Startup Rankings
Top Aerospace Startups in Zurich 2026
Last updated · 5 companies · compiled from public data sources
Zurich hosts a cluster of five aerospace startups spanning advanced manufacturing, photonics, and space-based biotech. These companies focus heavily on components and materials innovation, with four holding ESA BIC alumni or current status.
The group has attracted funding from venture capital, business angels, and government grants, with recent activity including a 2.63 million USD seed round and strategic partnerships. Recent news highlights expansion into new facilities and recognition in industry rankings.
- 1.
NematX
Zurich · founded 2020 · €14.2M disclosed funding
NematX develops on-earth and in-orbit 3D printing systems for polymer space components using liquid crystal polymers. Founded in 2020, the company has raised over 1.4 million USD and has received backing from Polyplastics and the W. A. de Vigier Foundation. In July 2024, NematX secured a strategic investment from a Japanese partner.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 2.
a-metal
Zurich · €8.2M disclosed funding
a-metal manufactures compact metal 3D printing machines designed for the space industry. The company is currently participating in the ESA Business Incubation Centre program and recently closed a 2.63 million USD seed round led by QBIT Capital with participation from Zurich Cantonal Bank in September 2025. Earlier support included a Venture Kick Award and bridge funding from CADFEM and Kickfund.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 3.
Menhir Photonics
Dübendorf · founded 2018 · €6.6M disclosed funding
Menhir Photonics produces ultrafast femtosecond laser systems for timing, quantum technology, and microwave generation applications in space and earth sectors. Founded in 2018 in Dubendorf, the company received a 1.25 million USD US Air Force SBIR Phase II grant in 2022 and expanded manufacturing capacity with a new facility announced in August 2025. The company is an ESA BIC alumni member.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 4.
Prometheus Life Technologies
Dübendorf · founded 2018 · €1.6M disclosed funding
Prometheus Life Technologies grows human tissue organoids in microgravity for pharmaceutical testing and regenerative medicine applications. Founded in 2018, the company received seed funding from the ESA Business Incubation Centre Switzerland in 2023 and won the Orbital Reef's Reef Starter Innovation Challenge in December 2022. The company has expanded operations to Strasbourg, France.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 5.
Mondaic
Zurich · founded 2018 · €215k disclosed funding
Mondaic develops waveform simulation software that detects defects and material fatigue in composites using ultrasonic wave technology, leveraging methods from space missions like NASA InSight. Founded in 2018, the company secured seed investment and a strategic partnership with Shearwater GeoServices in April 2024 and was selected for the Silicon Valley 2025 roadshow. The company is an ESA BIC alumni member.
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.