Swiss Aerospace Ventures

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ESA BIC Startups in Switzerland: Incubatees & Alumni (2026)

Last updated · 20 companies · compiled from public data sources

Switzerland hosts 20 ESA BIC-supported aerospace and space technology startups spanning propulsion, satellite systems, in-orbit services, and ground infrastructure. The cohort includes 15 alumni and 2 current incubatees, with companies distributed across cities including Lausanne, Zurich, and Renens, addressing demand for advanced materials, AI-driven engineering, and orbital logistics.

Recent funding rounds demonstrate investor confidence in this ecosystem. Neural Concept closed a $100M Series C from Goldman Sachs Alternatives, while PAVE Space raised $40M for in-orbit logistics. Across the portfolio, companies pursue EC contributions, venture capital, and government contracts to develop capabilities in edge computing, hydrogen propulsion, photonics, and autonomous space operations.

  1. 1.

    Neural Concept

    Lausanne · €127M disclosed funding

    AI-powered platform that optimizes product design and simulation across industries including aerospace. Raised $100M Series C led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives in 2025, building on earlier $27M Series B, positioning it as a top-funded ESA BIC alumnus.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentspropulsionRead more

    Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  2. 2.

    PAVE Space

    Villeneuve · founded 2024 · €40M disclosed funding

    Develops in-space logistics and propulsion systems for orbital deployment and positioning. Founded in 2024, secured $40M in seed funding from Visionaries Club and Creandum, and recently won the 2026 PERL Trophy as a current ESA BIC incubatee.

    ESA BIC incubateecomponentsin-orbit-servicespropulsionsatellitesRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  3. 3.

    EH Group Engineering

    Nyon · founded 2017 · €21.8M disclosed funding

    Manufactures compact hydrogen fuel cell stacks for marine, aviation, and space power applications. Raised $16.8M Series A from Safran Group and others, with recent approvals and product launches demonstrating path toward commercial deployment.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentspropulsionsatellitesRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  4. 4.

    Involi

    Lausanne · €385k disclosed funding

    Operates real-time air traffic surveillance platform and receiver network for drone operations and airspace management. Secured multiple European research grants and selected as finalist in GENIUS NY accelerator, partnering with airport operators for urban air mobility.

    ESA BIC alumnievtolground-segmentnavigationsatellitesRead more

    Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  5. 5.

    Klepsydra Technologies

    Zug · €386k disclosed funding

    Develops edge AI software framework for space, robotics, and aerospace with ESA qualification pathway. Received significant EC contributions through Horizon projects and announced strategic partnerships with BrainChip and Firefly Aerospace for space computing applications.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentsroboticssatellitesspace-dataRead more

    Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  6. 6.

    Menhir Photonics

    Dübendorf · founded 2018 · €1.3M disclosed funding

    Produces ultrafast femtosecond laser systems for timing, quantum technology, and microwave generation in space and terrestrial applications. Secured Air Force SBIR Phase II funding, NASA contracts, and opened new production facility for next-generation laser manufacturing.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentssatellitesRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  7. 7.

    Onocoy

    €940k disclosed funding

    Operates decentralized GNSS correction data network using blockchain for high-precision positioning services. Closed $940K strategic funding round with ESA participation in 2024 and won TOP 100 Public Award at Swiss Startup Awards.

    ESA BIC alumniground-segmentnavigationsatellitesspace-dataRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  8. 8.

    Clearspace

    Renens · founded 2018 · €50k disclosed funding

    Provides in-orbit servicing for satellite inspection, life extension, and debris removal missions. Announced PRELUDE mission partnership with ESA and completed Phase 2 of CLEAR program, combining robotics with space infrastructure sustainability.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentsin-orbit-servicesroboticssatellitesRead more

    Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  9. 9.

    Diramics

    Steinhaussen · founded 2016 · €103k disclosed funding

    Manufactures ultra-low-noise pHEMT transistors and amplifiers for space ground stations and satellite communications. Received funding from Horizon 2020, ESA BIC Switzerland, and ETH Zurich to advance RF component capabilities.

    ESA BIC alumnicommunicationscomponentsearth-observationground-segmentRead more

    Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  10. 10.

    Prometheus Life Technologies

    Dübendorf · founded 2018 · €266k disclosed funding

    Develops human tissue organoids in microgravity for pharmaceutical testing and regenerative medicine applications. Won 3rd Humans In Space Challenge and secured seed funding from ESA BIC, supporting commercialization of space-based biotech.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentshuman-spaceflightmaterialsRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  11. 11.

    NovoViz

    Neuchâtel · €150k disclosed funding

    Manufactures single-photon image sensors for high-sensitivity camera systems in aerospace and quantum imaging. Launched first SPAD camera to space and received CHF 150K Venture Kick award to advance computational imaging capabilities.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentssatellitesRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  12. 12.

    DPhi

    €150k disclosed funding

    Operates on-orbit compute platform hosting hardware payloads and software workloads on shared satellites. Launched Clustergate-1 aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 in 2025 and signed new partnership with Momentus for expanding satellite service infrastructure.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentsin-orbit-servicessatellitesspace-dataRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  13. 13.

    Coactum

    Bex · €242k disclosed funding

    Develops satellite positioning and movement solutions for Earth orbit operations and high-altitude access. Received ESA BIC Switzerland incubation support to advance in-space transportation capabilities.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentsin-orbit-servicespropulsionsatellitesRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  14. 14.

    Chirp Light

    Thalwil · €234 disclosed funding

    Creates 4D FMCW LIDAR sensor technology for autonomous spacecraft navigation and docking in extreme lighting conditions. Currently incubating through ESA BIC Switzerland to commercialize compact sensor solutions.

    ESA BIC incubateecomponentsin-orbit-servicesnavigationsatellitesRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  15. 15.

    Ligentec

    Ecublens · founded 2016

    Manufacturer of photonic integrated circuits for LiDAR, datacom, quantum computing, and space communications applications. Received Horizon project funding and announced expanded partnership with X-FAB for integrated photonics manufacturing.

    ESA BIC alumnicommunicationscomponentsnavigationsatellitesRead more

    Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  16. 16.

    Spacetek Technology

    Gümligen · founded 2008 · €15 disclosed funding

    Develops time-of-flight mass spectrometers for semiconductor manufacturing and space mission monitoring. Closed CHF 9.6M financing round in 2025 with technology fund and loan guarantee support to expand global operations.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentsspace-dataRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  17. 17.

    Flybotix

    Switzerland · founded 2019 · €10 disclosed funding

    Manufactures inspection drones for confined spaces with extended flight times and AI analytics, supporting planetary missions and industrial applications. Raised $10M Series A extension in 2025 to expand inspection platform capabilities.

    ESA BIC alumninavigationroboticssatellitesRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  18. 18.

    CYSEC

    Lausanne · €6 disclosed funding

    Provides cybersecurity solutions for satellite systems and confidential computing applications. Secured CHF 4M seed extension and multiple contracts including 2025 French Space Agency CNES award, advancing secure space communications.

    ESA BIC alumnicommunicationscomponentsground-segmentsatellitesRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  19. 19.

    Rigi Technologies

    Lausanne · €4 disclosed funding

    Develops VTOL drone delivery system with cloud-based logistics management for hospitals, warehouses, and businesses. Recent partnerships with Volatus Aerospace and XTI Aerospace demonstrate commercial traction in medical and enterprise logistics.

    ESA BIC alumniearth-observationevtolRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  20. 20.

    CompPair Technologies

    Lausanne · founded 2020 · €1 disclosed funding

    Creates self-healing composite materials and repair technology for aerospace and mobility applications. Secured series funding in 2026 with strategic partners and announced collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space for next-generation satellite composites.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentslaunchmaterialsRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

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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.

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