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New ESA Initiative To Fund SME Satcom Innovations
The European Space Agency (ESA) launched Monday a second and expanded round of funding for innovative R&D initiatives in satellite communications (satcom) from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ESA's first round of funding last year is already supporting projects in fields including transportation management, tracking systems, integration of satellite IP networks and interactive satellite advertising. Claudio Mastracci, ESA's director of applications, commented: " When we introduced the scheme last year, we were impressed by the variety of ideas put forward. Building on our experience with the first initiative, we have fine-tuned the scheme to increase flexibility and the support we provide throughout the application process. We look forward to seeing many more interesting proposals with the potential to enhance the competitiveness of the European and Canadian satcom industries." Companies selected to join the scheme will be offered technical and financial support of up to EUR 300 000 to develop their concepts to a level where commercial funding can be sought. The scheme might fund new uses for existing satellite technologies (to provide new Internet, multimedia, location-based communication or mobile applications) or support new systems and technologies with the potential to improve existing services. Two possible funding levels are available, depending on the commercial maturity of the proposal.
ESA will also use its expertise and contacts to bring together complementary ideas and ventures in the satcom field. Recognising the resource issues faced by small companies, ESA has created a fast-track application process allowing applicants to submit tentative ideas for initial feedback, before producing a full proposal. Initial ideas will be accepted over a four-week period from 21 May 2002. Any small or medium-sized business from a country participating in ESA's Telecommunications Programme is eligible to apply. Participating countries are Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. Particular attention will be paid to proposals from companies who have never had a contract with ESA before. Related Links ESA Telecom SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express ESA To Fund Early-Stage Satcom Businesses Paris - Sept. 18, 2001 The European Space Agency today launches a new initiative designed to help small companies enter the field of satellite communication by providing early-stage investment and support. Can Aurora Become Europe's New Age Of Planetary Discovery Noordwijk - Apr 02, 2002 Franco Ongaro spends his working day thinking about how to take European scientists, engineers and their sponsors to distant worlds in the decades ahead. In an interview by new SpaceDaily contributor Hans-Arthur Marsiske, Ongaro who is ESA's coordinator of the Advanced Studies and Concepts Office outlines to our readers his evolving blueprint for a new age of planetary discovery.
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