ESA Phi-Lab strives to bridge disruptive research and commercialization needs to advance space-enabled innovation in Europe.
Ireland has launched its first Phi-Lab for the European Space Agency (ESA) at Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) in Mullingar, Westmeath. This new facility, run in partnership with Amber, the Research Ireland Center based at Trinity College Dublin, is poised to become Ireland’s national platform for space technology development.
The Irish government has committed to investing €170 million in ESA over the next five years, and the six-year ESA Phi-Lab program is a key element of that wider national commitment. The consortium is funded by ESA and Enterprise Ireland.
First announced last June, ESA Phi-Lab Ireland is one of ten centers across Europe. Together, the labs try to combine disruptive research with commercial needs.
The Phi-Lab network responds to the needs from the industry with the growth of technologies in advanced manufacturing, material acquisition, AI, quantum and robotics.
The new Mullingar Phi-Lab is expected to accelerate local innovation, industrial competitiveness and create new high-value jobs. The lab was launched today by Minister for Business, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, TD, who unveiled a commemorative plaque at IMR’s Advanced Manufacturing Lab. The plaque was produced using an in-situ cast from a local piece of 6,500-year-old Irish Bog Oak.
“ESA Phi-Lab Ireland strengthens Ireland’s position, and the inland region, as a hub for advanced research, innovation and high value business,” commented Minister Burke.
“It demonstrates our long-term commitment to supporting cutting-edge technologies that will drive competitiveness, create skilled jobs and deliver solutions to global challenges, from advanced manufacturing to industrial transformation.
“The government’s commitment of €170 million to ESA over the next five years is about ensuring Ireland plays a leading role in Europe’s future.”
The launch of Phi-Lab comes as Ireland’s space technology industry shows signs of rapid growth, with 120 space companies currently working with ESA. Meanwhile, a growing number of Irish companies are providing technology and solutions to the global trade sector.
Barry Kennedy, CEO of IMR, described the new Phi-Lab as a defining moment for Irish innovation.
“Today marks an important milestone for Ireland’s space and ambition to innovate.
“This facility puts Ireland at the forefront of European aerospace innovation, where advanced manufacturing, AI and data-driven technologies can be developed, tested and commercialized with global impact. Ultimately, this is about translating world-class research into real economic and social value.”
Similar to Phi-Lab, IMR provides manufacturers with a platform to test and develop the technologies they use. The organization provides solutions for all automation, robotics, AI and circular manufacturing.
Irish space-techs Mbryonics and Ubotica, have been named as the first two companies to be supported by ESA Phi-Lab Ireland. The two were selected through an open call issued by the Irish Government
Based out of Galway, Mbryonics specializes in the design and development of hardware and software for photonic satellite communications. While Dublin-based Ubotica is working to apply AI technology to the space of imaging, data processing and autonomous decision making.
Following the first call, Minister Burke has today (13 February) launched a second open call which aims to fund high-quality research in the Irish industry across all asset acquisition and testing in limited production prepared for the site.
The call is looking for projects from aerospace companies that want to improve their position in the European aerospace market or those that hope to bring new developments to major global markets. This call is also open to projects from companies that have never considered location for their products.
“Through ESA Phi‑Lab Ireland, ESA is investing in technologies that will boost the future of the European space sector, strengthening industrial competitiveness while ensuring that space innovation delivers more value,” said Dietmar Pilz, director of technology at ESA, and head of the European Space Research and Technology Centre.
“It reinforces ESA’s commitment to promoting efficiency across its member states and ensuring that space-based innovations bring real benefits to industry, society and Europe’s long-term competitiveness.”
Philip Thomas, head of the ScaleUp program at ESA’s trade, industry and competition unit added, “By being part of the ScaleUp Phi-Lab network, ESA Phi-Lab Ireland is able to help companies in Ireland and across Europe reach their full commercial potential by providing targeted and relevant support for their innovative proposals.”
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