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

AI-powered engineering platform that accelerates product design and simulation for complex engineering challenges. Recently closed USD 100 million Series C led by Goldman Sachs Growth Equity and announced an AI Design Copilot at CES 2026.

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

Manufactures photonic integrated circuits for LiDAR, datacom, quantum computing, and space communications applications. Awarded Scale-Up Vaud 2026 label and partners in the EUR 15 million PhotonHub PHACTORY initiative for integrated photonics scaling.

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

Develops in-space logistics and propulsion systems for orbital operations and satellite deployment. Recently raised USD 40 million in seed funding and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ESA for in-space infrastructure development.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Provides real-time air traffic surveillance and ADS-B receiver networks for drone operations and airspace management. Announced VistaTrack and recently explored U.S. manufacturing partnerships to expand commercial operations.

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

Developer of compact, robust hydrogen fuel cell stacks for marine, aviation, and stationary power applications on Earth and in space. Raised USD 16.8 million in Series A led by Safran Group and HyAccelerator.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Provides edge AI software framework for space, robotics, and aerospace applications with ESA qualification. Recently partnered with BrainChip for neuromorphic edge AI and collaborates with Ramon Space and ETH Zurich on innovative space projects.

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

Operates a decentralized GNSS correction data network using blockchain technology to deliver high-precision positioning services. Secured USD 1.5 million non-dilutive grant from ESA NAVISP Element 2 for AI-powered fraud detection.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Manufactures inspection drones for confined spaces with extended flight times and AI analytics, targeting planetary missions and industrial Earth applications. Closed approximately USD 10 million Series A extension in 2025 to accelerate global deployment.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Single-photon imaging sensor manufacturer producing SPAD sensors for high-sensitivity, high-speed camera systems in aerospace and quantum imaging applications. Secured FIT funding and completed seed financing to advance computational imaging.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Brings time-of-flight mass spectrometer technology from space missions into industrial process monitoring for semiconductor manufacturing and fluid/gas surveillance. Secured CHF 9.6 million in growth financing combining equity and loan support from Technologiefonds and UBS in 2025.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Develops on-Earth and in-orbit 3D printing systems for high-performance polymer space components using liquid crystal polymers. Secured strategic investment from Japanese partner Polyplastics to advance manufacturing capabilities.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Manufactures safe, compact, and affordable metal 3D printing systems designed for the space industry and industrial applications. Completed seed VC round led by QBIT Capital with Zurich Cantonal Bank participation in 2025.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Manufactures ultra-low-noise pHEMT transistors and amplifiers for space ground stations and satellite communications receivers. Joins EU-funded Move2THz project and receives support from Horizon 2020 and ESA BIC Switzerland.

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

Develops self-healing composite materials and repair technology for aerospace and mobility applications enabling ultra-fast repair on Earth and in space. Received new funding in 2026 to boost market deployment and secured FIT support for sustainable composite development.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Manufactures industrial-grade ultrafast femtosecond laser systems for timing, quantum technology, and microwave generation in Earth and space applications. Unveiled new production facility for mass-manufacturing next-generation ultrafast lasers and secured growth loan in 2024.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Provides cybersecurity solutions for satellite systems and confidential computing applications, addressing secure telecommunications and data handling in space and ground segments. Won EUR 100,000 prize in EUSPA CASSINI Challenges and partnered with FENTISS on space cybersecurity.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Develops satellite positioning and movement solutions for in-space transportation, enabling access to high Earth orbits and beyond. Received ESA Boost program co-funding for propellant storage system development.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Operates an on-orbit compute platform that hosts hardware payloads and software workloads on shared satellites, simplifying access to space. Raised CHF 2.1 million in pre-seed funding and launched Clustergate-1 aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 in March 2025.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Develops 4D FMCW LiDAR sensor technology for autonomous spacecraft approach, docking, and navigation in extreme lighting conditions. Received ESA BIC grant funding for sensor development and listed among top aerospace components startups in Switzerland 2026.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Develops human tissue organoids in microgravity for pharmaceutical testing and regenerative medicine applications in space. Won Orbital Reef's Reef Starter Innovation Challenge and received seed funding from ESA Business Incubation Centre Switzerland.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC