EARLY STAGE INNOVATIONS (ESI26)
Technical Objective
ESI26 solicits innovative early-stage space technology research proposals from U.S. institutions of higher education through the Space Technology Research Grants (STRG) Program. The program aims to fund high-risk, high-reward research concepts that advance space technology capabilities and demonstrate potential for infusion into NASA missions.
Core Technologies
Who Should Apply
U.S. institutions of higher education are the primary eligible applicants. Organizations must be able to conduct federally-funded research and demonstrate capability in space technology development or related scientific disciplines.
Evaluation Criteria
- 1Technical merit and innovation of the proposed space technology concept
- 2Feasibility and technical approach to achieve proposed objectives
- 3Potential for infusion into NASA missions or broader space applications
- 4Qualifications and experience of the research team
- 5Cost reasonableness and budget justification
Key Dates
| Application Deadline | 2026-08-13 |
Submission Mechanics
Proposals must be submitted via the NSPIRES portal (https://nspires.nasaprs.com/). Complete solicitation details are available under the SpaceTech REDDI 2026 umbrella NASA Research Announcement (NRA), with ESI26 available as an appendix.
BD Strategic Notes
This opportunity targets academic institutions with strong space technology research capabilities seeking early-stage funding to validate innovative concepts before full-scale development. Best fit for universities with established aerospace engineering or space science programs looking to demonstrate proof-of-concept for transformative technologies.
Watch Out For
- Eligibility restricted to U.S. institutions of higher education; industry and non-profit organizations should verify participation rules
- Proposals must align with NASA's strategic research priorities outlined in SpaceTech REDDI 2026 umbrella solicitation
- Foreign national participation may be subject to export control and security restrictions