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 2026?
A collection of the relevant and necessary documentation required to apply to the ESA Phi-Lab Ireland Open Call 2026 is available on the ESA Phi-Lab Ireland website. 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 ESA Phi-Lab Ireland. Applicants are invited to first carefully read the Open Call Document. Please note, it is a requirement of applicants to contact ESA Phi-Lab Ireland prior to applying to discuss the scope of your project, as well as the fit with the objectives. 
Applicants wishing to avail of the Technical Needs Assessment step are required to complete the ESA Phi-Lab Ireland Registration and Technical Needs Assessment Request Form before the appropriate 17 July 2026 deadline.

What is the “Technical Needs Assessment” Opportunity? 
Applicants wishing to avail of the Technical Needs Assessment opportunity are invited to request the form here. The Technical Needs Assessment is intended to facilitate an initial technical assessment of your application, and to review the ability of the ESA Phi-Lab Ireland to provide support to the research activity proposal. The assessment will be carried out by technical staff members of IMR and SEAM, 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.
Technical Needs Assessments scoring Green and Orange will be assisted by ESA Phi-Lab Ireland staff members to prepare their applications before the Call closing date, with applicants given access to limited administration and technical support. Technical Needs Assessments scoring Red will be advised to not submit an application to this Open Call, and will be provided with possible “Next Steps”, including advice on strengthening their applications for later Open Calls in 2027 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 are welcome to submit questions at any time to the ESA Phi-Lab Ireland Helpdesk at info@esaphilab.ie.

Is there a deadline to avail of the Technical Needs Assessment Opportunity?
Yes. Applicants must submit their Technical Needs Assessment form to info@esaphilab.ie in advance of the deadline on 17 July 2026 to avail of this opportunity. Unfortunately, late applications for this opportunity cannot be accommodated.

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 a previous Open Call to ESA Phi-Lab Ireland are encouraged to reapply with revised or strengthened proposals this year. ESA Phi-Lab Ireland intends to provide feedback to assist interested parties engage with future Open Calls.
Please be aware that the both the application procedure, and the application documentation is likely to be different between Calls, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to review the appropriate application material for a specific Call.