Funding your ideas (OSIP)
OSIP is an easy-to-use platform that invites the submission of new ideas either in response to thematic calls or in open channels.
The Open Space Innovation Platform is part of ESA’s approach to the fast changing space sector and a tool to achieve the objectives as laid out in ESA’s Agenda 2025. Users do not need any knowledge of ESA or its specific programmes, and can focus simply on describing their idea. OSIP was established for ESA’s Discovery element and serves as the entry point for Discovery activities, focused on identifying and conducting novel, potentially game-changing research, studies, and early Technology Development activities. OSIP is also the entry point for ideas that could be channelled into other implementation paths and programmes. Academia, industryies and institutions are welcome to submit novel ideas.
OSIP enables and encourages an open and transparent discussion around ideas together with ESA experts.
HOW IT WORKS
OSIP follows a fast and simple two-step process: Users submit ideas to Campaigns or Channels. Campaigns search for solutions to specific questions and typically have a well-defined, relatively short timeline. Channels seek ideas on more general topics and have a more open timeframe.
The authors of the most novel ideas are invited to mature their ideas into proposals. Activities that fall within the scope of the Discovery element can be implemented via one of three implementation schemes:
1
Co-funded research
Co-funded research activities last between 6 months and 3 years and include PhD and postdoctoral projects. Experience has shown that very innovative ideas are often generated by universities and research centres. ESA co-funds such research projects with up to 90K € and 50% of the total cost. These activities follow a fast-track process.
2
Studies
Studies explore the general feasibility, interest and options of entirely new space systems with budgets typically between 20 and 100K €. These can serve also as a precursor to Technology Development activities. Co-funding is encouraged but not required.
3
Early Technology Development activities
The emphasis is on novel, potentially game changing low Technology Readiness Level activities for space applications. These activities are typically involving an early proof of concept with hardware up to prototype level with potential customer interests and co-funding. Early technology development activities have budgets between 50 and 175K €. Co-funding is encouraged but not required.
TO START
Explore OSIP to find a relevant thematic call or enter your idea under our Open Discovery Channel. Describe your idea and decide whether you want to make it public or visible only to ESA and its evaluation board. Public ideas may attract potential contributors, additional insights and comments in line with the open innovation approach (optional depending on the Channel or Campaign).
In the case of the Open Discovery Channel, submit your idea early even if still in draft status by ticking the field that confirms you are not yet ready to be evaluated. This allows ESA to identify early internal experts who could provide valuable feedback. Only once you are happy with the description of your idea (you can edit it until it is included in an evaluation round) mark your idea as ‘ready for evaluation’. Check whether your idea is novel and eligible for OSIP – in case of doubt, check the OSIP help pages.
