Agency
13/02/2026
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Irish ambitions to grow its space manufacturing ecosystems have taken a major step forward today with the launch of the European Space Agency Phi-Lab Ireland, a facility that transforms cutting-edge research into commercial technologies.
ESA Phi-Lab Ireland, headquartered at Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) in Mullingar and run in collaboration with the AMBER Centre at Trinity College Dublin, enables firms to mature technologies in response to market needs, bolstering the country’s position in the fast-growing European space economy.
ESA Phi-Lab Ireland launch event
The launch follows Ireland’s record commitment of €170 m into ESA over the next five years, announced at last year’s ESA Ministerial Council.
Ireland’s new facility is one of several ESA Phi-Labs located across Europe, and is part of ESA’s ScaleUp activities within its ACCESS programme. Known as the Phi-LabNET, this network enables technology development that bridges the gap between research and commercial demands.
The Phi-LabNET supports activities in advanced manufacturing, materials discovery, AI, quantum computing, and robotics, with applications both in space and on Earth. As a result, ESA Phi-Lab Ireland is positioned at the intersection between space technology development and industrial deployment.
ESA Phi-Lab Ireland launch event
The facility will benefit from Ireland’s well-established space manufacturing industry, which has already made strong contributions to ESA programmes – including flight systems developed by Réaltra for ESA’s Ariane 6 launcher and systems developed by SkyTek to support operations on the planned lunar Gateway.
Last year, ESA Phi-Lab Ireland announced its first open call for proposals – and the successful companies were announced during the launch event. They include Galway-based MBRYONICS, a leader in photonic satellite communications hardware, software and technology; and Dublin-based Ubotica technologies, an Earth observation specialist that is using AI to enhance remote sensing.
It was also revealed that a second call for proposals is set to launch later this year. It will be open to space-active companies seeking to bring their innovations to larger terrestrial markets, as well as companies that are new to the space industry. Expert support will be provided throughout the whole application phase.
Ireland from the International Space Station
Philip Thomas, Head of the ScaleUp Programme Division in ESA’s Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness Directorate, said, “Through being part of the ScaleUp Phi-LabNET network, the ESA Phi-Lab in Ireland is able to help companies not only in Ireland but also in other participating ESA Member States, reach their full commercial potential by providing targeted and relevant support for their most innovative proposals.”
Dietmar Pilz, Director of Technology at ESA, said, “ESA Phi-Lab in Ireland is a powerful example of how Europe is strengthening its technology by bringing cutting-edge research closer to industrial applications. With ESA Phi‑Lab Ireland, ESA is investing in the technologies that will elevate the future of Europe’s space sector, strengthening industrial competitiveness while ensuring that innovation for space delivers value far beyond it. It reinforces ESA’s commitment to fostering excellence across its member states and to ensuring that innovation developed for space delivers real benefits for industry, society and Europe’s long‑term competitiveness.”
Barry Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of IMR, said, “Today marks a significant milestone in Ireland’s space and innovation ambition. IMR is proud to lead the launch of ESA Phi-Lab Ireland, establishing it as a national platform for space technology development. This facility positions Ireland at the forefront of European space-enabled innovation, where advanced manufacturing, AI and data-driven technologies can be developed, tested and commercialised for global impact. Ultimately, this is about translating world-class research into real economic and societal value.”
Peter Burke, Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, said, “ESA Phi-Lab Ireland strengthens Ireland’s position, and the midlands region, 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, create skilled jobs and deliver solutions to global challenges, from advanced manufacturing to industrial transformation. The Government’s €170 million commitment to ESA over the next five years is about ensuring Ireland plays a leading role in Europe’s space future.”
Alan Dillion, Ireland’s Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, with special responsibility for Employment, Small Business and Retail, added, “Ireland’s growing leadership in space-enabled innovation is reflected in the establishment of ESA Phi-Lab Ireland. 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 ESA, Ireland is laying the foundations for high-value jobs, industrial competitiveness, and solutions that will benefit society for decades to come.”
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