Earlier this month, ESA Phi-Lab Netherlands hosted an online information session to introduce researchers and industry partners to its mission, funding opportunities, and the application process. The session covered the focus areas—Earth Observation, Positioning, Navigation & Timing, and Satellite Communications—and provided insights into the support available for selected projects.
Participants had the opportunity to ask questions about funding, eligibility, intellectual property rights, and other key aspects of the programme. Below is a structured summary of the Q&A session.
Q&A from the Information Session
Funding and Application Process
- Is the funding only available once a year, or is there another call in autumn?
The call is permanently open, but evaluations happen once a year. The next evaluation is expected in approximately one year.
- Is the Innovation Seed Funding equity-free?
Yes.
- Are SMEs eligible to apply?
Yes, SMEs can apply, but it is advised to have a research organisation or academic partner.
- If only two projects are funded per year, why is the call continuously open?
The call is open to allow ongoing submissions and feedback, rather than limiting it to a short application window.
Intellectual Property and Research Partnerships
- Can we keep our software licences and have our background IP protected, or does attending the programme entitle ESA to background and foreground IP?
The proposal includes a section where you can specify background IP, and there will be no claim on background IP from ESA or Phi-Lab. Foreground IP ownership will be discussed and handled on a case-by-case basis during the negotiation when more than one party is involved and when major technical support is expected from Phi-Lab partners.
- Does the research partner have to be from the EU? Can it be from the UK?
Yes, a research partner from the UK can be eligible if they are registered with ESA. The applicant must be registered in ESA systems.
Project Scope and Programme Compatibility
- Is subcontracting services allowed in the programme?
Yes, subcontracting services is allowed but it must be preferably procured from ESA member states. The Netherlands strongly prefers the subcontracting costs to stay within the country, unless it can be proven not possible to procure those services from an entity within NL and EU first. The proposal must specify tasks, costs, and justifications for subcontracting the services outside NL, and this must be approved by the Phi-Lab manager.
- Can we combine this programme with the ESA BIC programme?
No, they are separate programmes targeting different stages of product/business development. However, a Phi-Lab project with strong commercial potential could later transition and continue with ESA BIC.
- If we are already in ESA BIC, can we use this programme for an add-on to our incubator project?
If after completing ESA BIC you have a significant innovative research question, you can apply for Phi-Lab. In this case, you are still advised to partner with a research institute or university to form a stronger application.
- You shared some suggestions and recommendations regarding research support for commercial entities in the application process. What advice do you have for research institutions?
Find a commercial partner who can help monetise your research. You can also form a consortium that includes market studies and engagement with potential clients. In principle, a research institute can apply without a commercial partner if they provide a clear market entry strategy, letters of support, and commitment from industry.
- Can forming a company be an outcome of this project?
Yes, that is a possible outcome and one way to commercialise the outcome of a Phi-Lab project. In this case, a next possible step could be an application to the ESA BIC programme.
Budget and Co-Funding Requirements
- What is the project budget?
The minimum project budget is the sum of the €200K from the Innovation Seed Funding and the additional co-funding contributions (in cash or in-kind) that are required and encouraged to expand the project scope. - What are the co-funding requirements?
The co-funding requirements are specified in the Call for Proposals document and summarised below.
ESA Phi-Lab Networks and International Considerations
- Can we apply to other ESA Phi-Labs as well?
Yes, that is a possibility for some of the other member states, but not all. We advise you to check specific tender conditions of the other Phi-Labs (Austria, Switzerland, UK, Poland, Finland, Norway, and Spain are or will soon be operational).
Visit FAQ page of ESA Phi-Lab Netherlands website
About ESA Phi-Lab Netherlands
ESA Phi-Lab Netherlands is an initiative designed to support pioneering research and transformative technologies with strong commercial potential. Launched in 2025, it is part of ESA’s broader Phi-LabNET, fostering collaboration between research institutions and the market sector to drive innovation in space technology.
Phi-Lab Netherlands focuses on Earth Observation, Positioning, Navigation & Timing, and Satellite Communications, offering seed funding of at least €200,000 per selected project. In addition to financial support, participating teams gain access to facilities, workspace, and a network of academic and industry experts to help bring their ideas to market.
The call for project applications is permanently open, with evaluations conducted annually. The first selection round for 2025 will take place on March 31. Consortiums formed by research institutions and industry partners are encouraged to submit applications before this deadline.
For more information, visit the ESA Phi-Lab Netherlands website.
