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02/03/2026
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The European Space Agency (ESA) and GSMA Foundry have opened a call for ideas to provide up to €100 million in funding for projects improving the combined use of satellite and ground connectivity networks. The funding opportunity – provided by ESA Member States and announced during the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain – will empower companies to bridge the digital divide.
The funding initiative is aimed at companies within eligible ESA’s Member States to promote the convergence of space and mobile networks. By supporting hybrid systems that connect satellites and ground networks, uninterrupted global connectivity is closer to becoming a reality. The open calls will focus on four challenges:
AI in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN): Using AI to optimise connectivity between satellites in multiple orbits and ground networks. AI enables quicker and smarter transitions between networks, adapting efficiently to varying levels of network congestion.
Direct-to-Device (D2D): Supporting studies and developments aimed at delivering standard-based connectivity to mobile phones directly from satellites without ground infrastructure. This will extend connectivity to remote regions, support emergency services, and bridge the digital divide for underserved communities.
5G/6G Hubs: Establishing new hybrid 5G and 6G testing hubs, building on the example of the 5G/6G Hub at ESA’s European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications in Harwell, UK. These hubs integrate satellite and 5G/6G networks, enabling industry to test use cases from autonomous vehicles to next-generation logistics, smart cities and public safety networks.
6G Innovation: Looking ahead to technologies that will make our future phones, homes, and connected devices faster and smarter. This includes things like real‑time apps that respond instantly and everyday objects that can ‘think’ on the spot.
Mobile World Congress 2026 Barcelona [Image from GSMA]
At MWC, the world’s leading connectivity event, ESA and its partners will demonstrate how they are moving Europe towards enhanced ground connectivity through the power of satellites. Through a series of presentations and demonstrations, participants will see ESA’s approach to optimising current technological capabilities by integrating them with innovative space-based solutions. This year’s exhibition will spotlight the latest advances in the convergence between satellite and 5G networks, featuring robotics, remote rover operations, XR (Extended Reality) collaboration, and 8k video streaming enabled by 5G millimeter wave and satellite communications. The goal is to highlight what is already achievable, motivating potential partners to explore the many opportunities made possible by the new funding programme.
Interested companies and organisations are invited to submit their ideas and proposals. Those whose submissions supported by their National Delegation and successfully pass the ESA application process may be eligible for funding. Selected applicants will receive funding as well as opportunities to collaborate with leading organisations in the telecommunications and space sectors. They will also have the opportunity to showcase their achievements at MWC27 and other GSMA Foundry events.
ESA and GSMA Foundry representatives during Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona
Laurent Jaffart, Director of Resilience, Navigation and Connectivity at ESA, said: “Our Member States’ unwavering support in our programmes, particularly during the ESA Council at Ministerial Level (CM25), has made this collaboration with GSMA Foundry possible. At Mobile World Congress, we’re collectively marking a pivotal moment for the convergence of Europe’s space and telecommunication sectors. By offering funding access for AI, NTN, and D2D, we are not just developing technology; we are preparing for the seamless, global 6G infrastructure of tomorrow.”
Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer at GSMA, said: “By combining the reach of the mobile industry with ESA’s space expertise, we are unlocking a new era of connectivity. This funding and our showcase demonstrate that hybrid networks are no longer a concept; they are a commercial reality. The collaborative breakthroughs you see today signal a step-change for digital transformation, making seamless and universal connectivity possible even in the most remote regions. Together, we are driving forward innovation that will empower businesses, revolutionise industries, and bring transformative benefits to society as a whole.”
Visit here to apply: GSMA Foundry Innovation Funding and Challenges – GSMA Foundry
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