The open call focuses on R&D projects (TRL 4 and above) that are innovative and aimed at advancing the TRL of the proposed solutions. The objective is to accelerate the development of space technologies, both upstream and downstream, with high commercial potential that can contribute to climate resilience. This approach ensures that Phi-Lab NET Spain projects not only push the boundaries of innovation but also lead to viable solutions that can be successfully commercialized in the market.  

As described in the section “Who can apply” of the document “AD-PL-11. ESA PhiLab NET Spain Open Call v1.0”, the applicants must declare that the work proposed under the submitted ESA Phi-Lab project is not being funded through other means (e.g. ESA R&D activities, ESA Business Incubation, ESA Business Applications, European Commission etc).” 

No, the open call template cannot be modified. Each question in the template includes a short description outlining the content it should cover, and the order or structure of the questions cannot be changed. 

IVA applies to invoicing between consortium partners. VAT must be included in the invoices. 

Double funding of the same idea is not permitted. However, if the proposal has not received funding previously, it may be resubmitted, using the correct template for this specific call. 

The open call focuses on R&D projects (TRL 4 and above) that are innovative and aimed at advancing the TRL of the proposed solutions. There is defined final TRL to be achieved. 

Each consortium member may apply to a maximum of two projects within this call. However, the prime applicant of a project cannot be a Phi-Lab composing entity, and cannot act as the prime applicant for more than one project in this call. 

The open call focuses on challenges that drive innovation for the commercialization of space technologies that enhance climate resilience. The solutions must accelerate the future of the space sector, both upstream and downstream, through projects with high commercial potential. The project topics should contribute to climate resilience and strengthen the competitiveness of the space sector through groundbreaking research (See the section “Research Focus at ESA Phi-Lab NET Spain” of the document “Invitation to Apply to ESA Phi- Lab NET Spain). 

The consortium does not need to include more than one partner if the lead organization has all the necessary skills and capabilities in-house to complete the R&D project. However, if any skills are missing, it is recommended to partner with a research institute, university, or commercial organization to build a stronger team. 

The Phi-Lab NET Spain will typically seed the projects at 3 different levels: €200.000, €300.000 or €400.000 per project (See the section “Budget and additional benefits” of the document “​​AD-PL-11. ESA PhiLab NET Spain Open Call v1.0”). 

The cut off date is the 24th of February 2026 

There is no restriction to subcontract any entity from all ESA member states. In case of subcontracting an entity outside Spain, the proposed organisation must have benefit to the Phi-Lab NET Spain or Spain itself. 

Same answer provided above in question 12. 

No, it is not. Phi-Lab NET Spain offers commercial contracts 

No, the distribution will depend on the quantity and quality of the proposals received for each cut-off date (See the section  “Budget and additional benefits” of the document “​​AD-PL-11. ESA PhiLab NET Spain Open Call v1.0”). 

Yes, the consortium partners need to describe their eligible costs. For subcontracted services, the costs will be justified through an invoice (and described in the reports).

The ideas for the “Use cases” local funding are typically not R&D projects and, therefore, do not align with the objectives of this open call. 

Universities and research institutions are considered subcontractors within the consortium. Work carried out by these subcontractors may be funded up to 100%, provided there is no further commercial interest in the product or service. However, this funding cannot exceed 30% of the total allowable cost of the activity.

There are three milestones associated with payments: preliminary progress,  mid-term progress, final: upon successful final review. 

The commercial data required for the project is considered an eligible cost; however, it must be acquired outside of the ESA Third Party Missions programme (See the section “Eligible Costs” of the document “​​AD-PL-11. ESA PhiLab NET Spain Open Call v1.0”) 

Various technological developments can align with the goals of Phi-Lab NET Spain. Each consortium must justify the connection between the technology and its potential to enhance climate resilience. 

The connection to space does not need to be direct. It can be indirect, such as in the case of climate models combined with satellite data, as long as the technology is aligned with the goals of Phi-Lab NET Spain and contributes to climate resilience. 

Project ideas can focus on both climate change adaptation and post-disaster actions. 

Phi-Lab NET Spain typically funds projects at three levels: €200,000, €300,000, or €400,000, regardless of the company’s size, depending of the size of the projecte and its projection. However, the consortium must have the necessary skills and resources to successfully complete the project (See the section “Budget and additional benefits” of the document “AD-PL-11. ESA PhiLab NET Spain Open Call v1.0”). 

The project costs are associated with specific tasks. The project does not cover individual salaries; rather, it funds the costs related to their involvement in the tasks (See the section “Eligible Costs” of the document “​​AD-PL-11. ESA PhiLab NET Spain Open Call v1.0”). 

The eligible costs are described in the Open Call documentation. A brief summary is provided here: In order to be eligible, all project costs must meet specific criteria: they must be necessary for the execution of the project, incurred by the beneficiary and recorded in its accounts, and incurred within the contract term. Additionally, these costs must be outlined in the cost planning of the proposal and must exclude VAT, interest owed, or duties. Expenses related to the preparation and dispatch of the proposal are not eligible for reimbursement. The project may consider the following direct costs: staff costs, subcontracting costs, access to data sources or intellectual property, materials, equipment, facilities, as well as travel, subsistence, and accommodation costs. 

It can be eligible if it is necessary for the execution of the project.