The European Space Agency (ESA), NL Space Campus, SBIC Noordwijk, and their partners are excited to announce the launch of ESA Phi-Lab Netherlands! At Phi-Lab Netherlands, we enable pioneering research into transformative technologies with significant commercial potential. We believe that collaboration between research institutions and the market sector can lead to radical innovations and the development of new, sustainable businesses. As part of the ESA’s Phi-LabNET, we aim to create the connections necessary to drive the future of space innovation and strengthen Europe’s global competitiveness.
During the 2025 Lift-Off event at Space Expo on 31 January, Philip Thomas, Head of the Scale Up Programme Division at ESA’s Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness Directorate, announced the official ESA Phi-Lab Netherlands launch on stage:
“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.’
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. We aim to have everything under one roof—not a physical roof, but a bunch.”
Our goal is to help transform research into groundbreaking solutions. Selected research projects will receive a minimum of €200,000 in seed funding, 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. ESA Phi-Lab The Netherlands focuses on Earth Observation; Positioning, Navigation, Timing; and Satellite Communications. It also supports any demonstrably effective project that improves common capabilities to advance these themes.
Call for Applications
The permanently open call for project applications is now published. Information regarding eligibility, application and selection procedures, and call documents can be accessed at https://www.esaphilab.nl/. The first selection round for 2025 will take place on 31 March. We invite consortiums of research institutions and industry partners to share their ideas and submit applications before this deadline.
Online information- session
An online information session will be held on 11 February at 14:00 to introduce the Phi-Lab and provide a summary of all specifications and procedures to potential applicants. Participants are invited to raise questions and make remarks during this information session.
Interested parties are invited to register for this info-session using the online form here before 8 February. A link to the session will be shared afterwards with those who have registered.
