ESA title

Transforming Earth Observation in Actions for the human prosperity

MISSION

ESA Φ-lab accelerates the future of Earth Observation (EO) through disruptive and transformational innovation, aiming to strengthen the world-leading competitiveness of the European EO industrial and scientific sectors

We firmly believe in the potential of truly transformative ideas and the power of compelling partnerships to accelerate the future of Earth observation

HOW WE WORK

Our core strength lies in our ability to connect people and ideas. We foster and generate transformative ideas, nurture and mature a select few and evolve them into practical solutions or products that generate traction. For innovation with a strong commercial appeal, we provide investment and technical support through the InCubed programme, ensuring a supported journey to market adoption.

ESA Φ-lab uniquely manages the entire innovation cycle, spanning from blue-sky ideas to tangible impacts within the commercial, scientific and NGO communities; we discover, nurture, mature, fund, and finally generate impact.

STEP I

Discover

Foster blue-sky transformative ideas

STEP II

Nurture

Nurture good ideas

STEP III

Mature

Evolve solutions through a fail-fast approach

STEP IV

Fund

Financially support and develop solutions

STEP V

Impact

Foster entrepreneurial initiatives. Achieve innovation adoption

NEWS

ESA Φ-lab and Altair join forces to drive innovation in Earth observation
October 31 | 2024

ESA Φ-lab and Altair join forces to drive innovation in Earth observation

MAPTCHA – a platform where citizen science meets Earth observation for fast emergency responses
October 24 | 2024

MAPTCHA – a platform where citizen science meets Earth observation for fast emergency responses

EO MakerSpace: crafting the future of smarter Earth observation systems
September 27 | 2024

EO MakerSpace: crafting the future of smarter Earth observation systems

Catalysing new space ventures with ESA’s Earth Observation Commercialisation Forum
September 26 | 2024

Catalysing new space ventures with ESA’s Earth Observation Commercialisation Forum

Unlocking Earth Observation commercial opportunities in Spain: new ESA InCubed funding cycle
August 28 | 2024

Unlocking Earth Observation commercial opportunities in Spain: new ESA InCubed funding cycle

Two Φ-lab supported satellites, ESA Φsat-2 and SmartSat CRC Kanyini, take AI to new heights
August 27 | 2024

Two Φ-lab supported satellites, ESA Φsat-2 and SmartSat CRC Kanyini, take AI to new heights

AgriKOPA is enhancing smallholder agriculture with Earth observation
July 25 | 2024

AgriKOPA is enhancing smallholder agriculture with Earth observation

ESA and UK Space Agency announce new funding call
July 22 | 2024

ESA and UK Space Agency announce new funding call

ESA Φ-lab synergises with SmartSat CRC for Earth observation advancements
June 14 | 2024

ESA Φ-lab synergises with SmartSat CRC for Earth observation advancements

Φ-lab leads the way for new ChatGPT-style tools for Earth observation
June 11 | 2024

Φ-lab leads the way for new ChatGPT-style tools for Earth observation

Global storm surge forecasting: creating early warning models with AI4EO
May 27 | 2024

Global storm surge forecasting: creating early warning models with AI4EO

Φ-lab gives major impetus to ESA-ECMWF ML4ESOP workshop
May 21 | 2024

Φ-lab gives major impetus to ESA-ECMWF ML4ESOP workshop

Dedicated InCubed national calls give rise to innovative EO development activities
May 15 | 2024

Dedicated InCubed national calls give rise to innovative EO development activities

Applying artificial intelligence to raw satellite imagery for time-critical applications
May 10 | 2024

Applying artificial intelligence to raw satellite imagery for time-critical applications

AI in Earth observation: a force for good
May 09 | 2024

AI in Earth observation: a force for good

Φ-lab’s continuing EO innovation drives AI-derived methane detection
April 22 | 2024

Φ-lab’s continuing EO innovation drives AI-derived methane detection

READ ALL NEWS

WE EXPLORE

ESA Φ-lab explores innovative technologies to revolutionise and accelerate the future of EO.

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WE INVEST

Our aim is to fill the gap between your innovative idea and the market. We provide financial, technical and business support that will help not only to develop your product and business up to entering the market but also to simplify access to risk-capital investment.

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OUR PEOPLE

Connecting people and ideas is at the very heart of what we do. We collaborate with innovators, academia, research centres, national space centres, industry and private investors from all around the world, aiming to become a key influencer for transformational innovation in the EO ecosystem.

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