Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
1. Who can apply to ASPIRE WITH ESA?
ASPIRE WITH ESA targets Small and Medium enterprises willing to bring innovation using space technologies into market. Any SME from the Member States supporting both ESA Space Solutions and ASPIRE WITH ESA can apply, currently:
Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Check the call resources for further information
2. Do I need support from my National Delegation?
Yes. ASPIRE WITH ESA is part of ESA Space Solutions, and like its other funding mechanisms, letter of support from the National Delegation is mandatory. To make this easier, ASPIRE WITH ESA asks you to submit a pitch prior to your proposal. Those enterprises whose pitch is accepted by National Delegations will be requested to submit a full proposal.
3. Where is this call in EMITS?
ASPIRE WITH ESA follows a new process to enter in agreement with companies, different than the traditional procurement published via EMITS. As such, you will not find this call published in EMITS, but you can contact us at aspirewithesa@esa.int if you have further questions
4. How do I submit my pitch?
Electronically, through this form. Simply fill a few simple questions, upload your pitch deck following these guidelines, as well as a pitching video. You can use any host for your video, just make sure it is publicly accessible.
5. Can I be called to pitch?
Yes, although the video pitch is intended to avoid this from happening. If so, you will be contacted to pitch between 22 and 26 March.
6. I did not submit a pitch. Can I still submit a proposal?
No. The application process includes the pitch as a step to gain the support from the National Delegations. If you did not submit a pitch, your proposal will be disqualified for this round.
7. What does ASPIRE WITH ESA accept as co-financing?
Your proposal has to demonstrate you can match the funding requested to ESA. We accept any source of private funding as well as your own capital reserves or profit. We cannot accept public grants as sources of co-financing.
8. What comes after ASPIRE WITH ESA?
ASPIRE WITH ESA is designed as an easy entry point to ESA’s financing mechanisms for all those SME not familiar with the way the Agency works. If your innovation makes technical and sense and you prove you can deliver Social and Economic Impact, we will be happy to discuss with you further funding opportunities under ESA Space Solutions.
9. Can I submit my proposal as a word or pdf document?
No. You have to submit your proposal using the application form enabled for that purpose. You will have to fill there the requested information. as well as uploading your National Delegation’s Letter of Authorisation (see 2.)
10. I submitted a pitch. When will I hear if I can go ahead with the proposal?
We will contact you between 22 and 26 March with instructions on how to submit your proposal.
11. I submitted my proposal. When will I hear from you?
Our commitment to you is to answer all applicants within 8 weeks after closing the call independently of the result.
12. I am already working with ESA in another project. Can I apply to ASPIRE WITH ESA?
Yes, provided your proposal is not duplicating / overlapping with your existing project, your proposal is within the scope of ASPIRE WITH ESA and you can demonstrate you can co-finance according to ASPIRE WITH ESA rules.
13. What will be ASPIRE WITH ESA Agreement (contract) duration?
Should you be successful, ESA will enter in agreement with you for 9 months.
14. I have another question on ASPIRE WITH ESA. How I pass it onto you?
Simply write us at aspirewithesa@esa.int and we will answer it. Please, be aware that to ensure fairness, we will publish your question anonymously together with the answer for everyone in this F.A.Q. list under “received questions” below.
15. I am submitting my pitch from Denmark. Do I need to submit additional information?
The Danish Delegation requires applicants to submit the documentation indicated in the official Danish Delegation ESA webpage at pitch stage. We kindly ask you to review the request and attach the documents to this form on a specific section enabled to that effect.
16. I am submitting my pitch from The Netherlands. Do I need to submit additional information?
To facilitate the application process, NSO (ESA Dutch Delegation) asks interested applicants to contact them in advance and request a "Letter of Authorisation request form". We kindly ask you to contact NSO via e-mail as soon as possbile.
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