A new UK–Florida space partnership is creating exciting opportunities for Yorkshire businesses, universities and researchers to connect with one of the world’s leading space economies. Signed between the UK Government and Space Florida at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2026, the Memorandum of Understanding establishes a £300,000 joint innovation fund between the UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund and Space Florida’s International Aerospace Innovation Fund. A formal call for projects is expected to open in Autumn 2026, supporting collaborations involving at least one UK organisation and one Florida partner, with particular opportunities in space transportation, satellite systems, in-space research, advanced exploration technologies, and in-orbit servicing and manufacturing.
For Yorkshire, this agreement builds on relationships that Space Hub Yorkshire has already been developing with Florida’s space ecosystem. Earlier this year, Space Hub Yorkshire highlighted the potential for Yorkshire’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, materials, robotics, artificial intelligence, data science, resilient communications, electronics and university-led research to complement Florida’s capabilities in launch, exploration and commercial space. Engagement continued at Farnborough and through the Connecting Yorkshire with Florida’s Space Economy event, with further activity planned around the Florida space industry trade mission in January 2027. These connections can open doors to US customers and supply chains for businesses, while giving Yorkshire universities opportunities for joint research, technology development, commercialisation and industry partnerships.
Space Hub Yorkshire encourages businesses, academics and researchers across the region to make the most of this opportunity. The MoU provides the framework and funding, but its real value will come from the partnerships that we build around it. Organisations should start identifying potential Florida partners, developing collaborative project ideas and using the Space Hub Yorkshire network to make the right introductions ahead of the funding call and 2027 trade mission. Whether your expertise is in advanced manufacturing, AI, communications, photonics, robotics, materials, Earth observation, satellite technologies or another part of the space supply chain, now is the time to connect. Space Hub Yorkshire will continue to bring together industry, academia and international partners to help turn the UK–Florida relationship into practical research, investment, export and commercial opportunities for Yorkshire.
