ESA Phi-Lab Norway – the Arctic Phi-Lab – has opened its fourth Open Call. Until 17 December 2026 at 23:59 CET, companies, research institutions and consortia can apply for innovation seed funding of €200 000–500 000 per project, together with access to data, facilities and expertise from KSAT, NORCE, UiT, Akvaplan-niva and Norinnova.
One focus: Earth observation for Arctic environmental and maritime monitoring
Following the Call for Ideas this autumn, Open Call #4 concentrates on turning satellite data into operational, near-real-time services for Arctic waters, coasts and land areas – sea ice and icebergs, oil spills and pollution, ocean and coastal environment, vessel traffic and maritime domain awareness, and land-based monitoring such as permafrost, snow and infrastructure. Enabling technologies – multi-sensor data fusion, AI for detection, processing under polar night and cloud, onboard and edge processing – are in scope.
Who can apply
Legal entities or consortia established in Norway or another ESA Member State, with a clear benefit to the Norwegian ecosystem. Projects run for up to 24 months and must have a valid space connection and a credible path to an operational, commercial service. Preference is given to proposals with a committed user or customer.
Key dates
- Idea Outline recommended by 19 November 2026
- Deadline: 17 December 2026 at 23:59 CET
- Tender Opening Board: 12 January 2027
- Tender Evaluation Board: 2–3 February 2027 in Tromsø, during Arctic Frontiers
How to apply
Read the Open Call Invitation and download the templates on the Open call instructions page. Applications are sent to application@arcticphilab.no with the subject “ESA Phi-Lab Norway Open Call #4”. We strongly recommend an Idea Outline and a meeting with us before you write.
Questions? See the FAQ or get in touch.