ESA's Prepare for Space initiative is here to help UK companies break into the space industry. Our goal is to leverage innovative technologies from various sectors to benefit the commercial goals of the Agency. We also aim to streamline the on-boarding process into ESA programmes by offering tailored training to help businesses understand and respond to ESA's opportunities and calls.
In simpler terms, ESA Prepare for Space is designed to support businesses in creating strong proposals and business cases, speeding up the contracting process, and enhancing commercial viability, technical strength, and programme coherence. This leads to better engagement with start-ups and SMEs, an improved return on investment, and a stronger space industrial ecosystem.
In the UK, TWI Ltd is the ESA Technology Broker, responsible managing and implementing the Prepare for Space open call. We are inviting applications from businesses that would like support to enter the space industry. TWI offers a range of business and technical services to help you navigate the complexities of the space industry and maximise your potential.
These services include:
Business Support Services
• Market Analysis and Business Case Development
• Funding Guidance
• Networking opportunities
• Marketing as a Service
• IP Strategy
• Export Control Checks and Training
Technical Support Services
• Technology assessment
• Space Qualification and Standards Guidance and Interpretation
• Prototyping and Testing
• Collaborative Research
• Technology Transfer Guidance
• Training and Workshops
We have now launched an open call for the ESA Prepare for Space programme in the United Kingdom. Aimed primarily at SMEs and larger entities, this initiative is typically for those who are new to the space market and wish to find out more about ESA’s funding opportunities.
"The support from TWI as the ESA Technology Broker UK was very useful and helped our company understand better the business opportunities in the space sector; as well as understand better how ESA works. The support was very professional and TWI clearly had the capabilities, knowledge and skills to provide high quality and high impact advice and support specific to our company.”
- Zlatka Stoeva–CEO, DZP Technologies
"The ESA Technology Broker team at TWI demonstrated exceptional expertise, clear communication, and a strong commitment to support our technology engagement in space sector, within the ESA Prepare for Space programme. Their ability to understand our technology, technical objectives, and provide thoughtful suggestions made the entire process efficient and effective. We would confidently recommend their services to any organisation seeking reliable and professional support to their long-term growth and advancement within the space industry.”
- Konstantinos Papadopoulos – Senior Technical Manager, ENTELEA LIMITED
"The ESA Prepare for Space programme, delivered by TWI, was a turning point in our strategy to enter the space sector. Their tailored guidance and practical workshops helped us refine our positioning, identify concrete ESA opportunities, and articulate a strong business case for SimOps in space. We highly recommend this programme to any company looking to bring innovative technologies into the space ecosystem."
- Assen Batchvarov (Head of Growth and Customer Success - Quaisr)
"The support was excellent. TWI provided clear and patient guidance through the process of designing the training syllabus and lesson plan. Communications were clear and prompt at all times."
- Julian Wright (Intellectual Property Officer– Theta Technologies Ltd.)
"Collaborating with TWI as the ESA Technology Broker UK has given Deacon Innovations valuable insights into the current space marketplace and a vision for the future. Throughout this project, the TWI team has been highly professional and a pleasure to work with. I look forward to future endeavors with TWI.”
- Allan Turtle (CEO – Deacon Innovations)
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying, or simply have more questions, please get in touch to setup a first meeting with the team at TWI Ltd by emailing prepareforspace@esa-technology-broker.co.uk, so we can arrange a meeting to discuss the programme further.
