Startup Rankings
Top Satellite Startups in Switzerland 2026
Last updated · 20 companies · compiled from public data sources
Switzerland hosts a diverse network of 20 satellite and space technology startups, concentrated in regions like the Lausanne-Geneva corridor and Zurich. The majority are ESA BIC alumni or current members, reflecting strong ties to the European space ecosystem and consistent access to European grants and support programs.
The companies span components manufacturing, ground-segment infrastructure, in-orbit services, and space data applications. Funding patterns show a mix of early-stage venture capital, non-dilutive ESA and Horizon Europe grants, and strategic corporate investments, with recent activity concentrated in propulsion systems, edge computing for space, and in-orbit servicing capabilities.
- 1.
PAVE Space
Villeneuve · founded 2024 · €80M disclosed funding
PAVE Space provides in-space logistics and propulsion systems to enable orbital operations and satellite deployment. Founded in 2024 and based in Villeneuve, the company raised a significant seed round and is a current ESA BIC member.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 2.
EH Group Engineering
Nyon · founded 2017 · €43.6M disclosed funding
EH Group Engineering develops compact hydrogen fuel cell systems for marine, aviation, and space power applications. The Nyon-based company, founded in 2017, has secured multiple funding rounds and is an ESA BIC alumni member.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 3.
Involi
Lausanne · €885k disclosed funding
Involi operates a real-time air traffic surveillance platform and receiver network for drone operations and airspace management from Lausanne. The company has secured European grants and recently launched services in Dallas while expanding partnerships.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 4.
Klepsydra Technologies
Zug · €386k disclosed funding
Klepsydra Technologies creates edge AI software frameworks for space, robotics, and aerospace applications with ESA qualification. Based in Zug, the company has received Horizon Europe awards and recently established a strategic partnership with BrainChip Holdings.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 5.
Onocoy
€5.8M disclosed funding
Onocoy operates a decentralized GNSS correction data network using blockchain for high-precision positioning services. The company received a significant non-dilutive grant from ESA NAVISP Element 2 in 2025 and has attracted strategic Web3 and GPS industry investors.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 6.
NovoViz
Neuchâtel · €4.3M disclosed funding
NovoViz manufactures single-photon image sensors (SPAD) for high-sensitivity camera systems used in aerospace and quantum imaging. The Neuchatel-based company has raised total funding including grants and equity, and recently achieved a historic first by launching a SPAD camera into space.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 7.
NematX
Zurich · founded 2020 · €3.6M disclosed funding
NematX produces high-precision 3D printers using liquid crystal polymers for aerospace and industrial applications, with capabilities for on-earth and in-orbit manufacturing. The Zurich company, founded in 2020, recently secured strategic investment from Japanese partner Polyplastics.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 8.
DPhi
€2.3M disclosed funding
DPhi provides an on-orbit compute platform that hosts hardware payloads and software workloads on shared satellites to make space access simpler. The company raised a pre-seed round and recently ran the first AI language model aboard an orbiting satellite.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 9.
Diramics
Steinhaussen · founded 2016 · €185k disclosed funding
Diramics manufactures ultra-low-noise pHEMT transistors and amplifiers for space ground stations and satellite communications. Based in Steinhaussen and founded in 2016, the company has received grants from Horizon 2020 and ESA BIC Switzerland.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 10.
Menhir Photonics
Dübendorf · founded 2018 · €1.3M disclosed funding
Menhir Photonics develops ultrafast femtosecond laser systems for timing, quantum technology, and microwave generation applications. The Dubendorf company, founded in 2018, has received US Air Force grants and recently unveiled a new facility for mass production.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 11.
Coactum
Bex · €1.1M disclosed funding
Coactum develops satellite positioning and movement solutions for Earth orbit operations, enabling access to high Earth orbits and beyond. Based in Bex, the company received ESA Boost co-funding for propellant storage system development.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 12.
Clearspace
Renens · founded 2018 · €50k disclosed funding
Clearspace provides in-orbit servicing including satellite inspection, life extension, and debris removal missions. The Renens company, founded in 2018, has ESA service contracts and recently launched consolidation of a GEO life extension mission.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 13.
EM Path
Renens · €150k disclosed funding
EM Path offers an RF testing solution for antenna and phased array characterization that eliminates the need for traditional anechoic chambers. The Renens startup is a current ESA BIC member and received Venture Kick seed funding.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 14.
Chirp Light
Thalwil · €234k disclosed funding
Chirp Light develops 4D FMCW LIDAR sensor technology for autonomous navigation and approach-docking in space applications. Based in Thalwil, the company is a current ESA BIC member and received investment through ESA BIC Switzerland.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 15.
Saphyrion SaGL
Bioggio · €838k disclosed funding
Saphyrion SaGL designs and manufactures radiation-hardened ASICs and GNSS systems for space applications. The Bioggio company has participated in multiple Horizon 2020 projects focused on authentication, positioning, and secure navigation.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
- 16.
Sarmap
Purasca · founded 1998 · €175k disclosed funding
Sarmap develops Earth observation software and services using SAR and optical remote sensing data. Founded in 1998 in Purasca, the company has received H2020 contributions and recently presented at EUSAR 2026.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
- 17.
Flybotix
Switzerland · founded 2019 · €41 disclosed funding
Flybotix manufactures inspection drones for confined spaces with extended flight times and AI analytics capabilities, applicable to planetary missions. The Swiss company, founded in 2019, recently secured close to USD 10 million in a Series A extension round.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 18.
Ligentec
Ecublens · founded 2016
Ligentec manufactures photonic integrated circuits for applications including LiDAR, datacom, quantum computing, and space communications. The Ecublens company, founded in 2016, received Horizon Europe support and recently joined the Swiss Quantum Hub.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 19.
CYSEC
Lausanne · €18 disclosed funding
CYSEC provides cybersecurity solutions for satellite systems and confidential computing applications. The Lausanne-based startup is an ESA BIC alumni member and recently secured contracts including one from the French Space Agency CNES.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 20.
Gamma Remote Sensing Research And Consulting
Gumligen · founded 1995
Gamma Remote Sensing develops SAR software and microwave remote sensing instruments for research and commercial applications. Founded in 1995 in Gumligen, the company has participated in Horizon projects related to carbon monitoring and positioning.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
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Companies are ranked by a composite score of disclosed funding, programme participation (ESA BIC, EU research projects), cross-source presence, and data recency, all compiled from public sources. If your aerospace startup belongs on this list, sign up and we'll review it for the next update.