The European Space Agency has opened the call “Tenth Call for Proposals under the Plan for European Cooperating States (PECS) in Cyprus”, for the submission of proposals. This call for proposals is only addressed to companies (including SMEs) or academic and research organisations in Cyprus. The scope of this call for proposals is exclusively for the following types of activities:

• Type A — Research and preparatory activities — (e.g. feasibility studies/demonstrations, conceptual design work, competitive landscape research, user requirements and dashboard-based demonstration projects) intended to prepare for participation in ESA optional programmes or in the early stages of product development for space, with potential for use in future ESA missions or commercial missions.
• Type B research and development activities — Research and development activities related to the light and ground domain — in the form of equipment (including terrestrial communication or space science payload) to develop product-oriented capabilities and capabilities or development of generic technology that can be reused in ESA missions or in commercial missions. Ground equipment and mission operating systems (EGSE, MCS, OGSE, ground facilities or test equipment) may also be considered if it is clearly demonstrated that they will result in a repeatable product/service.
• Type D — Space science activities — Support the participation of Cypriot researchers leading to possible future participation in the ESA core scientific mission team and publication of peer reviewed scientific papers.
• Type F — Space (downstream) applications — Products and services using already existing or planned to operate in the near future space infrastructures of the ESA/European Space Infrastructure. The goal is to ensure that a product is introduced to a first customer and enters the customer’s supply chain.
• Type G — Educational activities — University courses leading to a degree (BSc or MSc) in space subjects that meet the needs of the Cypriot space industry and encourage careers in space and meet the needs of the national space industry.

Eligible applicants: This call for proposals is only addressed to companies (including SMEs) or academic and research organisations in Cyprus, which operate in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Cyprus. However, joint ventures involving organisations of companies in other Member States may be accepted if they are fully and clearly justified. Tasks may be assigned to non-Cypriot entities as subcontracts or external services and in any case do not constitute the key activities of the proposed study or development. Specific requirements:

• Type A: may be led by either industry, universities/research organisations or other national entities depending on the context.
• Type B: must be led by Industry and must include a potential end customer. Cooperation with Academia is encouraged.
• Type D: must be led by Academia and must include a non-Cypriot entity with ESA core science team experience.
• Type F: must be led by Industry with the capability to commercialise the service. Must include an end user customer as subcontractor. May include academia for technical support.
• Type G: must be led by Academia. Industry must be involved as a partner in the definition of the courses, practical lessors and/or topics.

Budget & Duration: The total available budget under the present call is €1.600.000. The maximum funding per project is divided as follows: • Type A: not higher than €200.000. • Type B: not higher than €500.000 for hardware development activities, for all other activities €250.000. • Type D: not higher than €70.000. • Type F: not higher than €200.000. • Type G: not higher than €100.000. Expected duration:

• Type A: 9-15 months.
• Type B: 15-24 months.
• Type D: 24-36 months.
• Type F: no time indication foreseen.
• Type G: minimum of 24 months and up to 36 months.

The costs for all topics will be reimbursed at the funding rate of 100% with the exception of Type F – Space (downstream) applications, where the activities must be co-funded to a minimum level of 25% of the total cost. Deadline: The deadline for the submission of proposals is 13 December 2024, 13h00 (Brussels time). More information is available at the following links: ESA portal – publication. To access the documents related to the tender action and/or express interest, you have to log in to the ESA portal. You may also find more information in the attached cover letter for the publication of the call.