Final Presentation of NAVISP EL3-045 “Positioning Navigation and Timing Innovation Institute’’

Last Updated: 05/06/2026 08:38     Created at: 05/06/2026 08:37

On 26 May 2026, the Satellite Applications Catapult presented with their subcontractors NLA International Ltd and ReThinkPNT the results of NAVISP EL3-045, which conducted a detailed investigation into the feasibility of a PNT Innovation Institute (PNTII). The UK is becoming increasingly reliant on PNT services, and the Government has formally recognised the associated risks. A Government PNT Framework was released in 2023 to improve the resilience of PNT services in the UK and a National PNT Office has been established in the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology with responsibility for PNT policy, coordination, and delivery. 

Several industrial and academic entities have previously identified the need for a non-governmental PNT Innovation Institute to coordinate PNT infrastructure resilience, product development, skills development, with the aim of increasing PNT growth and productivity across the UK. The Institute would support the National PNT Office from an industrial and academic perspective. This activity has carried out extensive stakeholder engagement, assessed the UK’s current PNT testing capabilities and institutes, gap analysis, and has researched similar institutes globally to propose a suitable design and operating model of a PNT II. A strategic business case providing clear, evidence-based justification for the PNTII has been created and put forward to the UK Government, which will determine the next steps.

The activity was fully funded by ESA NAVISP Element 3, whose objective is to support Member States in their National PNT initiatives. The slides can be accessed here.