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ESA has expanded its European innovation network with the establishment of ESA Phi<\/strong>\u2011Lab Ireland<\/strong>, a new centre designed to advance the development and commercialisation of next\u2011generation space technologies.<\/p>\n Hosted at Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR)<\/strong> in Mullingar and developed in collaboration with the AMBER Centre<\/strong> at Trinity College Dublin, the facility strengthens ESA\u2019s capacity to support industry in maturing space\u2011optimised hardware and accelerating commercially driven innovation across Europe.<\/p>\n Part of ScaleUp in the ACCESS programme, Phi\u2011LabNET is ESA\u2019s network of innovation laboratories designed to bring research closer to commercialisation<\/strong> by directly connecting scientific and technological advances with real commercial needs.<\/p>\n Each Phi\u2011Lab acts as a reference centre for a specific domain of expertise, such as AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, sensors, quantum technologies, or climate resilience.<\/p>\n Through regular funding opportunities for economic operators, aligned with both ESA and national priorities, these labs enable industry, startups, and young companies to advance breakthrough ideas into viable commercial products.<\/p>\n The launch of ESA Phi-Lab Ireland<\/strong> marks a step in expanding ESA\u2019s ScaleUp innovation footprint, establishing a national centre dedicated to space-optimised hardware development, from materials discovery through to high volume manufacturing.<\/p>\n Two companies, MBRYONICS<\/strong> and Ubotica Technologies<\/strong>, have already been selected through the first Open Call, with a second call opening later in 2026 to support additional industry\u2011driven projects.<\/p>\n The official launch took place on 13 February 2026<\/strong> at IMR in Mullingar, bringing together ESA representatives, government stakeholders, National Delegates to ESA, Enterprise Ireland, and industry.<\/p>\n The event opened with remarks from Barry Kennedy<\/strong>, CEO of IMR, followed by a Ministerial Address and plaque unveiling by Ireland\u2019s Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke TD<\/strong>, who noted that \u201cESA Phi-Lab Ireland strengthens Ireland\u2019s position as a hub for advanced research, innovation and high-value enterprise. It demonstrates our long-term commitment to supporting cutting-edge technologies that will drive competitiveness<\/strong>, create skilled jobs<\/strong> and deliver solutions to global challenges<\/strong>, from advanced manufacturing to industrial transformation. The Government\u2019s \u20ac170 million commitment to ESA<\/strong> over the next five years is about ensuring Ireland plays a leading role in Europe\u2019s space future.\u201d<\/p>\n Pictured are Will Barton OBE, Chairman at IMR, Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Barry Kennedy, CEO at IMR, Dietmar Pilz, Director of Technology, Engineering & Quality, and Head of ESTEC at ESA, Philip Thomas, Head of ScaleUp Programme Division at ESA, and Ken Horan, Head of ESA Phi-Lab Ireland at the official opening of the ESA Phi-Lab Ireland, headquartered at IMR in Mullingar, unveiling a commemorative plaque. Photo Credits: Patrick Browne.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Alan Dillion TD<\/strong>, Minister of State for Employment, Small Businesses and Retail & Circular Economy, added, \u201cIreland\u2019s growing leadership in space-enabled innovation is reflected in the establishment of ESA Phi-Lab Ireland<\/strong>. This new national platform strengthens our position at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, next-generation research, and European collaboration. By investing in cutting-edge technologies and deepening our partnership with the European Space Agency, Ireland is laying the foundations for high-value jobs, industrial competitiveness, and solutions that will benefit society for decades to come.\u201d<\/p>\n ESA leaders Dietmar Pilz, <\/strong>Director of Technology, Engineering and Quality, and Head of ESA ESTEC, and Philip Thomas<\/strong>, Head of ESA ScaleUp Division, highlighted the strategic importance of the Phi-LabNET and ESA\u2019s commitment to commercially-driven innovation.<\/p>\nESA Phi\u2011LabNET: a Network for Innovation<\/h2>\n
Ireland\u2019s First ESA Phi\u2011Lab: A National Platform for Space Innovation<\/h2>\n
Official Launch Event<\/h2>\n
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