ESA Membership Fee

The funding "ESA Membership Fee" lays the foundation for Austria's participation in programs of the European Space Agency (ESA). From 01.01.2025 onwards, the federal government will assume the Austrian membership fee as a non-repayable grant, thereby securing long-term participation of domestic research, technology, and innovation institutions (RTI) as well as companies in the development and implementation of space-capable services. With a budgeted volume of €581.57 million, this measure aims to increase RTI intensity in the Austrian business sector and promote key technologies. This creates a stable framework for innovative collaborations and addressing major societal challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity.

Eligible for funding are educational institutions, companies, and public institutions based in Vienna that already hold ESA member state status. Applications can be submitted at any time from 01.01.2025 – no deadline is foreseen. Only the payment receipt of the membership fee to ESA is funded. A prerequisite is the membership of the Republic of Austria in ESA. This ongoing grant opportunity offers Austrian research institutions and companies diverse chances to engage in international projects, build partnerships, and benefit from specialized networks. Experts and potential participants find here a reliable basis for their active role in the European space sector.