INCUBED CALL FOR PROPOSAL: STANDARD CALL FOR PROPOSALS

The InCubed Element of the European Earth Watch Programme (InCubed) aims to accompany European economic operators in the rapid evolution of the Earth Observation market, both in Europe and globally. InCubed introduces a dedicated process within ESA Earth Observation programmes to strengthen and stimulate the development of near-to-market commercial initiatives in partnership with industry. Activities supported under InCubed include the development and/or demonstration of space assets (e.g. missions, instruments, prototype elements of EO constellations), innovative mission management solutions (including for future EO constellations), as well as the development of ground, data, and application platforms. InCubed targets commercial viability by the end of the activity (at least at minimum viable product level) and requires a substantial degree of innovation, i.e. the creation of new value within the EO commercial landscape. Commercial customer engagement is mandatory, with customers acting as beta testers and validators of the developed product or service. Customer engagement must be clearly demonstrated at both pitch and proposal stages, and letters of support or interest from potential customers are considered a strong asset. The scope of the proposed activities is defined by the economic operators themselves, in line with the objectives of InCubed. Two development cycles are available within InCubed, depending on the maturity of the concept: De-risking Cycle (typically starting from TRL 4), focusing on reducing technical and market risks;Product Development Cycle (typically starting from TRL 6), aiming at delivering a product ready for commercialisation. Under this Call for Proposals, economic operators are invited to submit their ideas via the OSIP (Open Space Innovation Platform) (ideas.esa.int), which serves as the entry point for the programme. The application process consists of the following step: Idea Pitch - Applicantssubmit and present a draft Outline proposal via OSIP to ESA (and potentially the relevant National Delegation(s)). Following a positive assessment, economic operators will be invited to submit a Proposal Part 2 (Full) in accordance with the established procedures and evaluation criteria. Activities supported under InCubed are based on a co-funding scheme, whereby economic operators contribute financially to the project, demonstrating commitment to and confidence in their business case.