Space Florida, UK Space Agency Launch Joint Call for Space Innovation Projects

EXPLORATION PARK, Fla.—September 29, 2026—Space Florida and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) today launched a joint call for proposals, offering up to $200,000 from Space Florida and £150,000 from UKSA, to support collaborative research and development projects between companies in the two regions.

This is the first funding opportunity under the new Space Florida-UK partnership, established in July 2026 under the Florida International Aerospace Innovation Fund (IAIF). The partnership creates new avenues for innovation, investment and economic growth by connecting Florida’s aerospace ecosystem with international partners.

“Florida and the UK both share a strong commitment to advancing space innovation and supporting the companies driving this industry forward,” said Rob Long, president and CEO of Space Florida. “This call is an important next step in putting our partnership into action, creating a pathway for companies to bring their complementary capabilities together, advance promising technologies and develop new commercial opportunities.”

The call for projects is designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of emerging technologies, and support projects with strong market potential. Proposals across the space sector are welcome, with particular interest in:

In-orbit servicing and manufacturing
Space transportation
Satellite systems
In-space research
Advanced exploration technologies

Eligible applicants must form a partnership consisting of at least one for-profit Florida company and one for-profit UK company. Research institutions and universities may also participate in projects in accordance with each jurisdiction’s funding regulations. Space Florida and UKSA will independently evaluate eligible applications before jointly determining which proposals will be recommended for funding. Proposals will be assessed based on four criteria:

Commercialization and Growth Potential: including the route to market, potential to secure customers, contracts or investment, scalability and sustainable commercial activity beyond the grant period.
Partnership and Delivery Capability: including the strength and complementary capabilities of the Florida–UK partnership, credibility of the workplan and ability to deliver within technical, budget and time constraints.
Technical Merit and Strategic Relevance: including the strength and innovation of the technology or service, intellectual property, alignment with Space Florida and UKSA priorities, and potential to address a recognized market, operational or strategic challenge.
Benefits: including potential business growth, job creation, investment, supply chain development, capability building and long-term collaboration across the Florida and UK space ecosystems.

Rebecca Evernden, Director of the UK Space Agency, said: “We are excited to launch this funding call with Space Florida and to support UK-US collaboration in space. The UK and Florida space sectors are home to exceptional talent and innovation, and this partnership will help organizations build new international connections, access complementary expertise, and develop technologies that address shared challenges and opportunities. Together, we can accelerate growth, strengthen our space capabilities, and deliver benefits for both nations.”

Applicants must submit one joint and identical proposal to both Space Florida and UKSA by January 11, 2027. Submissions are due to Space Florida by 5 p.m. ET and to UKSA by 3 p.m. GMT.

Following an evaluation period from January through March 2027, selected projects are due to begin receiving grant funding by May 2027. Up to two projects are expected to be funded.

The call for projects document and submission guidelines are available at spaceflorida.gov/uk-space-agency-space-innovation-partnership.
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Media Contact
Alayna Curry, APR
acurry@spaceflorida.gov
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About Space Florida
Space Florida is where leading aerospace companies get everything they need to see their new ideas take off. As the state’s independent aerospace finance and development authority, Space Florida brings a mix of unrivaled experience, unmatched financial tools, and unbeatable location to the table by providing critical business financing opportunities for the aerospace industry, managing infrastructure investment in the state’s spaceport system, and facilitating research and development, workforce, education, and investment programs.

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