How to Apply
The webpage describes the application process for Phi-Lab Poland
1. Check the requirements
Please download the open call documentation and check the FAQs and make sure that your project meets the requirements of the call (all documents are available in Proposal Submission System available at the bottom of the page).
2. Get in touch with the ESA Phi-Lab Team
Complete the pre-proposal form and benefit from our feedback (sending us your project idea via email). We will aim to reply within 4 business days.
3. Apply for the ESA Phi-Lab Poland program
Download the open call documentation, fill out the research proposal application template and send it through our dedicated system before the deadline.
4. Evaluation process
Applications passing the tender opening board (TOB) will be invited for presentations at the ESA Phi-Lab Poland tender evaluation board (TEB). The evaluation process is conducted in two stages.
Stage 1: Following the submission deadline, the Tender Opening Board (TOB) reviews the applications to verify compliance with all formal requirements.
Stage 2: After completion of the TOB, the Tender Evaluation Board (TEB) reviews the submitted documentation as well as the applicants' performance during the pitch and Q&A session. The TEB evaluates each applicant against the established evaluation criteria and decides whether the company will be invited to sign a contract. The TEB is managed by PUT, WUT, and ESA.
The TEB meeting typically takes place approximately one month after the submission deadline. Applicants are informed of the results shortly thereafter.
5. Launch Project
Project initiated with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply to the ESA Phi-Lab open call?
Applications must be submitted by a legal entity, either independently or leading a consortium of legal entities (e.g., SMEs, large organisations, research institutes and universities) - registered in Poland or delivering a clear benefit to Poland.
2. How to apply to the ESA Phi-Lab Poland open call?
Full application documentation and submission instructions are available on the Apply page. Please read all documents carefully, including the requirements checklist.
3. How much funding can I get?
The ESA Phi-Lab Poland will be funding research projects that request an ESA Innovation Seed Funding between €200,000 and €250,000.
4. What types of costs or activities are eligible under the financial incentive?
It can be spent on the following:
- Staff costs.
- Subcontracting costs.
- Access to data sources or intellectual property.
- Materials, equipment, and facilities.
- Travel, subsistence, and accommodation costs.
5. What support can I get from the ESA Phi-Lab Poland?
You will receive the ESA Innovation Seed Funding and access to resources that will further support your project.
6. What should be the duration of my project?
The duration of your research project should be up to 24 months.
7. What is the theme of ESA Phi-Lab Poland?
The theme is Autonomy, Space Robotics, AI, Intelligent Systems for Space Exploration and Earth Applications.
8. What does it mean that an entity must be in contact with ESA Phi-Lab prior to submitting an application?
Contact refers to submitting a pre-proposal and holding an online meeting to discuss the project's main assumptions.
9. Is it possible to apply to other ESA Phi-Labs as well?
Yes, that is a possibility for some of the other ESA member states. We advise you to check specific tender conditions of the other Phi-Labs (Austria, Netherlands, Switzerland, UK, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Spain, Sweden).
Proposal Submission System
A list of available proposals, along with their details and related documents, is placed in the Proposal Submission System.
