Space Science and Technology Innovation Award: Applications are now open
The 2025 Space Science and Technology Innovation Award will distinguish innovative projects or initiatives in the Portuguese space sector. Applications are open until March 15th.
The Portuguese Space Agency announces the opening of applications for the 2025 Space Science and Technology Innovation Award. Applications can be submitted between February 13th and March 15th, in accordance with the regulations available on the Agency’s official website (Portuguese version only).
The Space Science and Technology Innovation Award aims to distinguish innovative projects and initiatives developed by Portuguese entities, including companies, research centres, higher education institutions as well as public administration bodies. Significant contributions in the fields of Space Sciences, Astronomy, Radio Astronomy, Space Medicine and Exploration, Earth Observation and applications, Space Transportation, Telecommunications, Instrumentation, Space Safety and Education will be valued.
“Celebrating and rewarding innovation means legitimising the fundamental role these entities play in Portugal’s affirmation on the global space panorama. The capabilities that the space sector is developing, in all their diversity, are absolutely impressive and must be given proper recognition. Most of these new developments are fundamental in terms of reinforcing an entire value chain that is indispensable for integrating components and systems developed in Portugal into the value chains of national integrators as well,” says the President of the Portuguese Space Agency, Ricardo Conde.
The Space Science and Technology Innovation Award counts on the participation of the public, who can apply directly or nominate – by filling in the form on the Agency’s website – the projects and/or initiatives they consider worthy of recognition for the impact and innovation they have demonstrated over the last year.
The Innovation Award is symbolic in nature and constitutes public recognition of the capability for innovation and the positive impact on the development of the national space sector. “Through this award, we are aiming to highlight the outstanding work of Portuguese organisations that, through innovation, contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the space sector, often with a reach beyond the sector itself,” emphasises Ricardo Conde, adding that this “is a way of recognising and encouraging excellence in space science and technology”.
The projects will be assessed by a jury made up of representatives of the Portuguese Space Agency and specialists of recognised merit in space science and technology. The assessment criteria include the degree of innovation (40%), applicability (30%) and expected impact (30%).
The announcement of the shortlist is scheduled for March 30th 2025, with the awards ceremony taking place during the 8th edition of the New Space Atlantic Summit conference on May 13th and 14th 2025.
More information on the regulations and application procedures can be found on the Portuguese Space Agency’s website.
