Ireland’s First European Space Agency ‘Phi-Lab’ opens in Mullingar

Ruth Mackey of Mbryonics, Aubrey Dunne of Ubotica, enterprise minister Peter Burke, Dietmar Pilz, ESA, Philip Thomas, ESA, and Barry Kennedy, IMR at the official opening of the European Space Agency ‘Phi-Lab’, in Mullingar. Picture: Patrick Browne

A company using AI technology for maritime intelligence and surveillance is one of two firms to be supported by Ireland’s first European Space Agency (ESA) commercial laboratory.

The ESA ‘Phi-Lab’ was officially opened at Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, by enterprise minister Peter Burke.

The laboratory is part of a €170m Government investment in the ESA over the next five years.

The centre aims to assist companies to create the “next generation” of space technologies and bring research and commerce together.

Two companies are the first ones to be supported by the initiative after an ‘open call’ competition last year.

One is Ubotica Technologies, which works in maritime intelligence and surveillance, an area of increasing importance in terms of Ireland’s national security.

The Dublin company, which also has offices in Spain and Netherlands, uses AI in systems that can provide intelligence from the sea-floor to space.

The second company is Mbryonics, located in Galway, which specialises in optic and photonic satellite communications.

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

"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 €170m commitment to ESA over the next five years is about ensuring Ireland plays a leading role in Europe’s space future.” 

He announced a second open call for companies who are seeking to grow in the European space market and bring innovations to testing and scaled production.

IMR chief executive Barry Kennedy said: “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 commercialised for global impact. 

"Ultimately, this is about translating world-class research into real economic and societal value.” 

The laboratory brings together academics in advanced materials science, bio-engineering and industry to develop new materials and devices for the ICT, medical devices, energy and sustainable industrial technology sectors.

The launch in Mullingar follows the publication of Ireland’s National Space Strategy for Enterprise in 2019. 

An estimated 120 space-active companies now work with ESA in Ireland.