Startup Rankings
Top Aerospace Startups in Vaud 2026
Last updated · 13 companies · compiled from public data sources
Vaud's aerospace startup ecosystem encompasses 13 companies spanning satellite operations, propulsion systems, materials science, and airspace management. The region hosts a mix of early-stage ventures and more mature firms, with most participating in ESA BIC programs and drawing support from both Swiss and international investors.
These startups address specific challenges in orbital logistics, in-space servicing, composite durability, and drone operations. Funding patterns show significant capital deployment, from seed-stage European grants to substantial Series rounds backed by specialized aerospace investors and strategic partners.
- 1.
Neural Concept
Lausanne · €254.1M disclosed funding
Neural Concept develops AI-powered software for engineering design and simulation across multiple industries. The company recently closed a $100 million Series C led by Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, with renewed collaboration with Airbus supporting its aerospace applications.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 2.
Ligentec
Ecublens · founded 2016 · €49.1M disclosed funding
Ligentec manufactures photonic integrated circuits for LiDAR, datacom, quantum computing, and space communications. Founded in 2016 in Ecublens, the company has received support from EU-funded silicon photonics consortiums and received the Scale-Up Vaud 2026 Label Award.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 3.
PAVE Space
Villeneuve · founded 2024 · €240M disclosed funding
PAVE Space provides in-space logistics and propulsion systems for orbital operations. The 2024-founded startup secured a $40 million seed round led by Visionaries Club and Creandum, and was ranked third at the Top100 Swiss Startup Award 2026.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 4.
EH Group Engineering
Nyon · founded 2017 · €75.9M disclosed funding
EH Group Engineering develops hydrogen fuel cell stacks and systems for marine, aviation, and stationary power applications, with space and ground-based uses. The Nyon-based company has raised over $32 million from investors including Google Accelerator and Safran Group.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 5.
Involi
Lausanne · €4.3M disclosed funding
Involi operates a real-time air traffic surveillance platform and receiver network for drone operations and airspace management. Based in Lausanne, the firm is part of SAFIR-Ready, a SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking project focused on safe urban air mobility.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 6.
Flybotix
Switzerland · founded 2019 · €10M disclosed funding
Flybotix manufactures inspection drones for confined spaces with extended flight times and AI analytics capabilities. The company secured approximately $10 million in Series A extension funding in September 2025 to expand global deployment of its ASIO X drone inspections.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 7.
CYSEC
Lausanne · €6.5M disclosed funding
CYSEC provides cybersecurity solutions for satellite systems and confidential computing applications. The Lausanne-based firm raised CHF 4 million in seed extension funding led by Line Break Capital to support growth in digital assets and edge computing.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 8.
CompPair Technologies
Lausanne · founded 2020 · €6.2M disclosed funding
CompPair Technologies develops self-healing composite materials and repair technology for aerospace and mobility applications. Founded in 2020, the company has secured Series A funding and recently received new investment to accelerate market deployment, including a partnership with SBB.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 9.
Coactum
Bex · €3.5M disclosed funding
Coactum develops satellite positioning and movement solutions for Earth orbit operations, enabling in-space transportation with small satellites. The Bex-based firm received ESA Boost co-funding for propellant storage system development.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 10.
Clearspace
Renens · founded 2018 · €51k disclosed funding
ClearSpace operates an in-orbit servicing company for satellite inspection, life extension, and debris removal missions. Founded in 2018, the company secured ESA backing for the Phoenix RPO mission and raised 26.7 million euros in 2023 for sustainable space operations.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 11.
EM Path
Renens · €700k disclosed funding
EM Path provides RF testing solutions for antenna and phased array characterization without requiring bulky anechoic chambers. The ESA BIC current member has raised approximately $400,000 from seed funding and was included in the Top Satellite Startups in Switzerland 2026 list.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 12.
Cfs Engineering
Lausanne · €2M disclosed funding
CFS Engineering delivers computational fluids and structures engineering services for aerospace and engineering applications. The Lausanne-based firm participates in multiple European research projects including AGILE 4.0 and has received substantial H2020 contributions.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
- 13.
Rigi Technologies
Lausanne · €13 disclosed funding
Rigi Technologies develops VTOL drone delivery systems with cloud-based logistics management platforms for linking hospitals, warehouses, and businesses. The Lausanne startup's Eiger delivery drone was added to XTI Aerospace's enterprise portfolio in 2026.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
Have we missed your startup?
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.