FAQs
As described in the section “Who can apply” of the document “AD-PL-11. ESA Phi-Lab NET Spain Open Call”, 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 first open call template cannot be modified. Each section in the template includes a short description outlining the content it should cover, and the order or structure of the sections cannot be changed.
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.
There are no restrictions on the number of proposals a single organization can submit. However, the team’s skills and availability must be aligned with the potential to win more than one project and deliver the work accordingly.
The open call focuses on challenges that drive innovation for the commercialization of space technologies that enhance climate resilience. The project topics should contribute to climate resilience develop, adapting or using space technology (See the section “Research Focus at ESA Phi-Lab NET Spain” of the document “AD-PL-11. ESA PhiLab NET Spain Open Call”).
The consortium does not need to include more than one partner if the organization has all the necessary skills and capabilities in-house to complete the R&D project, with the support of the Phi-Lab. 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”).
The first cutoff date is the 21st of January 2024.
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.
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”).
Yes, the consortium partners need to describe all 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 in general 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.
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 can be direct or 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”). The budget of the company is not dependent to the size of the organisation but level of co-funding it does ( SMEs are 80% funded and large industries are 50% funded).
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”).
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.