KickStart Space Challenge
Brought to you in collaboration with Space Scotland, The KickStart Space Challenge empowers pioneering academics who are developing early-stage ideas in the space sector with the potential to create a better future for our planet.
Application deadline: Thursday 21 May (12 noon)
Space Scotland is a not-for-profit, sector-led organisation established in 2021 to deliver on national space strategies and accelerate the growth and global impact of Scotland’s space sector. By uniting industry, academia, and government, it champions collaboration across the nation’s unique end-to-end space ecosystem — from design and manufacturing to launch and data applications. Through this collective effort, Space Scotland is helping position the country as one of the world’s most innovative and resilient space economies.
What’s in it for you?
Participating in this Challenge will give you the opportunity to take the first steps towards developing the commercial potential and real-world impact of your innovation in the space sector.
Network
Connect, learn, growBy joining our cohort, you'll connect with a select group of peers from across Scotland's University sector and benefit from direct support from experts at Space Scotland and the Higgs Centre for Innovation.
Training
Bespoke business trainingAll successful applicants will attend a bespoke business and industry engagement training programme designed and delivered by Converge, Scottish Enterprise and Space Scotland.
£5k
Cash prizeIn addition to the training programme, successful applicants will have the opportunity to compete for a cash prize of £5k to help get your business started.
Plus
Alumni network and supportOnce you've completed our programme, you'll join a thriving and diverse community of Converge alumni spearheading breakthrough businesses across all sectors and at all stages.
Who can apply?
Applicants to the programme will be staff, students or recent graduates of Scottish Universities working in disciplines closely tied to space. For many, participation in this programme will be a first step towards commercialisation, designed to test and validate ideas and equip you for the realities of entrepreneurship.
Here are the types of projects within the space sector that are eligible to apply:
Upstream – Your idea is about exploiting new technology in the space domain, or you intend to be active as a supplier to the space sector, in one of the following areas (including systems, sub-systems, components, and services):
- Launchers
- Satellites
- Ground systems
- Human spaceflight
Downstream – Your idea is about utilising space systems or exploiting space technology in a non-space domain, in one of the following areas:
- Applications
- Satellite Navigation
- Earth Observation
- Satellite Communication
- Hardware
- Software or Firmware
Members of staff from all participating Scottish universities are welcome to apply including early-career researchers, academic and professional staff.
We welcome applications from postgraduate and undergraduate students from all participating Scottish universities.
Recent graduates (up to 36 months after graduation from the initial application date) from all participating Scottish universities are eligible to apply.
Team and joint applications are welcome provided one member of the team is a staff member, student or recent graduate from a participating Scottish university.
Applicants must plan to have their business headquartered in Scotland.
Active participation in all training sessions and events is mandatory for the lead applicant. For key dates, see the 'What's involved' section on this web page.
You must either own or have the right to use and commercially exploit all Intellectual Property Rights related to your business idea.
This challenge is aimed at early-stage projects that show strong potential for long-term viability and deep impact on their communities. Applicants need to demonstrate feasibility and early market research.
If you do have an existing company, it must be dormant, non-trading or trading for no longer than 24 months with a secured income not higher than £200,000 (including but not limited to grants, investment, loans, revenue, prizes).
Judging criteria
KickStart Space Challenge applications will be judged on the clarity of the market strategy and the viability of the business model. We're looking for individuals and teams who have what it takes to build sustainable businesses in the Space sector.
Innovation
Market validation
Team
Clarity of development plan for your product or service
Viability of proposed business model
Impact
What’s involved?
Complete this application form and submit before 12 noon on 21 May.
If you're successful, you'll be invited to attend an in-person training programme held over three days in July at the Higgs Centre for Innovation, Edinburgh.
You'll then be invited to put forward a business case for your idea. Participants who submit a business case will be invited to pitch to the judging panel in September and the winner of the prize will be announced at our annual Awards ceremony on 1 October 2026.
- Application deadline
21 May - In-person training
1-3 July - Business case submission
13 August - Pitching to judges
15 September - Awards (finalists only)
1 October 2026
Want to chat about your idea?
Why not schedule a confidential one-to-one meeting with our experienced Enterprise team to explore your innovative idea in depth and discuss how we can support your journey.
Book an appointment