Call for proposals - develop the space sector with AI and Edge Learning
The call targets research and innovation projects that use AI and edge computing to enable the next generation of autonomous, intelligent space systems. It is run within ESA Phi‑Lab Sweden – a strategic programme aimed at commercialising space‑related innovation in Sweden. Project funding is jointly provided by ESA and Vinnova (50/50). Vinnova funds Swedish participants only, while ESA may also fund partners from other ESA Member States.
Full details, terms and conditions, and the application process are available via Vinnova
What does ESA Phi-Lab Sweden offer?
In addition to project funding, ESA Phi‑Lab Sweden provides structured technical and innovation support to selected projects as part of the Phi‑Lab model.
The support package may include:
- Research mentoring and technical guidance
- Business coaching and innovation support
- Intellectual property and legal advisory services
- Access to relevant equipment, facilities and test environments
The need for ESA Phi‑Lab support must be clearly described in the application and will be assessed as part of the evaluation process.
Enabling the Next Leap in Autonomous Space Systems and Future Space Computing
Through this call, ESA Phi‑Lab Sweden aims to accelerate breakthrough technologies that enable satellites and space‑borne platforms to operate with a fundamentally new level of autonomy, intelligence, and computational efficiency. Funded projects are expected to contribute to a future where space systems go beyond observation — understanding their environment and acting on data in real time.
The initiative builds on ESA Phi‑Lab Sweden’s mission to support bold, research‑driven innovation that strengthens Sweden’s competitiveness in the global space sector and drives sustainable growth.
We seek solutions that bridge the gap between data and action, reduce dependence on ground infrastructure, and enable robust edge‑AI systems capable of operating under real space conditions such as radiation, limited energy availability, and constrained computational resources. The call also supports the development of next‑generation space computing architectures to meet the demands of emerging AI and foundation models in orbit — reinforcing Sweden’s leadership in AI, embedded systems, non‑terrestrial networks, and advanced space computing.
What can you apply for?
Project ideas with clear market potential that develop the Swedish space sector. The projects should follow ESA Phi-Lab Swedens´s focus, have a high socio-economic impact and be supported by research.
Who can apply?
Companies, academia, research institutes and the public sector based in Sweden. Collaboration with organisations from all ESA Member States may be permitted.
How much can you apply for?
Each project can apply for between 2.5 and 4 million SEK.
Important dates
13 April
Application opens
14 April | 9 am
Information meeting
13 May | 4 pm
Informaiton meeting
15 June | 2 pm
Call closes
Thematic tracks in the call for proposals
Software track – intelligent satellites and cognitive autonomy
Focus on AI-driven satellites capable of understanding, prioritising and acting in real time, with minimal reliance on the ground segment.
Examples of areas of focus:
- Autonomous detection and interpretation of events
- Reliable AI capable of reasoning under uncertainty
- Lightweight and robust models for constrained on-board environments (COTS, ARM, FPGA, etc.)
- Coordinated decision-making in satellite constellations
- Significantly reduced need for data downlink
Hardware track – next-generation space computing architectures
Focus on co-design of hardware and software for energy-efficient, radiation-robust AI computing in orbit.
Examples of focus areas:
- Architectures that minimise data transfer
- Deterministic and reliable AI performance
- Portable solutions for multiple hardware architectures
- Robust data chain from sensor to AI decision
- Implementation-ready solutions for future missions
Application
Applications must be submitted via Vinnova’s online service and sent in parallel to ESA Phi-Lab Sweden. See Vinnova’s call for proposals for templates, terms and conditions, and the application form.
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