Competition format & key facts
Organized detailsOverview
Four industry innovation challenges seek company proposals in direct-to-device connectivity, 6G, hybrid 5G/6G hubs and AI for non-terrestrial networks, with selected projects guided toward ESA programmes.
Complete competition details
ESA and GSMA Foundry launched four 2026 innovation challenges spanning direct-to-device satellite connectivity, 6G innovation, 5G/6G testing hubs and AI for non-terrestrial networks. Cohort 2 expressions of interest and project proposals close 30 September 2026 at 12:00 noon CET. ESA and GSMA jointly review applications and accepted ideas are guided toward relevant ESA programmes.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must be companies with a legal entity in one of the countries listed by the organizer: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands or the United Kingdom.
Tips for this competition
Practical Job and Scholarship guidance. These tips do not replace official rules or create new eligibility requirements.
- Speak with the relevant ESA Member State Delegate before submission, as recommended by the organizer.
- Demonstrate technical feasibility, scalability, standards alignment and commercialization potential, and make the requested project summary downloadable.
- Study the scoring criteria and previous winners before deciding what evidence, prototype, essay, research or portfolio will best support the entry.
- Confirm country, age, team, education and organization restrictions and whether one person may enter multiple submissions.
- Follow the required file format, word/time limits and naming rules exactly; technical non-compliance can disqualify a strong entry.
- Keep proof of submission and submit before the deadline rather than relying on the final hour.
Verification notes
Official GSMA Foundry page confirms the four challenges, eligible legal-entity countries, Cohort 2 deadline of 30 September 2026 at 12 noon CET, joint ESA/GSMA review and benefits including access to funding pathways, collaboration and potential MWC Barcelona 2027 showcase. No guaranteed funding amount, travel support or certificate is stated, so none is invented.
Job and Scholarship is the discovery and verification layer. Confirm eligibility, dates, salary/funding and application instructions on the original source before submitting anything.
GSMA Foundry — ESA and GSMA Foundry Innovation Challenges 2026 ↗