Deadline: September 20, 2025
Applications are open for the DevelopSpace Grant Program 2025. DevelopSpace is initiating a grants program to support projects working in relevant science and engineering areas that share their results and methods in an open manner.
The first round of grants is focused on work that contributes to the human exploration and development of Mars, including science and engineering work associated with Mars surface resources and operations. Work that is relevant to both Mars and the Moon, and potentially a broader set of destinations, is also supported.
In general, they are interested in supporting work that will have ongoing value and that can be built upon further after the grant effort. Work can be novel research or take the form of reviewing and summarizing prior work and providing information in a form that can be leveraged by other efforts moving forward. Developing and publishing relevant tools and databases is also supported. Education-focused activities should have ongoing value beyond the grant period, including for those who were not directly engaged in the supported effort.
Grant
- DevelopSpace anticipates initial funding will be between $500 and $2,500 per grant, with the award amount dependent on the size of the activity and ongoing value of the material developed through the course of the effort.
- In addition to monetary support, a variety of in-kind contributions can potentially be provided by DevelopSpace in collaboration with the project. Examples could include data storage and computing resources, technical and scientific review and advice, and assistance with broader fundraising and project administration activities. Non-monetary support can be made available to projects not selected for funding, which could help prepare a project for subsequent funding rounds. You may also contact them for information about potential advisory support during concept formulation and proposal preparation.
Eligibility
- Proposals are encouraged globally, although US Government regulations may limit what entities can be supported. Support for non-US entities may require additional time to coordinate transfer of funds if selected.
- They encourage applications from areas outside of traditional aerospace and planetary science fields, including those looking to apply terrestrial technologies towards Mars surface development. DevelopSpace can provide advisory support on applicability of particular approaches towards Mars exploration and development, and key questions to address.
- Student- and volunteer-led efforts are welcome and encouraged.
Application
Applications are due by September 20, 2025 at 8pm US CDT (GMT-05) in order to be considered for the current round. Earlier applications are encouraged.
For more information, visit DevelopSpace Grant Program.
