Who can apply? 
The research project proposal must be submitted by (a team part of) a legal entity or a consortium of legal entities, established in an ESA Member State(s). These are hereafter referred to as “economic operators”. Economic operators include SMEs, universities and research institutions, and MNCs. Where an Applicant is a university or research institution, applications can solely be made as part of a consortium which includes one or more private company partners. Additionally, universities and research institutions cannot be the Lead Applicant.
Applicants must demonstrate that the research activity can deliver a benefit to the ESA Phi-Lab Ireland, and has a valid space connection. 

How to apply to the ESA Phi-Lab Ireland Open Call (2025)?
A collection of the relevant and necessary documentation required to apply to the ESA Phi-Lab Ireland Open Call 2025 can be found here. Applicants are advised to carefully read all of the documentation, and where necessary, ensure the proposal complies with the criteria set out by the European Space Agency and Phi-Lab Ireland. Applicants are invited to first carefully read the Open Call Document.
Applicants wishing to avail of the “Pre-Proposal Guidance” opportunity are advised to complete the Expression of Interest Form in advance of the July 18th deadline. 

What is the Expression of Interest Form, and what is the “Pre-Proposal Guidance” Opportunity? 
Applicants wishing to avail of the “Pre-Proposal Guidance” opportunity are invited to complete a short Expression of Interest Form supplied here. The Expression of Interest Form is intended to facilitate an initial assessment of your application and your interest in ESA Phi-Lab Ireland. 
The assessment will be carried out by staff members of IMR and AMBER Centre at Trinity College Dublin, and your application will be assigned a traffic light score (green, orange, red), with the scores designed to determine the suitability of the project for the Open Call.
Expressions of Interest scoring Green and Orange will be assisted to prepare their applications in a “Pre-Proposal Guidance” phase, with Applicants given access to limited administration and technical support. Expressions of Interest scoring Red will be advised to not submit an application to the Open Call, and will be provided with possible “Next Steps”, including advice on strengthening their applications for later Open Calls in 2026 and beyond. However, no Applicant will be prevented from applying to the Open Call should they wish to do so.

Is ESA Phi-Lab Ireland the right place for my project? Is my project a good fit?
In addition to complying with the general criteria, Applicants must ensure that their research project aligns with one or more of the specific topics contained in the Open Call Document (Advanced Materials Research, Design Optimisation, Additive Manufacturing, Structural Analysis and Simulation, Optimisation of Production Processes, and Integration of Smart Materials). The project must also demonstrate high commercial potential. 
Applicants wishing to avail of the “Pre-Proposal Guidance” opportunity are advised to complete the Expression of Interest Form in advance of the July 18th deadline.
Applicants are welcome to submit questions at any time to the ESA Phi-Lab Ireland Helpdesk at info@esaphilab.ie, or can request this clarification through the “Pre-Proposal Guidance” opportunity (through the Expression of Interest Form) in advance of the July 18th deadline.

Is there a deadline to request “Pre-Proposal Guidance”? 
Yes. Applicants must submit their Expression of Interest Form to info@esaphilab.ie in advance of the deadline on July 18th 2025 to avail of the “Pre-Proposal Guidance” opportunity.

What can the funding be used for? Which costs are eligible?
All costs must be necessary to the execution of the project. A detailed list of eligible costs is included in the Open Call Document. Costs not included in the eligible categories in the Open Call Document, but are deemed critical by the Applicant to the successful execution of the project should be agreed in advance with the ESA Phi-Lab Ireland Manager.
All costs must be included without VAT. 

Can we reapply if unsuccessful in a previous open call?
Yes. Applicants who are not successful in this Open Call (2025) are encouraged to reapply with revised or strengthened proposals in 2026 and beyond. ESA Phi-Lab Ireland intends to provide feedback to assist interested parties engage with future Open Calls.