INNOspace Masters 2026
The INNOspace Masters competition 2026 is inviting innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs from across industries to shape cross-sector innovations in space technology.
This international innovation competition is organised by the German Space Agency at German Aerospace Center (DLR) in cooperation with European Space Agency – ESA, Airbus, Mercedes-Benz, and OHB , to promote new ideas that transfer technology and expertise from other industries to the space sector (spin-ins/New Space) or from space to non-space sectors (spin-offs).
2026 Theme: Engage on Earth, Unite in Space – Exploring Next Level Cross-Sector Innovations
Target group: The competition is open to companies of all sizes, start-ups, research institutions and universities as well as individuals
6 challenges:
Under the overall theme, the competition features six challenges for participants.
- German Space Agency at DLR Challenge: “Groundbreaking Cross-Sector Innovations”
- ESA BIC Challenge: “Join the New Space Economy”
- ESA BA Challenge: “Space for a Resilient Society”
- Airbus Challenge: “Boosting Earth-Space Industry Partnerships”
- Mercedes-Benz car2space Challenge: “Space up your Drive”
- OHB Challenge: “Sovereign End-to-End Systems”
Each challenge covers a wide range of topics and focuses on a different stage of technological maturity – from applied research to market-ready solutions.
Rewards and Benefits:
Winners of the INNOspace Masters 2026 challenges will embark on a tailored journey to transform their ideas into real innovation projects or businesses through:
- Direct access to capital and funding
- Support from research and market specialists
- Co-innovation with global market leaders
- Access to top research and industry networks