Innovative space-based applications enhancing capabilities for a resilient Europe

Proposals should be built on the exploitation of the distinguishing features of Galileo and EGNOS seeking to enhance the way practitioners prepare for and manage crises and security operations. Proposals should develop applications and technologies that focus on commercial exploitation in one of the following priority areas, which must be clearly indicated:

• Development of EGNSS-based spoofing-proof downstream solutions to support the digital transformation of security practitioners in security-critical operations (e.g. Law Enforcement Agencies, Custom Authorities, Border and Coast Guards, etc) in various applications, including: environmental crimes management, prevention of smuggling and trafficking, counter-terrorism, border and maritime surveillance, migration management, fugitive search, public safety and fundamental rights, illegal poaching, customs operations and Electronic Freight Transport Information, dangerous goods transportation, usage of robots and/or automated Galileo-enabled platforms for surveillance, etc.;
• Development of EGNSS-based downstream solutions to support the resiliency and functioning of critical infrastructures in EU (e.g. digital infrastructure, drinking water supply and distribution, water waste management, healthcare, e-government, etc.);
• Development of EGNSS-based downstream solutions to support crisis management operations: drone-supported operations, improved and safer asset management systems, AR/VR for first responders, novel EGNSS smartphone-sized or wearable technologies, UneXploded Ordnance (UXO) risk assessment and clearance for humanitarian operations, etc.

Proposals are also expected to address cybersecurity threats in the description of the solution(s).

Proposals should, when relevant, integrate other data sources/services from other EU Space Programme components, in particular Copernicus and/or GOVSATCOM. Where appropriate, the beneficiaries are encouraged to interact with the relevant Entrusted Entities managing the Copernicus Emergency Management Service and/or the Copernicus Security Service.

The action focuses on the development of close to market EGNSS downstream applications through the realisation of large-scale demonstration and implementation projects, with the participation of relevant crisis and/or security practitioners.

Developed applications should have a clearly defined commercial potential and should respond to user needs. The solution(s) developed is/are expected to achieve TRL 7-9 by the end of the project.

Proposals should deliver new innovative applications, identifying and addressing existing gaps, leveraging the existing relevant sectorial regulations and policies and exploring how the solutions implemented using space data and services can address these regulations and be commercialised. Proposals should also highlight the expected impact and define a clear market uptake strategy, presenting a credible post-project pathway to operations. The developed solutions may integrate other non-space technologies like IoT, big data, artificial intelligence, drones, 5G, augmented/mixed reality etc.

For proposals under this topic:

• A Business Plan should be provided as part of the proposal, to evidence the user requirements, the sustainability of the project, and opportunities for wide adoption in Europe according to standards and operational needs;
• Participation of industry, in particular SMEs and midcaps, is encouraged;
• Participation of, or outreach to, entities based in countries without a space tradition is encouraged;
• Involvement of post-graduate researchers (engineers, scientists, and others) is also encouraged, for example through professional work experience or through fellowships/scholarships when applicable;
• When appropriate, Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) should be considered to maximize public trust in the solution and robustness and quality of results/data.

Proposals addressing Galileo PRS (Public Regulated Service) related applications are not in the scope of this action.

Proposals should seek to leverage and/or create synergies with relevant projects and activities funded under Horizon Europe Cluster 3: Civil security for society, reinforcing the cross-fertilization of research and innovation in this domain.

In this topic, the integration of the gender dimension (sex and gender analysis) in research and innovation content should be addressed only if relevant in relation to the objectives of the research effort.