01 Jul ESA Phi-Lab Ireland Open Call Now Live
ESA Phi-Lab Ireland Open Call Now Live: Funding Space Innovation
Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR), in partnership with AMBER, is proud to announce that the first funding call from ESA Phi-Lab Ireland is officially open. This major initiative marks an important step in positioning Ireland as a leading hub for space innovation and advanced manufacturing.
ESA Phi-Lab Ireland is part of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) growing Phi-Lab network, designed to accelerate transformative technologies and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in the global space economy. The Open Call invites Irish companies—whether space-active or new to the sector—to submit proposals for projects that will develop space-optimised hardware and technologies.
With funding of up to €400,000 per project, along with access to mentorship, training, state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and extensive networking opportunities, Phi-Lab Ireland offers an unprecedented platform for companies to innovate and grow.
Key research areas for this Open Call include:
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Advanced Materials Research
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Additive Manufacturing
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Structural Analysis and Simulation
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Integration of Smart Materials
Dr. Ken Horan, Director of Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship at IMR and Head of ESA Phi-Lab Ireland, said:
“ESA Phi-Lab Ireland is a unique opportunity for Irish SMEs, start-ups, and researchers to become leaders in space-focused innovation. Today, the space sector offers opportunities akin to those that transformed the Irish economy through MedTech and ICT. We want Ireland to be recognised globally as a leader in this sector.”
Highlighting the opportunity for Irish businesses, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, commented:
“The launch of ESA’s Phi-Lab Ireland offers Irish companies a great opportunity to further develop in advanced manufacturing and materials innovation. This will strengthen the capability of the growing Irish space ecosystem, and I look forward to Irish companies taking their place in the globally competitive space sector.”
Welcoming Ireland’s addition to ESA Phi-Lab NET, Evelyn Kerschbaumer, Commercial Officer at the European Space Agency, noted:
“The launch of Phi-Lab Ireland is a testament to ESA’s and Ireland’s joint commitment to push innovation in space technologies and drive economic growth. Phi-Lab Ireland will enable Irish companies to generate innovation, unlock new markets and commercial opportunities, making tomorrow’s technologies available for today’s world.”
Phi-Lab Ireland’s Open Call is open to companies of all sizes, whether experienced in the space sector or exploring new markets for their technologies. This is a chance to secure funding, collaborate with leading experts, and contribute to Ireland’s growing reputation as a space technology innovator.