New ESA Phi-Lab Ireland launched at Mullingar’s IMR

Ireland Launches First ESA Phi-Lab: A New Era for Space Innovation and Economic Growth

In a landmark moment for Ireland’s technology and innovation sectors, the European Space Agency (ESA) has officially inaugurated its first Phi-Lab on Irish soil, marking a pivotal step in the nation’s journey toward becoming a leading force in space-enabled innovation. Located at Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) in Mullingar, County Westmeath, the ESA Phi-Lab Ireland is set to become a national hub for cutting-edge space technology development, driving industrial competitiveness, and creating high-value jobs.

The launch of the ESA Phi-Lab Ireland is a cornerstone of the Irish Government’s ambitious €170 million investment in the ESA over the next five years. This six-year program, co-funded by the ESA and Enterprise Ireland, is part of a broader strategy to position Ireland at the forefront of Europe’s space future. The Phi-Lab network, which includes ten centers across Europe, aims to bridge the gap between disruptive research and commercial needs, fostering innovation in advanced manufacturing, materials discovery, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, and robotics.

The Mullingar facility is expected to accelerate space-enabled innovation, bolster industrial competitiveness, and generate new high-value jobs. The launch was officiated by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment Peter Burke, TD, who unveiled a commemorative plaque at IMR’s Advanced Manufacturing Lab. The plaque, crafted from space-grade additive manufactured material and mounted on a 6,500-year-old piece of Irish Bog Oak, symbolizes the fusion of ancient heritage and cutting-edge technology.

“ESA Phi-Lab Ireland strengthens Ireland’s position, and the midlands region, as a hub for advanced research, innovation, and high-value enterprise,” Minister Burke remarked. “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.”

The launch comes at a time when Ireland’s space-tech industry is experiencing rapid growth. With 120 space-active companies currently collaborating with the ESA and an increasing number of Irish firms providing technologies and solutions to the global commercial space sector, the country is poised to make significant strides in this domain.

Barry Kennedy, CEO of IMR, described the new Phi-Lab as a defining moment for Ireland’s innovation landscape. “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 commercialized for global impact. Ultimately, this is about translating world-class research into real economic and societal value.”

IMR, which offers manufacturers a platform to experiment and advance the technologies they use, provides solutions across automation, robotics, AI, and circular production. The organization’s collaboration with the ESA Phi-Lab underscores its commitment to fostering innovation and driving industrial transformation.

Two Irish space-tech companies, Mbryonics and Ubotica, have been selected as the first beneficiaries of ESA Phi-Lab Ireland. Mbryonics, based in Galway, specializes in designing and developing photonic satellite communications hardware and software. Ubotica, headquartered in Dublin, focuses on deploying AI technology into space for imaging, data processing, and autonomous decision-making. These companies were chosen through an open call initiated by the Irish Government, highlighting the country’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and innovation.

Following the success of the first call, Minister Burke has launched a second open call aimed at funding cutting-edge research in Irish industry. This call seeks projects in materials discovery and testing, optimized for scaled production in space. It is open to space-active companies looking to advance their position in the European space market, as well as those aiming to bring their innovations to larger terrestrial markets. Additionally, the call welcomes projects from companies that have not previously considered their products for space 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,” said Dietmar Pilz, Director of Technology at ESA and Head of the European Space Research and Technology Centre. “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.”

Philip Thomas, Head of the ScaleUp Programme Division in ESA’s Commercialisation, Industry, and Competitiveness Directorate, added, “Through being part of the ScaleUp Phi-Lab network, the ESA Phi-Lab in Ireland is able to help companies in Ireland and across Europe to reach their full commercial potential by providing targeted and relevant support for their most innovative proposals.”

The launch of ESA Phi-Lab Ireland represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward becoming a leader in space innovation. By fostering collaboration between research institutions, industry, and government, the initiative is set to drive economic growth, create high-value jobs, and position Ireland as a key player in Europe’s space future.

Tags: Ireland, ESA, Phi-Lab, space technology, innovation, manufacturing, AI, quantum, robotics, advanced materials, Mbryonics, Ubotica, Mullingar, IMR, Enterprise Ireland, European Space Agency, space-enabled innovation, industrial competitiveness, high-value jobs, disruptive research, commercial needs, advanced manufacturing, materials discovery, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, robotics, space-tech, global challenges, economic growth, societal value, photonic satellite communications, AI technology, imaging, data processing, autonomous decision-making, space-active companies, European space market, terrestrial markets, ScaleUp programme, Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness Directorate.

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