Impact Funding Resources
Future of Retail is an opportunity for businesses to submit proposals to develop innovative services that leverage space technology for the benefit of the retail sector. Selected projects can access 75% funding by the European Space Agency, up to €75 000 per activity.
Start Date09 Oct 2025 End Date24 Nov 2025 Funding AmountUpto EUR 75k Funding Resource TypeGrant
Funding ProviderESA Space Solutions
Grant
ESA Space Solutions
Topics of Relevance
These are areas where new services could be developed under this initiative:
• Immersive retail: There has been a dramatic leap in retail personalisation driven by technology such as generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) that anticipates consumer needs with precision. For example, dynamic pricing systems offer personalised deals based on spending habits. Augmented Reality (AR) is also making its debut into the retail sector, guiding customers to specific products or promotional areas.
• Supply chain transparency and resilience: Supply chains in retail are more and more focused on transparent and climate-conscious approaches to meet the demands of increasingly informed consumers. Resilience in supply chains is also a key factor for retailers, supported by predictive analytics to forecast demand spikes and potential shortages.
• Autonomous retail: Self-operating shops, automated warehouses and autonomous delivery vehicles are expected to become more and more common. This trend towards automation is not only about cutting costs; it’s about offering a more seamless and convenient shopping experiences.
• Connected retail: Digital technologies facilitate real-time monitoring of sales data, inventory levels, and customer traffic. This data-driven approach allows connected retail businesses to make informed decisions, identify trends and respond quickly to market changes.
We look for promising early-stage service concepts addressing topics of relevance with the following:
• Desirability: service concepts wanted by customers, evidenced through customer engagement
• Viability: service concepts that are commercially viable / profitable
• Feasibility: service concepts that are technically feasible
• Motivated teams with business, technical, and financial expertise
• Added value of space data or technology
