Invitation to apply to Arctic Phi-Lab call for proposals

Thank you for your interest in ESA Phi-Lab Norway, in the following referred to as Arctic Phi-Lab.

Space-based studies and technology developments bring benefits to Earth in the form of services and top-class science. This makes the space industrial sector of high strategic and economic value. At the same time leading edge research brings benefit to space, and indeed to Earth and society with disruptive innovation.

A dynamic network of Phi-Labs across Europe

As part of the Phi-LabNET, one of the Components of the Innovate Element in the ScaleUp Programme, ESA is rolling out a dynamic network of Phi-Labs in ESA Member States.

The Phi-Lab NET bridges the gap between early-stage research and markets. They ensure that the research is not just innovative but closely serve immediate ESA or industry needs.  Phi-Labs are geared for supporting the maturation of technologies that enable commercial applications. The focus is given to applications with the potential to disrupt and transform markets. The support provided is intended to boost the delivery of innovation, thereby reducing the time to market.

In Norway, Kongsberg Satellite Services is responsible for managing the ESA Arctic Phi-Lab Norway, together with NORCE, UiT – Arctic University of Tromsø, Akvaplan-niva and Norinnova as partners.

The focus of the Arctic Phi-Lab Norway

Within the broader landscape of space technology, the Arctic Phi-Lab carves out a distinct area of interest in Earth observation and downstream applications. Harnessing satellite-based sensors and data analytics, its initiatives are designed to gather, interpret, and deploy Earth observation information critical for environmental monitoring, resource management, and Arctic-specific challenges.

The lab’s emphasis on downstream technologies means it is not only advancing the tools and platforms that collect space-based data but also driving innovation in how these data are transformed into actionable services for industry, government, and society. By nurturing solutions that bridge the gap between space assets and real-world impacts, the Arctic Phi-Lab is pivotal in translating both advanced research and early-stage ideas into practical applications that benefit both the Arctic and the global community.

A comprehensive package of support to research teams

Arctic Phi-Lab offers a comprehensive package of support to applicants selected, including access to and use of Phi-Lab data and equipment, workspace, innovation seed funding, technical support, business coaching, legal/IPR advice and domain expertise from partners and Phi-Lab network. The Arctic Phi-Lab is focused on using space assets and information to develop cutting edge technologies, products and solutions that have an Arctic relevance a potential global market.

Arctic Phi-Lab hereby invites you to submit your application to enter the Arctic Phi-Lab programme. All research activity proposals shall be in view of and shaped for potential commercial applications.

We strongly encourage you to contact the Arctic Phi-Lab before submitting a proposal. This is for guidance to optimize your chances to succeed! Please contact us for any further questions.

Deadline

The Open Call deadline is October 24. 2025 at 13.00 CET.

Please subscribe to our newsletter to get first hand information about our next Open Call. Proposal submitted after the closing date may be considered for a later open call. It is expected that the evaluation process will take approximately one month.

Yours sincerely,
Trude Nilsen
Managing director, The Arctic Phi-Lab