Startup Rankings
Top Earth Observation Startups in Switzerland 2026
Last updated · 7 companies · compiled from public data sources
Switzerland's earth observation startup ecosystem spans seven active companies developing technologies across satellite communications, remote sensing software, radiometry instruments, and drone logistics. These firms are concentrated in the Romandy and German-speaking regions, with bases in Davos, Lausanne, Purasca, and other innovation hubs. Collectively, they address applications from dam stability monitoring to forest biomass mapping and urban air mobility.
The cohort shows strong European research funding patterns, with multiple companies participating in Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe initiatives. Three firms hold or held ESA BIC Switzerland status, signaling early-stage venture support within the agency's incubator network. Founding dates range from 1995 to 2016, indicating a mix of established service providers and emerging startups refining novel capabilities in data processing and hardware components.
- 1.
Diramics
Steinhaussen · founded 2016 · €239k disclosed funding
Diramics manufactures ultra-low-noise pHEMT transistors and amplifiers for space ground stations and satellite communications infrastructure. Founded in 2016 and based in Steinhaussen, the company received ESA BIC Switzerland support and Horizon 2020 grants totaling over 235,000 USD. In 2024, Diramics joined the EU-funded Move2THz project to advance high-frequency component performance.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 2.
Davos Instruments
Davos · founded 2016 · €56k disclosed funding
Davos Instruments designs high-precision solar radiometry instruments and measurement equipment for ground and space-based remote sensing applications. Established in 2016, the company attracted over 55,500 USD in funding from ESA BIC Switzerland and the Pmod/wrc foundation. The firm has also partnered with the Innovation Foundation Graubunden to support radiometer development and measurement innovation.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 3.
Saphyrion SaGL
Bioggio · €838k disclosed funding
Saphyrion SaGL develops radiation-hardened ASICs and Galileo-based GNSS/INS platforms for secure navigation and positioning in space and air mobility contexts. Based in Bioggio, the company has participated in multiple Horizon 2020 projects including ATOS, GIMS, and SINSIN, receiving European co-contributions exceeding 837,000 EUR. Its component expertise spans satellite systems and emerging electric vertical takeoff aircraft applications.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
- 4.
Sarmap
Purasca · founded 1998 · €175k disclosed funding
Sarmap provides Earth observation software and services using synthetic aperture radar and optical remote sensing data for infrastructure and environmental monitoring. Founded in 1998 and based in Purasca, the company has supported projects including STEADY and HERCULES through Horizon 2020 co-funding. Recent releases of SARscape 6.3 and project milestones reflect ongoing advancement in SAR data processing capabilities.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
- 5.
Rigi Technologies
Lausanne · €9 disclosed funding
Rigi Technologies develops VTOL drone delivery systems with cloud-based logistics management for hospital, warehouse, and business applications. The Lausanne-based startup participated in the ESA BIC Switzerland program and received grant awards in 2019. In March 2025, Rigi Technologies partnered with Impianti to begin rolling out autonomous drone logistics solutions.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
Gamma Earth provides AI-powered environmental intelligence by enhancing Earth observation data with spatial resolution improvements while preserving spectral accuracy. The company was recently accepted into the ESA BIC Switzerland current cohort in March 2025, validating its technology approach for remote sensing analytics. Its solution targets the growing demand for higher-fidelity satellite data interpretation.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 7.
Gamma Remote Sensing Research And Consulting
Gumligen · founded 1995
Gamma Remote Sensing Research And Consulting develops SAR software and microwave remote sensing instruments for biomass mapping, forest management, and climate research applications. Founded in 1995 and based in Gumligen, the company combines scientific expertise with commercial product development. The firm participates in Horizon projects including NextGenCarbon, addressing carbon stock monitoring and forest degradation research needs.
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.