Game Developers: The European Space Agency wants you
From Space Wars and Space Invaders, through to Halo, Dead Space and Mass Effect, space has been a constant fixture in the world of gaming.
However, space is not just the domain of barrel-chested space marines, many-tentacled monsters, and stargates. Actual space is now within touching distance for every developer, not just those with AAA budgets, or their own rocket programme.
If you are designing games or apps that solve real world problems and use a space data asset (GPS for example), you can get 50% support for your project from the European Space Agency (ESA).
The agency is offering a zero-equity contract (so they’ll invest in you without taking shares in your company) from €60,000 to €2,000,000 per project. The funding is open to all and can be applied for at any time. Non deadlines, schedules or entry dates.
Developers will also get support with their applications from a personal European Space Agency consultant, technical & commercial guidance, access to the ESA network of partners and just as importantly, the use of, and credibility of, the ESA brand.
The programme is available to any project that solves a problem using space data.
How To Apply
If you’re interested, the first step is to contact the local ESA Space Solutions Ambassador, Ken Gordon, to discuss your project.
There is an online Activity Pitch Questionnaire (APQ) which needs to be completed. The Ambassador team will give you advice on how to write your APQ, as well as helping to prepare you for a pitch meeting, should your project be successful.
If the pitch goes well, a personal ESA technical officer will then support you in writing a full application.
The programme has already successfully funded several projects from across Scotland, including:
WILDWEGO (February 16, 2018)
WILDWEGO (in the WILDLERNESS WE GO) is an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) ecotourism game fostering biodiversity conservation in wilderness areas by tourists “on the go” in parks and by their family, friends and social networks contacts “remotely”.
GOLF DATA INTELLECT (January 7, 2021)
Technology that automatically records every round, every hole and every shot. Then delivers actionable insights into over 100 statistics that relate directly to your own golf game. The technology works in the background to identify the exact position of every shot. The data is then used to generate statistics, analytics and insights through an array of engaging features that improve a golfer’s game.
HOLOCAP PILOTAGE APPLICATION (March 19, 2021)
A remote pilotage telepresence project, utilizing 3D game engine, volumetric video and Augmented Reality to bring maritime pilots virtually onboard a ship`s bridge from a remote location.
WELLACTIVE (December 14, 2018)
WELLACTIVE is a Silver Fitness & Leisure Platform helping Seniors perform outdoor recreational activities tailored in real-time to their personal abilities and interests, combining “physical, cerebral and social” undertakings shaped for “impairment and accessibility”.
AR.FX (November 7, 2019)
AR.fx enables users to create, place and to interact with location-based 3D content in Augmented Reality utilizing smartphones. It incorporates gamification elements such as blueprint (users can connect pre-defined line-dots in AR and create 3D objects) and multi-player capability along with AR Scene-Editor. On a global map users can explore and physically interact with AR content of interest.
STAY (August 26, 2020)
STAY: is a mobile interactive experience that rewards young people for acting positively during COVID-19 or a similar public health crisis.The platform incorporates live data feeds, Augmented Reality and geo-location into unique learning experiences that give young people the opportunity to earn pieces of digital merchandise in return for their efforts.
CYCLE ROUTE PLANNING TOOL (March 7, 2018)
Imagine yourself dumped in the middle of the Alps with your mountain bike. Now try and find a route that gives you 3 hours ride-time, 1200 meter elevation gain and a gnarly descent with epic scenery. Easy? Thought not. Beinn Bike delivers this capability quickly and efficiently allowing you to spend more time riding and less time planning.
