GovWire

About the programme

The National Space innovation Programme (NSIP) supports the development of innovative space technologies by funding projects that may be high risk but have the potential for high returns and a clear target market.

In NSIPs pilot year (FY20/21), 27 grants were awarded to industry and academic-led project teams across the UK. In FY21/22, NSIP provided additional grant funding to 11 of the pilot phase projects to enable these to continue advancing their innovative products, services and technologies that have application in the space sector. In FY22/23, two projects received a further funding boost to continue their activities under the NSIP pilot programme.

In its current form, NSIP builds on the successes and lessons learned from the NSIP Pilot and the Enabling Technologies Programme, which has funded 41 projects across key technology themes. NSIP funding is targeted at disruptive space technologies, creating a pipeline of innovative projects to support and grow the UK space sector.

NSIP Call One supports projects being undertaken by industry, academia, and research organisations across a wide range of innovations within the space sector. This is being delivered in the form of multi-year grants of up to 5m, which were awarded following an open funding call in FY23/24.

Funding

Funded projects are categorised into two groups within the programme:

Kick Starter

• Grant value: 150,000 - 1 million
• Focus on lower Technology Readiness Levels (1-4)
• Projects with an emphasis on innovation and disruption
• Building on the success from the Enabling Technology Programme

Major Projects

• Grant value: 1 million - 5 million
• Focus on high Technology Readiness Levels (5-9)
• Projects with an emphasis on catalysing investment and commercialisation
• Building on the success from the NSIP 2020 pilot

In addition to providing funding opportunities, NSIP also increases cross-sector collaboration, helps deliver space missions and space capabilities, and supports regional growth.