The ESA Phi-Lab Netherlands, jointly operated by NL Space Campus and SBIC Noordwijk, is part of the European Space Agency’s wider network ESA Phi-LabNET.
The ESA Phi-Lab Netherlands programme offers a permanent open call for applications. 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? Then, you can consider applyinh to the Dutch Phi-Lab. Discuss with the team via the programme website.
ESA Phi-Lab Netherlands
The ESA Phi-Lab NL process
In early 2025, NL Space Campus and SBIC Noordwijk jointly began operating the ESA Phi-Lab Netherlands supporting groundbreaking research to create applicable commercial solutions. Interested parties that have an innovative idea with a strong space connect and valid commercialisation roadmap can consider applying to the permanent open call. Each Phi-Lab in ESA’s wider network aims to be a reference centre for a particular theme. The Dutch Phi-Lab location has the following focus areas:
Earth observation
Positioning, navigation and timing
Secure (laser) satellite communications
Common capabilities supporting the above
The ESA Phi-Lab NL website has all the information you need about the programme.
Call for projects
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.
The collaboration between research institutions and the market segment can yield radical innovations and new, sustainable businesses.
Current ESA Phi-Lab NL participants:
(Only lead company in consortium gets listed; once companies are contracted in future selection rounds, the below list will be updated.)
Contracted ESA Phi-Lab NL participants can join as an SBIC community member and play a key role in the space business community.
Be part of the ESA Phi-LabNET
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).
Turn your research into real impact
ESA Phi-Lab Netherlands is more than just a funding programme. It is a launchpad for turning advanced research into commercially viable, space-enabled solutions. Let’s talk!
Is ESA Phi-Lab NL your next step? Get funding & support for commercialising downstream research into impactful solutions using space data and technologies.
Connect with the team!
Book a meeting to discuss all matters relating to the ESA Phi-Lab NL team.