you looking to fund?

No limit has been set, however the total amount of grant funding available is £3.5m including VAT.

3. Can you define partners and sub-contractors?

If you are collaborating with another organisation or company, then they are your project partner and will be included in your proposal. If you wish to sub-contract some work, then that company cannot be considered as a project partner as payment to them will be made from the award and they will therefore be included in the costs of the project.

4. Can you expand on what other enabling technologies could be?

Pilot projects may involve complementary terrestrial data and technologies, including but not limited to AI, machine learning, quantum, drones and geospatial data.

5. What if we identify an application outside of the Financial Services or Transport & Logistics sectors. Can we still apply?

No. Projects must provide benefit to an end-user business within either the Financial Services or Transport & Logistics sectors.

6. Can Unlocking Space for Business SBRI recipients/project teams apply?

The grant call is open to innovative pilot projects that use of satellite data and services alongside complementary terrestrial technologies in the Financial Services and Transport & Logistics sectors. This grant call is targeting medium-to-high technology readiness level (TRL) solutions that can deliver a tangible end-user benefit within the 9-month maximum project duration. Projects must be ready to commence in July 2024. The lead applicant must be an end-user business within either the Financial Services or Transport & Logistics sectors. We will not fund projects that are being funded elsewhere in the UK Space Agency or UK government.

7. If we miss the deadline, will we be able to submit after the set date?

We cannot accept any late applications unless a failure on the part of the UK Space Agency has been identified, where all applicants will given extra time. Applications must be submitted to commercial@ukspaceagency.gov.uk by 4pm BST on Wednesday 22 May 2024.

8. How will applications be evaluated?

Applications will be assessed by a team of evaluators from the UK Space Agency and our delivery partner, the Satellite Applications Catapult. Annex F clearly defines the scoring criteria, how each response will be marked and what a good response would include.

9. Is there any font and font size recommended for answers on the application form?

Applications for project funding shall take the form of a proposal in single-spaced typescript (minimum font size 12-point, including diagrams and tables).

10. What if we can’t explain our proposal in the limits of the page count?

All applications are required to adhere to the specified page limits per question. Anything over the specified count will be disregarded by evaluators.

11. What are the reporting requirements for successful grants? 

As set out in the Announcement of Opportunity, the lead end-user will provide a monthly progress report that shows evidence of progress against milestone/deliverables in their project plan. On acceptance of the evidenced milestone/deliverable, the grant recipient will be invited to provide an invoice detailing the spend against each budgetary category for that milestone/deliverable.

12. Will there be any funding after this call to further develop any product or service that may come from these pilots?  

No further funding commitment decision has been made at this point.  

13. Can we exceed the £400,000 maximum limit of grant funding available in our application?  

No. We have a limited total grant fund and would like to support as many projects as possible.  

14. We think we will need some mobilisation funds to kick off a pilot. Can we invoice expenditure for pre-pilot set up?  

No. This grant call is for pilot projects that can deliver a tangible end-user benefit within the 9-month maximum project duration.  

15. What is match funding and why is match funding required for this call? 

Match funding refers to the requirement for the grant recipient to contribute a portion of the total project costs themselves. Match funding is a requirement for UK Space Agency grants as it ensures shared investment in projects, encourages collaboration and innovation, and enhances the overall impact and sustainability of funded initiatives. Match funding is a requirement under the Subsidy Control Scheme that the call is being awarded under. Failure to provide the level of match funding will make any proposal ineligible under this call. 

16. Does the maximum grant award offered include the match funding contribution?  

The maximum grant offered is the total amount that will be awarded to the project. Annex D (USB Finance Sheet) sets out the match funding intervention rates for different sizes of organisations.  

17. Will you pay invoices after the 24th of March 2025 for pilot wind down?  

Yes, we will process invoices after projects have finished, for work completed prior to the end of projects on 24 March 2025.  

18. What if we can’t get formal agreements in place with partners within 60 days?  

This is a requirement of the project and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. 

19. Can we make changes to the GFA (Grant Funding Agreement)?  

No material changes to the terms will be considered. Minor changes may be considered if an applicant can demonstrate that agreeing to the provision within the Grant Funding Agreement would result in the applicant breaching its statutory or regulatory obligations. Grant applicants wishing to propose changes should not make changes directly to templates but engage with the call lead and advice will be provided. Any proposed amendments must be submitted prior to or with your submission. 

20. Should the GFA be signed at the time of the application?  

No. GFAs will be signed following an award notice has been issued

The following questions were asked during the Grant Call Webinar, held on 10 April 2024:

21. Is there an opportunity to collaborate with others on this call. Perhaps a networking event for those wishing to collaborate would be very useful. 

The Unlocking Space for Business programme has run networking events, bringing together end-user businesses in the Financial Services and Transport & Logistics sectors, space suppliers and integrator organisations. Our upcoming Transport & Logistics networking event, ‘Unlocking Satellite-driven Insights for Transport and Logistics’, will take place on Monday 29 April 2024. Find out more and register your attendance here. 

22. As evidence of future success, it may help to show letters of support.  Is there any scope for adding them beyond the 2 page “supporting materials”?  Or another way to convey such support? 

Up to a maximum of two additional sides of A4 may be included with your application form (e.g. text, diagrams, or photographs) to support your application, which could include any further information that you feel has not been captured within the questions. Any other material submitted will not be included in the grant assessment.  

23. Does previous ESA grant funding in the last 3 years count towards the subsidy calculation under the current rules? 

No, ESA Grant funding does not count towards the cumulation rules, under the streamlined route. 

24. As a satellite data services provider, we had intended to lead a proposal ourselves, but you have stated the expectation is that the proposal will be led by an End-User. Will there be any consortium event or opportunity. 

Please refer to our previous response about networking events.  

25. Who can you recommend to give advice/support in filling out the application? 

Please refer to the recording of the Grant Call Webinar for information about completing the application form. If you have any further questions about completing the application form, please email commercial@ukspaceagency.gov.uk 

26. Could we have clarification on how the funding contributes to MFA and how this relates to match contributions?  The guidance states that intervention rates apply unless “the bidder seeks to claim exemption from having to make a contribution under MFA”. Does this mean that funding only contributes to a company’s MFA if no match contribution is made? 

This funding will be awarded in line with the streamlined scheme for Research Development & innovation, which identifies clear intervention rates (match funding requirements) for applicants. The option to apply under an exemption via Minimum Financial Assistance (MFA) is possible for those enterprises that meet the eligibility criteria identified within the scheme (i.e. will not have exceeded their MFA allocation within the relevant window).  Applicants are free to apply under MFA if they can demonstrate they meet the eligibility criteria. Only funding applied for under MFA, and awarded, would count towards MFA total. 

27. Can Local Authorities apply as the lead applicant? 

The lead applicant must be an end-user business within either the Financial Services or Transport & Logistics sectors. 

28. What are Technology Readiness Levels? What do you mean by medium-high TRL?  

Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are a type of measurement system used to assess the maturity level of a particular technology. There are 9 technology readiness levels. TRL 1 is the lowest and TRL 9 is the highest. We expect Unlocking Space for Business grant pilot project applications to be mid-TRL (i.e. TRL 5 or above), with an ambition to increase the project’s TRL as it progresses.

Clarification questions

29. How much of the match funding does the lead applicant and co-applicants need to provide?

In the case of a consortium bid, match funding will be apportioned according to the individual contributions of each consortium member. There is no requirement that the lead applicant provides all or a specific proportion of the match funding.

30. Can PwC apply as the end-user in a grant application?

PwC is a delivery partner for the Unlocking Space for Business programme. All applicants must provide evidence that they and project partners have in place appropriate anti-bribery and anti-corruption internal policies, and a process for declaring and managing conflicts of interest (for example, establishing ethical walls).

31. Can suppliers/co-applicants (not lead applicants) be involved in more than one bid?

Yes. Depending on the nature of the awards and activity undertaken, the total amount of public funding may be limited per enterprise per project. This would be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

You can submit more than one proposal, but it must be clear how the proposals differ. You cannot submit multiple versions of the same proposal or variations of the same proposal. All proposals will be considered as individual projects and will require separate invoicing, funding breakdowns and grant funding agreements. You will be expected to submit invoices separately and must be able to demonstrate how monies have been spent for each project. If you submit multiple different proposals and these are successful you will need to ensure that you can deliver all within the timeframes and that they remain separate projects throughout the process.

32. Is the end-user as the lead applicant responsible for making the application (including compiling of the information) and submitting the funding request?

The lead applicant is accountable for the application process, including its compilation and submission. They are equally responsible for the content provided, as it will be submitted under their name. Therefore, the lead applicant plays a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the application. Lead applicants also serve as the point of contact for the UK Space Agency and lead the project in the event it is successful, including liaising with the UK Space Agency to meet our requirements around grant funding (eg, meetings, completion of reporting requirements). We have specified for this call that the lead applicant must be an end-user business as this is fundamental to the scheme’s objectives.

33. Will the end-user receive 50% funding under the agreement?

We have not specified requirements around the particular funding split and it is up to the project consortium to determine how the grant funding will be allocated among the project partners. However, all applicants are responsible for determining their Subsidy Control status in line with the eligibility requirements set out in the call guidance.

34. Asking end-users to lead the application and manage the process may be a difficult ask.

We understand the potential challenges this may pose. However, it is crucial to emphasise the benefits that end-user direct involvement can bring to the project. They will need to detail how they are or plan to be a user of the services being proposed in the project. This information is essential for demonstrating the relevance and impact of the project on their operations.

35. Does Section 5 of the application form only apply to lead applicants? Should co-applicants also provide details of government grants received?

All applicants should submit details of previous funding received. Each partner in a consortium will be responsible for understanding their own subsidy requirements, as these change dependent on the organisation. We recommend potential applicants engage with their legal and finance teams to understand and review the provisions for grants as laid out in the Subsidy Control Act.

36. Should co-applicants provide written details of their team and project plan?

The lead applicant should look to define roles and responsibilities from project partners within their application.

37. Is there a maximum percentage of the maximum £400,000 grant amount that can be allocated to the supplier co-applicant?

Applications from consortia must identify the lead or prime organisation with whom the grant funding agreement would be placed and will be responsible for the delivery by any other organisations forming that consortium. There are no specific provisions within the grant guidelines regarding such a restriction on cost allocation to individual co-applicants.

38. Can a consortium be two players - ie, lead application (end-user) and one co-applicant?

Yes. This grant call is seeking applications from end-user led consortiums with a satellite data or service supplier, alongside any other relevant aggregator organisations needed to deliver their pilot project.

39. Can the project apply to coastal / marine environments, not just terrestrial?

Yes. Projects must provide benefit to an end-user business in the UK, within either the Financial Services or Transport and Logistics sectors. For Transport and Logistics, this includes but is not limited to logistics companies, transport operators and businesses with fleet networks. As part of the application, the lead applicant must set out how they are or plan to be an end-user of satellite data within either of the two target sectors.

40. Can the project or solution have benefits beyond the UK?

Projects must have a positive economic benefit to end-users within the UK, although there may be spillover benefits beyond the UK.

41. Does the TRL (Technology Readiness Level) requirement apply to the co-applicant, not the lead applicant who is looking to leverage the new technology?

We expect Unlocking Space for Business grant applications to be mid-TRL (ie, TRL 5 or above), with an ambition to increase the project’s TRL as it progresses. The TRL requirement refers to the proposed solution that will be implemented by the end-user business.

42. We are currently creating a fintech solution which we would like to use satellite data to pinpoint users. Is this within the remit of the funding call?

The grant call is open to applications from end-users in either of the two target sectors of Financial Services and Transport and Logistics for pilot projects involving innovative use of satellite data and services across all satellite data domains.

43. Do you have any partners that can help provide that level of GPS data?

We do not maintain a list of suppliers of GPS data.

44. What’s the maximum amount we can apply for, for the R&D?

The maximum available grant for each individual application is £400,000 (inclusive of VAT). The maximum project cost will differ depending on the Subsidy Control guidance.

45. Can you please confirm the following example. For a small enterprise industrial research project, the grant can cover up to 70% of project costs and the other 30% will be match funding?

Yes. Annex B (Subsidy Control) sets out the level of match funding in relation to the size of the applicant’s organisation.

46. Does “Start Ups N/A” mean start-ups are not eligible for this grant? We are a venture studio that builds start-ups in the insurance and financial services sectors.

Start-ups are eligible for this grant. You should consult the guidance of your own finance and legal teams to ensure you meet the end user eligibility requirements set out in the grant call documents.

47. What kind of proof for the match funding is required in the application? For example, is a letter of support or a term sheet for equity investment sufficient? Could sweat equity contributions from our venture studio be considered as a type of match funding?

Match funding must have been agreed and secured at the time of applying for the grant. This is to ensure the project can proceed in July 2024 once the grant agreement has been completed. Your application must demonstrate how these funds will be in place to meet this requirement. It would depend on the specifics of the sweat equity.

48. If we are developing a new risk model for insurers and asset managers, using various datasets including satellite data, would it be considered an industry research project or experimental development project?

All applicants are responsible for determining their Subsidy Control status in line with the eligibility requirements set out in the call guidance. We recommend potential applicants engage with their legal and finance teams to understand and review the provisions for grants as laid out in the Subsidy Control Act.

49. We are a UK-registered company; does the satellite partner also need to be UK-registered, or would it increase the likelihood of being awarded the grant if both the end user and supplier are UK companies?

Please refer to the FAQ section of the Announcement of Opportunity. Projects must have a positive economic benefit to end-users within the UK.

50. You stated in the webinar that a Letter of Support could serve as proof of mandatory partnership and that it would be acceptable to establish a new partnership for this grant project. Is it necessary for the end user and supplier to have a formal contract or agreement?

Formal teaming or equivalent agreements between project partners must be in place within 60 days of grant funding agreement signature.

51. How would we share the grant with the satellite partner? Would this be part of the Pay Cost? The template agreement states, “The Authority shall bear no responsibility for paying any third parties with whom the Grant Recipient enters into contracts in connection with the Funded Activities.” Does this mean that payments to the satellite partner would not be covered by the grant?

This is determined by the status of the satellite partner. If they are a co-applicant, the required distribution will need to be set out in the funding sheet and must also be compliant with the grant funding requirements.

52. On the signature page of the application form, it appears that only the lead applicant needs to sign the document. Does this mean that other partners in the consortium do not need to sign on the page – only their full contact details are required?

The lead applicant is accountable for the application process, including its compilation, signature and submission. They are equally responsible for the content provided. Lead applicants also serve as the point of contact for the UK Space Agency and lead the project in the event it is successful, including liaising with the UK Space Agency to meet our requirements around grant funding (eg, meetings, completion of reporting requirements).

53. It appears that each grant instalment will be paid upon achievement of each milestone, suggesting a reimbursement-based system. Is this correct?

Yes.

54. Do we need to mention previous UN grants or any other active grant applications, or should we also include any past applications, even if they were unsuccessful and closed?

UN Grants do not fall under the scope of the Subsidy Control Act. Ongoing grant applications should be mentioned, but there is no need to report unsuccessful applications.

55. The grant call requires independent auditors to review bank accounts after the grant project commences. Is there also a requirement to audit the bank account for previous years?

As set out in the Announcement of Opportunity, there is a requirement for an independent audit at the end of the project or as required by the UK Space Agency. This will be confined to project expenditure.

56. Regarding the two allowed pages of additional materials, should these be submitted as a separate attachment or integrated with the application form? Is there a specific format required for submitting the application form, such as PDF?

Any additional material should be attached separately and submitted as a PDF. The application form should be submitted as a PDF.

57. Is it possible to designate more than one person from our firm as the lead contact for the project?

Projects should have one lead contact named.

58. Is there an official North Star Metric template? 

Annex 14 of the Short Form Grant Funding Agreement contains the details of the North Star Metric reporting requirements. 

59. How will the grant be paid out to project partners? Will each partner submit an individual claim to UK Space Agency related to their costs for each milestone, or will the project lead be the recipient of the grant funding and responsible for distributing the grant among partners? 

It will be the project lead’s responsibility to disseminate funds to project partners and subcontractors. Formal teaming or equivalent agreements between project partners must be in place within 60 days of grant funding agreement signature. 

60. Would any lead organisation applying with an SME organisation be eligible for a 15% uplift in funding for all costs? 

Subsidy Control guidance can be found in Annex B. This sets out the subsidy requirements for this grant call, including the applicable intervention rates. We recommend that potential applicants engage with their legal and finance teams to understand and review the provision for grants as laid out in the Subsidy Control Act and the Research, Development and Innovation Streamlined Subsidy Scheme.

The 15% uplift can be applied where the project involves effective collaboration. This is defined in section 7.6 of the streamline scheme. As the awarding authority, The UK Space Agency needs to be satisfied that this is taking place. 

61. The Applicant Checklist asks applicants to provide an accountant’s audit assurance report. Please can you clarify what is required from applicants? 

There is no requirement at the pre-award stage to provide an independent accountant’s audit report. 

62. The Announcement of Opportunity states that an auditor will be appointed by the UK Space Agency for grants over £250,000. Do applicants need to appoint an auditor themselves too? Will small organisations (exempt from annual accounts auditing under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006) be required to appoint an auditor if they are successful in this grant call? 

Grants over £250,000 will be audited by UK Space Agency-appointed auditors. We cannot advise whether recipients of <£250,000 grants should appoint an auditor. Applicants should consult their own legal and finance teams. 

63. At point of application, we are a small organisation based on the number of staff. However, we anticipate that we will become a medium organisation as our staff numbers increase over the course of the project. Can you clarify which size organisation we are? 

The definitions of Small and Medium enterprises are included within the Subsidy Control guidance. Please complete the application based on your current size at point of application. Each partner in a consortium will be responsible for understanding their own subsidy control requirements. We recommend potential applicants engage with their legal and finance teams to understand and review the provisions for grants as laid out in the Subsidy Control Act. 

64. Are small and micro companies without audited accounts allowed to apply? 

Yes. If you are successful, we may ask questions about your accounts to satisfy necessary due diligence requirements. 

65. Can multiple end-user organisations be included in the same application? 

Yes. While there has to be one lead applicant from one of the two target sectors (either Financial Services or Transport & Logistics), it is possible for other end-user organisations to be part of the same application.