Host
Welcome to the
INNOspace Masters 2026
INNOspace Masters 2026
Engage on Earth, Unite in Space –
Exploring Next Level
Cross-Sector Innovations
Exploring Next Level
Cross-Sector Innovations
INNOspace Masters 2026
What is it about?
INNOspace Masters is the international innovation competition organised by the German Space Agency at DLR in cooperation with ESA, Airbus, Mercedes-Benz and OHB. Launched in 2015, it is open to companies of all sizes, start-ups, research institutions and universities, as well as individuals from all over the world.
The competition promotes ideas for the transfer of technology and expertise from other industries to the space sector (spin-ins/New Space) or from space to non-space sectors (spin-offs).
The overall theme for the 2026 competition round is:
Engage on Earth, Unite in Space – Exploring Next Level Cross-Sector Innovations
Under this overall theme, the competition offers six different challenges for you to participate in.
Submission for the 2026 competition round will open on 15 January.
What are the rewards and benefits?
Winners of the INNOspace Masters 2026 challenges will embark on a tailored journey to turn their idea into a real innovation project or business by
- gaining direct access to capital and funding,
- receiving support from research and market specialists,
- obtaining the chance to co-innovate with world market leaders,
- and getting access to premium research and industry networks
to shape the future of space in Germany and Europe!
See how far former winners of INNOspace Masters have already come on their journey, e.g. SilentRunning, DCUBED, OKAPI:Orbits
Challenges and partners
- German Space Agency at DLR Challenge
- ESA BIC Challenge
- ESA BA Challenge
- Airbus Challenge
- Mercedes-Benz car2space Challenge
- OHB Challenge
More detailed information on the individual challenges will follow shortly. Stay tuned!
10th anniversary
The 2026 competition marks a special milestone as we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the INNOspace Masters. Throughout the year, you can discover the success stories of our alumni and learn more about the people behind these achievements. Explore the Overall Winners of the past decade on our winners website. Stay tuned for additional content on our LinkedIn channel.
