At MWC Barcelona 2025, the European Space Agency (ESA) and GSMA Foundry unveiled three ambitious innovation challenges designed to accelerate the convergence of satellite and terrestrial networks. These challenges focus on advancing direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, fostering 6G innovation, and establishing 5G/6G testing hubs—key areas for achieving seamless, reliable global connectivity.
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Why Apply?
Participants in these challenges will have access to significant benefits, including:
- Substantial funding – A minimum co-funding amount of €500,000 is available for successful applicants.
- Industry collaboration – Opportunities to work with leading organisations across the telecoms and space sectors.
- Global impact – Solutions that address critical connectivity challenges, such as bridging the digital divide and supporting sustainable development.
- Showcasing opportunities – Selected projects will have the chance to be featured at MWC and M360 event showcases.
Applicants must demonstrate technical feasibility, scalability, alignment with international standards (such as 3GPP), and potential for commercialisation. This initiative presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of global connectivity through innovative satellite-terrestrial solutions.
Application process:
- Submission deadline: 30 June 2025.
- Eligibility: Companies must have a legal entity in one of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, UK.
- Review process: ESA and GSMA will jointly evaluate all applications.
- Showcasing timeline: Projects initiated before 31 December 2025 will be eligible for presentation at MWC 2026.
- Guidance: The challenges are run in partnership with ESA and accepted ideas will be guided towards the most relevant ESA programme. Applicants are advised to consult their ESA Member State Delegate before applying.
- Contact details: For inquiries, reach out to [email protected] and [email protected].
The Challenges
1. Direct-to-Device Connectivity
This challenge seeks innovations in direct-to-device (D2D) communication, allowing mobile devices to connect directly to satellites without requiring ground infrastructure. The goal is to improve global coverage, particularly in remote and underserved areas, with a preference for standardized solutions over proprietary technologies.
Key Details:
- Objective: Enable seamless satellite connectivity for standard mobile devices.
- Applications: Emergency response, expanded roaming services, and IoT solutions for industries like agriculture and logistics.
- Technological Scope: Must align with 3GPP standards (Release 17+), ensuring scalability for smartphones and IoT devices.
- Industry Considerations: Solutions should address challenges like latency, handover, power efficiency, and indoor coverage limitations.
2. 6G Innovation
This challenge focuses on early-stage 6G technologies, with an emphasis on satellite-terrestrial convergence in alignment with the latest 3GPP recommendations. Key use cases include ultra-low latency applications, advanced IoT, and edge intelligence.
Key Details:
- Objective: Validate technical solutions for future 3GPP releases integrating satellite and terrestrial networks.
- Use Cases: Autonomous vehicles, telemedicine, smart cities, industrial IoT, and real-time applications requiring ultra-low latency.
- Technological Scope: Proposals should explore in-orbit testbeds and validation environments for TN-NTN interoperability.
- Standardisation: Support for 3GPP standardization efforts will be highly valued.
3. 5G/6G Hubs
This challenge aims to develop hybrid connectivity hubs that integrate terrestrial and satellite infrastructures, serving as platforms for TN-NTN convergence testing and demonstrations.
Key Details:
- Objective: Establish multi-functional hubs similar to ESA’s Harwell Science Campus model, fostering hybrid connectivity innovation.
- Use Cases: Autonomous transport, next-gen logistics, smart cities, public safety networks, and environmental monitoring.
- Technological Scope: Proposals should outline plans for integrating terrestrial networks with satellite communications.
- Collaboration Opportunities: These hubs will enable academia, industry, and policymakers to collaborate on TN-NTN technology advancements.
What’s Next?
Interested applicants should start preparing their proposals and engage with their ESA Member State Delegate to ensure alignment with national priorities. For more information please visit this link.
With these innovation challenges, ESA and GSMA Foundry are paving the way for the future of global connectivity. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this transformational journey!