Descrição

Overview

The Africa Business Innovation Lab (ABIL) has launched the ABIL Explore Open Call to support early-stage Earth Observation (EO) innovation in Kenya. The programme targets promising ideas, technologies and applications that need further feasibility assessment, technical validation and development before becoming market-ready products or services.

ABIL operates under the Africa–EU Space Partnership Programme. The Explore track aims to strengthen both upstream space technologies, such as satellite systems and subsystems, and downstream applications using satellite and EO data.

Who Can Apply?

The call is primarily open to Kenyan start-ups, SMEs, universities and research organisations developing or validating innovative EO-related technologies, applications or services.

Applicants may work in areas including agriculture, climate, energy, infrastructure, health and mobility. Eligible concepts can range from early prototypes to innovative applications such as AI-enabled Earth Observation solutions.

Funding and Support

Selected projects can receive up to €50,000 in ABIL funding, depending on the quality of the proposal. Activities are expected to last up to nine months.

In addition to funding, participants receive technical coaching from EO and sector experts, co-design sessions, access to ABIL resources and communities of practice, and structured mentoring. The programme also provides a pathway towards ABIL Invest and other complementary funding opportunities.

The activities should support the development of a minimum viable product or service and a business case, helping validate both the technical feasibility and commercial potential of the proposed solution.

Key Dates

Application deadline: 23 September 2026 at 1:00 p.m. EAT
Indicative project duration: Up to 9 months
Maximum funding: Up to €50,000 per activity

How to Apply

Applicants should download the ABIL Explore Open Call Package, which contains the detailed call conditions, eligibility and evaluation rules, proposal template and draft contract. Proposals must be submitted by the extended deadline of 23 September 2026 at 1:00 p.m. EAT.