The UK Space Agency has just opened a £37 million fund to fuel growth in the nation's burgeoning space sector. The second round of its significant Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund (SCIF) allows organisations five weeks, from 20 July 2026, to submit Expressions of Interest – the first step towards securing a share of the funding.
The SCIF initiative is designed to stimulate economic growth across the UK by fostering innovation, attracting further investment and creating high-value employment opportunities within the space industry. Building on the success of its pilot programme, which supported 13 projects nationwide, this next iteration seeks to expand the fund's reach and impact.
A key principle underpinning SCIF is collaboration – aiming to foster stronger links between academic institutions, private industry, investors and local government bodies. This will ensure that the benefits of space sector growth are distributed broadly, contributing to local economic prosperity in various regions while also supporting national security objectives.
The fund, which runs from 2026 through to 2030, is seen as crucial for maintaining the UK's competitive edge in the global space race. By supporting businesses to scale up and strengthen supply chains, SCIF aims to help new technologies progress from their developmental stages through to commercial deployment.