UK Space Agency Unveils £20 Million Fund to Boost Global Space Partnerships
The UK Space Agency has announced a fresh £20 million fund to supercharge international space collaboration. This bold move aims to leverage the UK’s space strengths, spark new capabilities, and attract major investment.
Up to £2 Million Upfront in International Bilateral Fund
The first phase launches with £2 million available from the new International Bilateral Fund (IBF). This cash pot will help UK space firms, academics, and researchers join forces with global partners. The goal? To launch groundbreaking projects, market new space services, and push cutting-edge innovation.
The IBF marks a UK Space Agency milestone—it’s their first dedicated pot to build and strengthen ties with key international and emerging space nations.
Government Ministers Back Bold Vision
George Freeman, Minister of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, said: “The global commercial space tech sector is booming, offering huge opportunities for the UK to turn its space science legacy into a thriving commercial powerhouse.
Our 10-year National Space Strategy commits £2 billion public investment to make the UK a top space economy, deepening partnerships in Earth observation, space debris, and traffic control.
This £20 million funding will power international collaborations, drive job creation and investment, and push UK space tech to the forefront.”
How Will The Fund Work?
- About 30 projects will get up to £75,000 each in the first phase.
- The UK Space Agency will manage funds with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
- Projects must build UK-international relationships and boost knowledge swapping and collaboration.
- Top phase one teams can win up to £1.5 million in follow-up funding for a year of further innovation.
Dr Paul Bate, UK Space Agency Chief Executive, said: “Strong international partnerships fuel investment, new missions, and improve lives through space. This fund will unlock cross-border innovation and cement UK’s ties with key strategic partners.”
The fund especially looks to spark collaborations with the USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan, but is open to exciting projects from anywhere worldwide.
