ESA Phi-Lab Netherlands welcomes applications year-round for ESA’s open call for projects with commercial potential. Jointly run by NL Space Campus and SBIC Noordwijk, the Dutch Phi-Lab team is pleased to announce the Fall 2025 Selection Deadline. 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 next selection deadline of 20 Oct. Register now for online info session with programme manager Parya Pasha Zadeh on 8 Aug to find out more.
The ESA Phi-Lab Netherlands is part of the wider Phi-Lab network of the European Space Agency that focuses on maturing technology in response to needs coming from the commercial world. Each Phi-Lab has themed focus areas and creates a sustainable ecosystem for innovation, providing comprehensive support to selected economic operators, including intellectual contributions and a range of services under one roof.
The Dutch Phi-Lab operates an open call for projects and the programme is run by NL Space Campus and SBIC Noordwijk, supported by Netherlands Space Office and ESA Commercialisation Gateway, along with a dynamic community of partners from the Dutch space ecosystem.
Register for info session to unlock support for your application
The programme manager Parya Pasha Zadeh will lead the upcoming info session for anyone interested in the Phi-Lab to find out more information. “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.”
Get ready to apply by joining the upcoming info session, taking place in the form of an online webinar. It is highly recommended to ensure you submit your idea outline as soon as possible, as this will “unlock” full proposal preparation support. The team is on hand to guide you through the process to meet the following deadlines:
⭐ Info session (webinar): 8 Aug 2025
⭐ Idea outline deadline: 12 Sep 2025
⭐ Fall selection deadline: 20 Oct 2025
Our goal is to help transform groundbreaking research into viable commercial solutions for the NewSpace economy
Parya Pasha Zadeh
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 next selection deadline being 20 Oct 2025. Good to know: Idea outlines submitted by 12 Sep 2025 will unlock extra support as you prepare your full proposal. If your application is successful and you are selected to join the programme, 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. esaphilab.nl
Where research breeds innovation for emerging space market!
Discover everything you need to know about the ESA Phi-Lab NL programme.
