FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN I APPLY?
To determine your eligibility, please use our Eligibility Checklist. Generally, applicants must be a Dutch legal entity (such as an SME, Industry, Research Organisation, or University), or the proposed activities must have a significant impact in the Netherlands. We also recommend attending our Info Sessions and submitting an Idea Outline. Check the Application Steps section for a step-by-step overview of the application procedure.
HOW MUCH FUNDING DOES PHI-LAB NETHERLANDS PROVIDE PER PROJECT?
Phi-Lab Netherlands provides a financial innovation incentive of €200,000 EUR per project.
WHAT CAN THE FINANCIAL INCENTIVE BE SPENT ON?
The financial incentive can be spent on the following:
- Staff costs (up to 50% of the total budget).
- Subcontracting costs.
- Access to data sources or intellectual property.
- Materials, equipment, and facilities (equipment remains the property of Phi-Lab Netherlands).
- Travel, subsistence, and accommodation costs.
DO I NEED TO SUBMIT AN IDEA OUTLINE?
Submitting an Idea Outline is optional, but it is strongly recommended.
HOW CAN I ACCESS FACILITIES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY PARTNERS?
Access to facilities and services offered by partners will be arranged by Phi-Lab management upon request from your team.
HOW IS IP DEALT WITH?
Our approach to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) management is as follows:
- Research teams may bring existing intellectual property (IP) from their university into the project. This “background IP” remains under the management of the originating university, ensuring that pre-existing rights are respected and seamlessly integrated into the new research.
- New, foreground IP generated during the funded projects remains with the research team or the associated commercial entity or spinoff. This approach encourages teams to innovate freely, knowing that they retain ownership of their discoveries.
- Phi-Lab Netherlands does not hold any IPR from the projects. However, it retains a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use any generated IP for educational and research purposes. This license is strictly limited to research in regional, national, and European projects executed with public funding, ensuring that NL Phi-Lab can contribute to further scientific advancement without impeding the commercialisation process.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PHI-LAB NETHERLANDS AND ESA BIC?
The key differences between Phi-Lab Netherlands and ESA BIC are as follows:
- If you want to start your own company, use ESA BIC. If you are interesting in developing a new technology and not necessarily turning it into a business yourself, then consider Phi-Lab Netherlands. Phi-Lab Netherlands projects may lead to the creation of a new company, but that is not necessary.
- Related to the previous point, if your business model is fully developed, ESA BIC is more suitable. If it is still in the early stages, Phi-Lab Netherlands may be a better fit.
- If you have a strong understanding of your market, ESA BIC is recommended. If your market knowledge is still developing, consider Phi-Lab.
- ESA BIC applications usually relies on technology at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) typically be between 4 and 6, while Phi-Lab Netherlands can rely on technology at any TRL.
WHAT ARE THE EVALUATION CRITERIA?
For detailed information on the evaluation criteria, please refer to the Call for Projects and Application Documents.
HOW LONG IS THE PROJECT PERIOD?
The project period typically lasts 18 months, with a maximum duration of up to 24 months.
WHERE WILL PHI-LAB NETHERLANDS PROJECTS BE EXECUTED?
The core activities of the project will take place at NL Space Campus. Discussions at coffee break are idea multipliers. You are expected to work at the NL Space Campus for at least two days a week to help foster a creative and collaborative research environment.
WHERE CAN GET MORE INFORMATION?
Email us at phi-lab@nlspacecampus.eu.
