The European Space Agency is pleased to announce the launch of PUSH 2025, the third edition of its Programme for USerbase enHancement (PUSH) contest, a commercialisation initiative designed to support emerging European space technologies transition from innovation to market adoption.
Following the demonstrated success of the 2023 and 2024 editions, PUSH 2025 continues ESA’s mission to strengthen Europe’s space ecosystem.
About PUSH 2025
PUSH 2025 focuses on the commercialisation of digital tools driving future space missions, targeting two key domains:
- High-Performance & Edge Computing: AI-enabled systems for space system development & testing, onboard autonomy and mission-critical processing at the edge.
- Simulations & Digital Twin Environments: platforms for mission design, orbital and system dynamics modelling, trade-off analysis, product definition, interfaces, risk and programmatic assessments, up to operations.
Selected companies will each receive €75,000 in funding to advance their solution and access new markets. Further details follow the application link.
Apply now on esa-starImpact from Previous Editions
Since its inception, the PUSH programme has demonstrated its value by accelerating the growth of European space ventures through early-stage support, visibility, and market access.
PUSH 2023 – Payload Masters
The inaugural edition focused on enabling in-orbit demonstration through dedicated flight opportunities. PUSH service provider, The Exploration Company, used the support to deliver and integrate 2 customer payloads aboard its “Mission Possible” mission, scheduled for launch in June 2025. Following their selection, the company secured high-profile contracts with Axiom Space, Vast, DLR, and ESA, while also expanding their operations with new offices in Italy and the United States. Their team grew to over 250 employees, and the PUSH programme played a central role in accelerating the business.
PUSH 2024 – Expanding the Scope
In 2024, PUSH introduced three targeted themes to better reflect the needs of the evolving commercial landscape: Satellite as a Service, Launch Brokerage, and Satellite Data as a Service.
CYSEC, the winner under the Satellite as a Service theme, leveraged the PUSH award to strengthen its secure operating system for space applications. The company signed new commercial agreements with satellite operators such as U-Space and entered collaborations with major integrators including Reflex Aerospace and Redwire Space. The programme significantly improved CYSEC’s visibility and accelerated engagement with potential customers.
In the Launch Brokerage theme, RIDE! Space emerged as the selected company and used the support to enhance its digital launch platform and expand its commercial offering. Within a year, RIDE! doubled both its revenue and team size. It executed satellite launches on five different systems, including SpaceX, Ariane 6, and PSLV making it the first private French company to secure capacity across such a wide range of launch providers. PUSH played a key role in enabling faster market entry and client onboarding for their end-to-end launch services.
Under the Satellite Data as a Service track, Zero Gravity Oy advanced its UrbanAI platform, delivering eight operational projects across sectors such as smart cities, ports, and renewable energy. The company entered the Southeast Asian market, won international startup competitions, and began raising investment for scaling their renewable energy applications. With PUSH support, Zero Gravity Oy expanded its client base, and significantly elevated its technology readiness and market reach.
Apply for PUSH 2025
If your company is working on digital tools to support next-generation space missions, PUSH 2025 offers the support and heads-up to take your innovation to the next level (market).
Applications are now open until 23 June 2025 – 13:00 CEST.
Apply now on esa-star
