A brand new programme from the European Space Agency has been launched. The ESA Phi-Lab Netherlands, jointly managed by NL Space Campus and SBIC Noordwijk, is now seeking applications. The ESA Phi-LabNET network in ESA’s ScaleUp programme supports groundbreaking research to create applicable commercial solutions. The collaboration between research institutions and the market segment can yield radical innovations and new, sustainable businesses. Does your research team have an innovative idea with a strong space connection and valid commercialisation roadmap in one of the key focus areas? Get ready to apply by the first Dutch selection deadline of 31 March. Join the 11 Feb info session to find out more.
Through the Phi-LabNET, ESA aims to create a dynamic network of Phi-Labs across Europe with a focus on disruptive innovation that can be adopted by the market. This network – across ESA Member States – will share ideas, resources and knowledge. It will also support growing connections between academia, research centres, investors and industry. The home of the Dutch Phi-Lab is right at the heart of the country’s space ecosystem, in the vicinity of ESA’s biggest R&D facility, ESTEC (the European Space Research and Technology Centre).
Launched on NL Space Campus
The official announcement of the programme took place at the NL Space Lift-Off 2025 event at Space Expo on 30 Jan 2025 – and what better place to celebrate the launch than on the campus!
“Phi-LabNET is a network concept with the intention to bridge the gap between research and commercialisation. We want to take good ideas and concepts and technologies from the lab out onto the commercial space market, rapidly, in an agile manner,” stated Philip Thomas, head of the ScaleUp Programme Division at ESA’s Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness Directorate, when he shared the launch news on stage (pictured with the moderator for the evening Alexandra Sokolowski).
“We expect people to come up with good proposals, which will be supported by relevant partners. Essentially, you will have access to technical support, funding and advice,” Philip explained further. “We want to ensure that the right partners are there in the network to provide support for the right concepts in order to take them rapidly into commercialisation.”
Our goal is to help transform groundbreaking research into viable commercial solutions for the NewSpace economy
Parya Pasha Zadeh
Develop cutting-edge solutions within an established ecosystem
The team at NL Space Campus is responsible for running ESA Phi-Lab Netherlands, which is jointly managed by SBIC Noordwijk (providing operational support and synergies with other commercialisation programmes, such as ESA BIC and ESA Technology Broker). The research entities that join the programme will have free access to a fully-equipped workspaces at SBIC, as well as facilitation in access to state-of-the-art facilities provided by the partner network. They will also be offered a wealth of expertise via the programme’s academic, technology and community partners covering research, innovation, market intelligence, business development and financing. Being part of this network enhances the visibility and impact of the research teams’ work within the global space industry.
“We believe that collaboration between research institutions and the market sector can lead to radical innovations and the development of new, sustainable businesses,” comments the programme director Parya Pasha Zadeh. “Our goal is to help transform groundbreaking research into viable commercial solutions for the NewSpace economy.”
Call for projects in the theme areas
Apply now to participate in collaborative research projects and develop innovative solutions. The areas of focus for ESA Phi-Lab NL include:
- Earth observation;
- Positioning, navigation and timing; and
- Secure (laser) satellite communications
(or common capabilities to advance the above themes)
There is a permanent open call, which means you can apply at any time. Evaluation of applications is scheduled periodically, with the first selection deadline being 31 March 2025. If successful, you will be supported along the way and have the chance to develop new partnerships in the space sector.
Selected research projects will benefit from an innovation seed funding of €200K and receive extensive guidance, support and coaching from academic and commercial experts in their respective fields. Additionally, teams will have access to facilities, workspaces, and a network of experts to assist with project implementation and market entry.
APPLY TO ESA PHI-LAB NETHERLANDS
You can apply to the Dutch ESA Phi-Lab programme of the European Space Agency, ESA Phi-Lab Netherlands, with research project ideas in the areas of: Earth observation; positioning, navigation and timing; and secure (laser) satellite communication. The programme gives you the best chance of developing your project via a well-established network of partners and community in the heart of the Dutch space industry. Selected project teams benefit from an innovation incentive of €200K and coaching support. Share your project idea in this application round and you could join our space community soon. The proposal must be submitted by a legal entity or a consortium of legal entities established in an ESA Member State. Follow the steps outlined to submit your idea. Join for the next webinar to find out more. esaphilab.nl
Where research breeds innovation for emerging space market!
Discover everything you need to know about the ESA Phi-Lab NL programme.
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