Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and AMBER, the SFI Research Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research, have officially launched ESA Phi-Lab Ireland, an ambitious new initiative that aims to make Ireland a hub for developing and manufacturing next-generation space-bound hardware. The six-year programme, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), will foster innovation in space technologies across Irish companies and research institutions.
As a country already recognised for leadership in advanced manufacturing and materials science, Ireland is set to play a vital role in the development of space-optimised hardware. Phi-Lab Ireland will provide funding for research covering the entire product lifecycle, from materials discovery and testing to the scaled production of components tailored for the unique conditions of space.
In addition to financial support, the initiative offers expert mentorship and training, access to cutting-edge infrastructure, networking opportunities, and seed funding for projects lasting up to 24 months.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke TD, said:
“The launch of ESA’s Phi-Lab Ireland offers Irish companies a great opportunity to further develop in the areas of advanced manufacturing and materials innovation. Available to space-active companies and to companies who up to now haven’t considered entering into this market, Phi-Lab Ireland will offer expert mentoring and training programmes, access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and critical seed funding up to €400k.
Working in partnership with ESA, IMR and AMBER, two of Ireland’s leading research organisations, will strengthen the capability of the growing Irish space eco-system and I look forward to Irish companies taking their place in the globally competitive space sector. I am particularly pleased to see this degree of endeavour and innovation taking place here in Mullingar in my own constituency.”
Minister of State for Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon TD, also spoke on the programme's significance:
“The establishment of ESA’s Phi-Lab in Ireland marks a pivotal moment in our journey to position Ireland at the forefront of space innovation. The initiative reflects our continuing partnership with the European Space Agency and our shared ambition to harness cutting-edge technologies for economic growth and global impact.
Phi-Lab Ireland will empower Irish companies to lead in the development of transformative advanced manufacturing technologies, unlocking new markets and creating high-value opportunities for the future.”
Applications are now open for Phi-Lab Ireland’s first funding call, inviting research proposals from both established space-sector players and companies newly exploring opportunities in the field. The programme encourages submissions from businesses that may not have previously considered the space market, as well as from those aiming to expand their footprint and commercial potential.
Dr Ken Horan, Director of Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship at IMR and Head of ESA Phi-Lab Ireland, commented:
“ESA Phi-Lab Ireland is a unique opportunity for Irish SMEs, start-ups, and researchers to become leaders in space-focused innovation. Today the space sector offers opportunities akin to those presented by the MedTech sector a few decades ago and before that, ICT manufacturing. These have become cornerstones of the Irish economy.
We want to see Ireland equivalently recognised as a global leader in the space sector and are building a national competence centre to advance this ambition.”
Prof Mick Morris, Director of the AMBER Centre, added:
“AMBER are delighted to partner with IMR to support Irish industry and researchers in exploring new commercial opportunities in the space sector. This activity will build on our strong foundation in supporting research in materials science important to the Irish and European economy.
To date, we have built a partner portfolio of over 50 companies and managed over 100 collaborative projects. Together with IMR we span the full life cycle from material discovery and development through material validation to generative design and the development of the high-volume manufacturing processes necessary for next-generation space-bound hardware whilst maximising and improving the sustainability of those processes.”
Phi-Lab Ireland becomes the latest addition to ESA’s Phi-Lab NET, a growing pan-European network of regionally focused labs that aim to drive innovation and competitiveness in the global space sector.
Evelyn Kerschbaumer, Commercial Officer at ESA, stated:
“As part of the ScaleUp Programme under the Directorate of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness, the European Space Agency (ESA) is establishing a dynamic network of ESA Phi-Labs across Europe. We are pleased to welcome the Irish Phi-Lab to this expanding network.
The launch of the Phi-Lab Ireland is a testimonial to ESA’s and Ireland’s joint commitment to push innovation in space technologies and drive economic growth. Phi-Lab Ireland will enable Irish companies to generate innovation, unlock new markets and commercial opportunities, making tomorrow’s technologies available for today’s world.”
The first call for proposals will focus on key areas such as Advanced Materials Research, Additive Manufacturing, Structural Analysis and Simulation, and the Integration of Smart Materials.
Conor Sheehan, from Enterprise Ireland and Ireland’s delegation to ESA, concluded:
“Phi-Lab Ireland marks an exciting new chapter for Ireland’s space sector. It will foster a vibrant hub for advanced manufacturing and materials innovation, supporting Irish industry to both enter and lead in the fast-growing global space market.
By bridging world-class research with commercial opportunity, this initiative strengthens Ireland’s contribution to the wider ESA ecosystem and supports our ambition to build a globally recognised space economy.”
A major inauguration event at IMR in Mullingar is scheduled for late 2025.
Companies interested in submitting proposals can apply now via www.esaphilab.ie.
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