Startup Rankings
Top Earth Observation Startups in Switzerland 2026
Last updated · 7 companies · compiled from public data sources
Switzerland hosts a concentrated group of earth observation startups developing specialized components, ground systems, and data analytics tools. These seven companies span from legacy players founded in the 1990s to recent ESA BIC alumni, collectively addressing remote sensing, SAR processing, radiometry, and AI-enhanced imagery.
The cohort reflects Switzerland's strength in precision engineering and space infrastructure. Funding patterns show reliance on EU research grants and accelerator programs, with several companies advancing novel applications in dam monitoring, drone logistics, and satellite communications from bases across Zurich, Davos, Lugano, and Lausanne.
- 1.
Diramics
Steinhaussen · founded 2016 · €424k disclosed funding
Diramics manufactures ultra-low-noise amplifiers and pHEMT transistors for space ground stations and satellite communications receivers. The Steinhaussen company, founded in 2016, is an ESA BIC alumni that has secured grants from Horizon 2020 and ETH Zurich, and recently joined the EU-funded Move2THz project.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 2.
Davos Instruments
Davos · founded 2016 · €278k disclosed funding
Davos Instruments provides high-precision solar radiometry instruments and measurement equipment for ground and space-based earth observation applications. Founded in 2016 as an ESA BIC alumni, the company has received investment from the ESA BIC Switzerland accelerator and regional innovation foundations, with recent activity including establishment of subsidiary NiviLux GmbH and contracts for pyroelectric detector development.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 3.
Gamma Earth
€40k disclosed funding
Gamma Earth develops AI solutions for earth observation data that enhance spatial resolution while preserving spectral accuracy. Currently in the ESA BIC Switzerland accelerator program as of 2025, the company has secured grant funding from Venture Kick and released updates to its S2DR3 model.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 4.
Saphyrion SaGL
Bioggio · €2.8M disclosed funding
Saphyrion SaGL designs and manufactures radiation-hardened ASICs and GNSS systems for space applications, with particular focus on Galileo authentication platforms for navigation and secure services. The Bioggio-based company has received substantial EU funding through Horizon 2020 projects including ATOS and GIMS, and recently made upgraded chipsets available for purchase.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
- 5.
Sarmap
Purasca · founded 1998 · €525k disclosed funding
Sarmap develops earth observation software and services using SAR and optical remote sensing data, with applications in surface deformation monitoring and infrastructure stability analysis. Founded in 1998 in Purasca, the company has benefited from H2020 project funding and maintains active involvement in SAR research, recently presenting at EUSAR 2026 and releasing SARscape 6.3.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
- 6.
Rigi Technologies
Lausanne · €37 disclosed funding
Rigi Technologies operates a VTOL drone delivery system with cloud-based logistics management, serving medical, warehouse, and business supply chains. The Lausanne-based ESA BIC alumni has raised 12 million USD in Series A funding and 10 million USD in seed funding, with recent partnerships including collaborations with XTI Aerospace and Volatus Aerospace for medical delivery services.
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 research and commercial applications, particularly biomass mapping and forest management monitoring. Founded in 1995 in Gumligen, the company participates in EU-funded research projects and recently established a strategic partnership with Earth Big Data while supporting tropical forest biomass research.
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.