The European Space Agency (ESA) funds far more than rockets. Its programmes back everything from satellite data services and Earth observation to downstream applications, dual-use technology, and commercial spin-offs. For Danish companies and researchers, ESA is one of the largest sources of non-dilutive funding for ambitious technology and innovation projects. But winning a funding proposal takes craft.

What does ESA actually look for? How do you frame your idea, structure your work packages, justify your budget, and stand out among strong European competition?

Join a two-day, hands-on workshop where ESA experts walk you through the practical art of writing a winning ESA application; from evaluation criteria to common pitfalls and what separates a strong proposal from an average one. Hosted by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science (Uddannelses- og Forskningsstyrelsen) in collaboration with Space Ventures DK.

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Day 1: Funding for de-risking and maturing space technologies (GSTP)

The workshop is designed to be broadly useful for anyone preparing an ESA proposal, regardless of which programme you are targeting. It is, however, particularly well-timed for those considering applying under ESA's General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) where the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science will open a new Danish call for GSTP Element 1 (De-risk) and Element 2 (Make) with a deadline in Q3 2026.

GSTP is one of ESA's main vehicles for funding the development and maturation of space technologies, from early de-risking activities through to demonstration in a relevant environment. On the first day of the workshop, ESA's GSTP team will provide a clear overview of what GSTP offers for Danish companies and how to access the call. Your company will also be able to book 1:1 meetings with GSTP experts from ESA to discuss your proposal idea.
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Day 2: General Application Writing workshop

Day 2 is a general application writing workshop led by the ESA proposal writing specialist: Jennifer Ngo-Anh, M.D., PhD from the Directorate of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness. This session provides hands-on guidance on how to succeed with your ESA proposal. The session is especially relevant for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises.

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Program

Day 1: June 9th - GSTP & other funding opportunities

• 09.45-10.00 Arrival, breakfast snack
• 10.00 - 10.15 Welcome and introductions by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science
• 10.15 - 12.00 Intro to GSTP by the European Space Agency's GSTP team.
• 12.00 - 13.00 Lunch
• 13.00 - 14.00 Funding opportunities and how to get application support from ESA Technology Broker Denmark
• 14.00 - 14.30 Coffee
• 14.00 - 16.30 Option to book 1:1 meetings with ESA GSTP representatives (Request a meeting at registration. First-come, first-served)

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Day 2: June 10th - General Application Writing Workshop

• 08.45 - 09.00 Get in, breakfast snack
• 09.00 - 11.30 Application writing workshop with ESA proposal specialist: Jennifer Ngo-Anh,
• 11.30 - 12.30 Lunch
• 12.30-14.30  Application writing workshop with ESA proposal specialist: Jennifer Ngo-Anh,
• 14.30-15.00 Coffee break
• 14.30 - 16.00 Option to book 1:1 meetings with ESA GSTP representatives (Request a meeting at registration. First-come, first-served)

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Deadline for registration: June 8, 2026, 08.00 AM
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Questions?
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For practical details and registration please contact: 
Kathrine Boysen, Space Ventures: kelbo@esabic.dk / +45 93 51 15 58

For questions regarding the content of the workshop and booking of 1:1 meetings, please contact: 
Ann-Sofie Bak Nielsen, UFM, asban@ufm.dk / +45 72 31 79 70

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