ESA launches space innovation hub in Austria

The newly opened center will prioritize the enhancement of space manufacturing capabilities, including the development of new materials, propulsion systems, and the construction of spacecraft and satellites.

The Austrian 'Phi-Lab' will collaborate with local companies, European partners that contribute value to Austria, and academic institutions. It is managed by accent, a high-tech incubator in Lower Austria, in conjunction with Brimatech, tecnet-tt, Enspace, and Vienna Airport, which provides the office space.

ESA's involvement with Phi-Lab Austria includes coordinating the center's operations, selecting initial projects, and integrating ESA's expertise with these endeavors. A call for project ideas is set to open shortly, with the first round of seed funding awards scheduled for June.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by ESA, which plans to open similar 'Phi-Labs' across Europe. These labs are designed to facilitate the sharing of ideas and resources, advancing sustainable commercial ventures through agile, iterative research.

Complementing these labs are ESA's existing networks of business incubation centers and technology brokers. These networks aid companies from the conceptual stage through to market entry and are already making a significant impact, with one such center in Austria supporting 17 companies and 48 alumni since its inception in 2016.

Josef Aschbacher, Director General of ESA, commented, "During my time as Director of Earth observation at ESA, I introduced the Phi-Lab concept to commercialise space by accelerating the use of Earth observation data through transformational and disruptive innovations. With the opening of Phi-Lab Austria, we will expand this concept to all areas of space, bringing together key players with different areas of expertise, backgrounds and communities. ESA wishes this new space innovation centre in Austria lots of success, drive and creative inspiration."