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ESA and GSMA Foundry launch €100M challenge to accelerate satellite–terrestrial convergence, AI and 6G/NTN trials

ESA and GSMA Foundry opened a call for ideas backed by up to €100 million from ESA member states to fund projects that integrate satellite and terrestrial networks. Announced at MWC Barcelona, the programme targets AI for non‑terrestrial networks, direct-to-device links, 5G/6G hubs and 6G innovation.

Discovered 2026-03-02T00:12:37.051371-08:00 | 2026-03-02T00:12:37.051371-08:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • €100M fund (up to €100 million / ~$118M) launches a competitive call to scale projects integrating satellite and terrestrial networks, prioritising AI for NTNs, direct satellite-to-device connectivity, 5G/6G hubs and 6G trials.
  • Backed by ESA member states, the programme creates procurement and industrial scale-up pathways that align with Europe’s multi-orbit ambitions such as Iris2 and ESA’s stepped-up 2026 activity programme slate.
  • Builds on recent commercial demonstrations of satellite–terrestrial convergence (eg. two-way satellite voice for connected vehicles) and opens market opportunities for satellite operators, mobile vendors and systems integrators to bridge connectivity gaps.

Reported By

orbitaltoday.com ESA dailygalaxy.com corrierecomunicazioni.it techafricanews.com SpaceNews.com
Sources Tracked
8
First Seen
2026-03-02T00:12:37.051371-08:00
Latest Update
2026-03-08T11:13:59.343956-07:00
Coverage
Space

Sources

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