About
Introduction
In a world increasingly affected by climate change, building resilience is a shared priority. ESA Phi-Lab Spain responds to this challenge by integrating space-based technologies into strategies that help societies prepare for and manage the consequences of climate change. The programme not only explores technological innovation but also ensures that these innovations are connected to real-world applications with strong commercial relevance.
As part of a wider network of European innovation hubs, ESA Phi-Lab Spain contributes to the ESA Phi-LabNET. This hub is part of ESA’s ScaleUp Programme and aims to move scientific and technological advances from research into market-ready space solutions. By connecting innovation with impact, ESA Phi-Lab Spain offers a clear path from early research to implementation, helping Europe remain at the forefront of sustainable space innovation.
ESA Phi-LabNET Spain receives support from the Spanish Space Agency (AEE) and the Government of Catalonia.
ESA Phi-LabNET
ESA Phi-Lab Spain operates as part of the ESA Phi-LabNET, a Europe-wide initiative that brings together specialised innovation centres, each focused on specific thematic areas within the field of space technology. This network forms part of ESA’s ScaleUp Programme, which is designed to stimulate commercial activity by advancing technologies with strong market potential.
Through this structure, the network offers targeted funding in alignment with ESA’s strategic priorities and those of its member states. Moreover, each lab within the network benefits from a combination of intellectual guidance, access to infrastructure, and tailored business support services.
The ESA Phi-LabNET Network is integrated into the ESA Commercialisation Gateway, a strategic platform that connects early-stage innovation with downstream market opportunities, helping bridge the gap between research and revenue. More information about the Phi-LabNET Network is available at https://commercialisation.esa.int/phi-labnet/, and details on the Commercialisation Gateway can be found at https://commercialisation.esa.int.
Mission of ESA Phi-Lab Spain
The mission of ESA Phi-Lab Spain is to accelerate the development of the European space sector through applied research and innovation. The programme focuses on enabling climate resilience by developing and promoting the use of space-based applications that offer concrete and scalable solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
It aims to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in space technology by fostering collaboration between academic institutions, private industry, and investors. A key objective is to shorten the time from research to market, facilitating faster technology transfer and helping innovations reach their full commercial potential.
Vision of ESA Phi-Lab Spain
ESA Phi-Lab Spain is committed to scaling space-enabled solutions that create meaningful, lasting impact across society.ESA Phi-Lab Spain envisions a future in which innovation in space technology plays a central role in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The programme works to turn forward-thinking ideas into practical, high-impact solutions, with a focus on meaningful collaboration, scientific excellence, and economic sustainability.
Its vision centres on advancing innovation in space technologies while bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to shape a more resilient future. Support is provided through funding mechanisms, expert mentorship, and tailored guidance to ensure that promising ideas are transformed into viable, scalable outcomes.
Projects
ESA Phi-Lab Spain actively supports a growing portfolio of pioneering projects aimed at improving climate resilience through innovative space solutions. These initiatives are supported by ESA’s Open Call seed funding and local calls funding from the Generalitat de Catalunya through its Newspace Strategy.
Each project is carefully selected to address a key aspect of climate resilience. You can explore current and past initiatives on our Projects page.
How to Be Involved and Contact Information
ESA Phi-Lab Spain welcomes collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including researchers, start-ups, SMEs, and established enterprises. Interested parties are encouraged to apply to take part in collaborative research projects designed to deliver impactful solutions with strong commercial potential.
Participants benefit from support throughout the entire process, including technical guidance, access to infrastructure, and opportunities for networking and visibility within the wider European space innovation community. The programme also fosters new partnerships, helping to grow a thriving ecosystem of climate and space innovation.
To find out more about opportunities to participate, please visit our Calls page.
For all enquiries, please contact us via email at esaphilabnet-spain@ieec.cat