How to get ESA funding for trials combining 5G with space applications in the context of 5Groningen?

Space has an invaluable role to play in the 5G ecosystem. Telecommunication satellites can extend, enhance, and provide reliability and security to 5G, helping to deliver its promise of global, ubiquitous connectivity. Other space assets, such as Earth Observation and Satellite Navigation can be integrated with 5G technology to deliver innovative applications in a number of vertical sectors.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has recently taken two initiatives in that direction:

-For that purpose, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the 5G IA signed a Letter of Intent. It aims at enabling new and innovative 5G solutions and services in support of European industry and the 5G vertical markets and further strengthening the ties between the space sector and the 5G IA, with its broad membership from the terrestrial and satellite industries, SMEs and Academia.

-The European Space Agency (ESA) has also joined forces with the Economic Board Groningen (EBG) to support the development of applications that integrate space and 5G. Applicants for this opportunity can have access to state-of-the-art 5G assets in order to assess/test their solutions and will be required to perform a Proof of Concept in the Groningen region, in the Netherlands. Find out more about this unique opportunity at the following announcement webpage : https://business.esa.int/funding/invitation-to-tender/esa-5groningen-opportunity

Funded participation to ESA Business Applications is open to any company and/or organisation, be it as group of users, public body or non-governmental organisation, residing in any of those states that subscribe to the ARTES IAP programme. To date, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom have subscribed.

There are two steps involved in applying for this opportunity. The first step requires the submission of an Outline Proposal, addressing either ‘Element I’ or ‘Element II’ (see call details). This will be evaluated and feedback will be provided to you. The Outline Proposal Template can be downloaded from https://business.esa.int/documents and shall be submitted to the following email address: business@esa.int.  The first deadline for Outline Proposal submission relating to the first user specific cases is 26th October 2018.
For the second step you will be invited to prepare a Full Proposal. Applicable documents and conditions related to submission of the Full Proposal are available on EMITS (AO9569) : http://emits.sso.esa.int/emits/owa/emits_online.showao?typ1=7810)