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Unlock Space opportunities with GSTP funding of up to €1m.
ESA’s GSTP funding supports the development and demonstration of new technologies with space potential, helping companies bring their innovations closer to market.
Step-by-step guide
step 1
Initial meeting
Step 2
Register on ESA-STAR
step 3
Download Documents
On esa-star:
Download the GSTP E1 Develop - Compendia 2026 – 2028
Download the GSTP (Cyber)Security Products for Space Systems Protection 2026-2028
Please review these documents and identify the activity (or activities) your company or organisation wishes to express interest in.
step 4
Request for Interest
Fill out and submit the form for each activity you want to submit an RFI:
Why The general support technology programme?
What is it?
The General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) by the European Space Agency (ESA) takes cutting-edge technologies that are not ready to be sent into space and develops them for future space missions. ESA has open calls specifically targeting Danish companies that are working on innovative space technologies or enhancing existing ones, which can lead to more efficient and advanced space systems.
GSTP carries out its activities under three distinct elements: Develop, Make, and Fly.
Element 1: Develop supports the development of technologies and products from low TRL to qualification for platform, payload, ground segment and engineering tools.
Element 2: Make is a market-driven and industry-initiated element. Activities are co-funded and directly negotiated, with the objective of maturing technologies into commercial products.
Element 3: Fly focuses on in-orbit demonstrations and technology flight opportunities. It includes missions such as CubeSats and payloads on the International Space Station (ISS), enabling technologies to be tested and validated in space.
At present, only Element 1 (Develop) is open in Denmark. Element 2 (Make) is expected to open later this year.
GSTP element 1: Develop
WHO CAN APPLY?
Danish entities must meet the following eligibility requirements
- Your company or institution must be registered in Denmark
- Your part of the activity must take place in Denmark
Eligibility for GSTP Element 1: Develop funding may vary depending on the specific call. We recommend getting in touch with us directly to learn more about the current opportunities and whether your project qualifies.
What is offered?
GSTP funding, typically between €500,000 to €1 million, can be used to:
- Accelerate technology development and adaption for space.
- Gain access to ESA expertise and collaboration opportunities.
- Strengthen a company’s position in the growing space sector
- Open new business opportunities in the space industry.
ESA Technology Broker Denmark offers a complimentary support package called “Prepare for Space” to assist Danish companies interested in applying for GSTP. We provide guidance and support throughout the proposal preparation process.
If you are interested, please contact our Tech Broker team:
Name
Poul Zimmermann
Job role
Space commercialisation Manager, DTU
Contact me to gain support on your Statement of Interest for the GSTP.
Process & deadlines
This is a compilation of activity proposals considered to be top
priority for ESA.
They were selected by ESA's technical experts (every 3 years)
Industry and academia take a look at the Compendium, select the activities they are interested in and express interest per activity via the ESA Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP).
National Delegation in DK: UFS
The outcome of this campaign will be considered in future updates of the GSTP E1 workplans
ESA, in agreement with UFS decides to support X amount of activities for which Danish actors have expressed interest.
ALL Danish actors can apply for the activities in competition when they are advertised in ESA Star.
For Danish actors, ESA Technology Broker DK offers support and guidance throughout this process, giving feedback to companies to help them improve their applications.
ESA will send the applicant a document with feedback on the evaluation of their tender for future details.
Many start-ups and companies are unsure how space is relevant to their business and how to get started. We’re here to advice. Book a free casual chat to discuss your options.
Other relevant funding opportunities
We tailor the package to your needs. Some startup needs help understanding the space market to strengthen their product while others need technical expertise to develop their prototype. At project start, we will plan together how we can support you.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you select the start-ups?
We assist companies from non-space industries in adapting their technologies to the space sector. This could be relevant for companies within AI, production solutions, manufacturing, or innovative materials.
What is a space connection?
We support space companies in transferring their existing space technologies to create new solutions on Earth. That could be x-ray technologies benefitting hospitals or astronaut food sold as health supplements.
How is my data handled?
We support space companies in transferring their existing space technologies to create new solutions on Earth. That could be x-ray technologies benefitting hospitals or astronaut food sold as health supplements.
How do you evaluate my application
We support space companies in transferring their existing space technologies to create new solutions on Earth. That could be x-ray technologies benefitting hospitals or astronaut food sold as health supplements.