The ESA Payload Masters aims at promoting and scouting for innovative in-orbit experiments and novel technologies for payloads, while also facilitating the democratisation of space exploration for space and non-space industries. 

This opportunity was initiated by ESA in partnership with AZO Anwendungszentrum GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen and in cooperation with The Exploration Company (TEC). The competition is open to startups, SMEs and research centers in ESA member states and its main goal is to provide access to in-Orbit Demonstration and Validation (IOD/IOV).

The top 6 finalists of the ESA Payload Masters will get the possibility to pitch at a dedicated session during the Spring School on Space Commercialisation and Start-ups in Bari, Italy, on 23 – 24 May 2023. The 2 selected winners will then be awarded at the ESA Booth at the Paris Airshow, on 19 – 25 June 2023, and will be offered the opportunity to fly their payloads/microgravity experiments on board of Nyx, a modular and reusable orbital vehicle provided by TEC, for the “Mission Possible” mission.

More information here: ESA Payload Masters - ESA Commercialisation Gateway