Welcome to the European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESDI), Switzerland

Phi-Lab Switzerland is the first platform for research at ESDI, driving innovation in space deep-tech.

Where Deep-Tech Meets Space

European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre ESDI

The European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESDI) is a Centre of Excellence initiated by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Switzerland. It is implemented under leadership of ESA in collaboration with the Paul Scherrer Institute. Its aim is to accelerate the commercial adoption and availability of deep-tech for the benefit of ESA, its Member States, and the broader European space sector. 

The Phi-Lab at ESDI

The Phi-Lab at the European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESDI) aspires to transform breakthrough science into real-world solutions. The approach based on use-inspired research, combined with deep-tech competence in our ecosystem, promises that developments are scientifically excellent, commercially relevant and have potential market impact. We expect that this accelerates progress from laboratory demonstrations to market-ready products that meet the demanding standards of space, but also terrestrial applications.

Phi-lab

Quantum

What if every satellite could carry a quantum sensor the size of a shoebox?

Quantum sensors can revolutionize industries with atomic precision but are limited to labs; the Phi-Lab at ESDI seeks innovative solutions to make them commercially viable for space applications by improving compactness, performance, and reliability.

The call for proposals closed on May 1st

 

Phi-lab

Materials

Call for Conundrums

ESA launches the “Call for Conundrums in Materials” Submit your idea until July 23rd. 

Materials Workshop

Join on us July 3rd for a Material worskhop with ESDI at Park Innovaare.

PHI-LAB

Data

Information regarding the upcoming call scheduled for 2026.

MORE INFORMATION TO COME

ESDI Team

Johann Richard
Head of Esdi
ESA
Jennifer Wadsworth
Head of Phi-Lab
Programme Manager Quantum and Data
PSI
Markus Schölmerich
Programme Manager
Materials, Phi-Lab
Psi
Mathilde Henrioud
Marketing and Communications
Programme Support
Psi

News

Stay informed with the latest updates from ESDI and the Phi-Lab. Our news cover a range of topics, including research programs, space technologies, and updates from our initiatives.

ESA Newsroom: N° 29–2025: Inauguration of the European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESDI) – first ESA presence in Switzerland
ESA Newsroom: N° 29–2025: Inauguration of the European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESDI) – first ESA presence in Switzerland
PSI News: ESA Centre of Excellence opens in Switzerland
PSI News: ESA Centre of Excellence opens in Switzerland
Swiss Industry Day on CM25 Future PNT Demonstrators in Villigen
Swiss Industry Day on CM25 Future PNT Demonstrators in Villigen

Connect with ESDI

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Get in Touch with ESDI

We appreciate your interest in ESDI. Kindly complete the form, and we will respond to your inquiry promptly. 

For questions related to open calls, please visit the call page on the Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP).

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Johann Richard
Head of Esdi
ESA