ESPI’s annual essay competition for students and young professionals returns this year as part of the inaugural Space Debate Europe (22–23 September 2026) in Madrid, Spain.
Applicants are asked to submit a short essay in the format of a policy brief (no more than 1000 words). Submissions should answer one of the following questions:
1. How can space capabilities and services contribute to strengthening Europe’s digital sovereignty?
Applicants may explore the role of satellite infrastructure, secure connectivity, Earth observation, space-based data, or emerging technologies in supporting Europe’s strategic autonomy and digital resilience.
2. How can space technologies and applications deliver tangible societal benefits for European citizens?
Applicants are encouraged to reflect on how space can support areas such as climate action, disaster response, healthcare, mobility, education, economic development, or public services across Europe.
3. Open question
We welcome innovative proposals that do not fit within the themes above, including ideas related to governance, industrial policy, international cooperation, talent development, security, commercialisation, or other emerging priorities for Europe’s future in space.
For more information on the competition and submission requirements, please refer to the essay competition page here.
Two winning essays will be selected, and the winning authors will each receive:
- Access to the Inaugural Space Debate Europe (22-23 September 2026) at Palacio de Linares in Madrid, Spain.
- Travel support of up to €300
- One-night hotel accommodation in Madrid.
- Showcase of your essay on the ESPI website.
To apply for the competition, you just need to be a student or young professional between 18 and 35 years of age and able to independently obtain a travel visa to Spain.
Deadline to submit is 15 July 2026, 23:59 (CEST). Winners will be announced mid-August.
For any questions, please contact ESPI Education Officer Gillian Chin at <gillian.chin@espi.eu>.
