Initiative For ESA Telecom Newcomers

The field of satellite communications can be a difficult one for smaller businesses to enter. The technical and commercial risks, as well as the perceived complexity of the area, can act as strong deterrents to entrepreneurs and potential financiers alike.

However, satcom provides many exciting possibilities for new technology, applications and services and it is not only the large enterprises that can exploit these opportunities successfully.  The IETN aims to support SMEs in the development of services or applications emerging from the creative use of existing satellite technology such as multimedia, Internet, mobile applications, or systems or technologies to support new, or improve existing, services.

The scheme provides for the award of development contracts with the financial support up to 50% (max 200,000 Euro) for integration and demonstration activities based on existing technologies tailored to pre-operational products, systems and applications, with identified market opportunities.

In addition to the financial support, ESA will also use its expertise and contacts to bring together complementary ideas and ventures in the satcom field.

The aim of the Initiative for ESA Telecom Newcomers is to ensure that at the conclusion of the project, companies are in a position to progress the commercial exploitation of their proposal, either independently or possibly through one of ESA's alternative schemes, e.g. the Multimedia programme.

Who is eligible?
Any small or medium-sized business from a country participating in the Initiative for ESA Telecom Newcomers is eligible to apply. Participating countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France (150 kEuro max), Germany, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, the Netherlands (150 kEuro max), Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

How do I apply?
The application process is divided into two steps to allow feedback on initial ideas (step 1: Outline Proposal) before a full proposal (step 2: Complete Proposal) is required. Initial ideas, described in less than four pages of text, are submitted using an online form (see also "related links" on the right side of this page). The ideas are evaluated by ESA and coordinated with the national authorities. Companies are informed about the outcome. Selected companies would then be invited to submit full proposals. An evaluation and iteration period follows, in order to reach a common agreement on the content of the activity and to award a contract.

A question and answer document with complete details on the IETN can be found in the links located in the right column of this page. 

General Information:
A "Continuous Open Call for Proposals" has been issued within the IETN. It is published on ESA's  Electronic Tendering System (EMITS) under AO/1-5658/08/NL/US. The Outline Proposal Form and Tender document links are located under the Related Links heading found in the right column of this page.

Further Assistance:
The User Support Office that offers a suite of supporting tools, tailored to newcomers typical needs, aimed at facilitating the project execution and possibly the subsequent market development phase. For more information see "User Support Office": http://telecom.esa.int/uso.