Swiss Aerospace Ventures

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 satellite ground systems, remote sensing software, and specialized components. These firms cluster in locations including Davos, Lausanne, and the Ticino region, with focus areas ranging from synthetic aperture radar processing to high-precision radiometry instruments.

The cohort has attracted significant European research funding, particularly through Horizon 2020 and ESA BIC Switzerland support. Three companies hold current or alumni ESA BIC status, reflecting the program's role in nurturing early-stage space ventures in the country.

  1. 1.

    Diramics

    Steinhaussen · founded 2016 · €292k disclosed funding

    Diramics manufactures ultra-low-noise amplifier components and transistors for space ground stations and satellite communications systems. Founded in 2016 and based in Steinhaussen, the company has received multiple grants from Horizon 2020 and ESA BIC Switzerland, and recently joined the EU-funded Move2THz project in 2024.

    ESA BIC alumnicommunicationscomponentsearth-observationground-segmentRead more

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

  2. 2.

    Davos Instruments

    Davos · founded 2016 · €223k disclosed funding

    Davos Instruments develops high-precision solar radiometry measurement equipment for both ground and space-based applications. An ESA BIC alumni company founded in 2016, it has won recent contracts including a UK-based project for carbon nanotube detectors and announced the establishment of subsidiary NiviLux GmbH in 2026.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentsearth-observationpropulsionspace-dataRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  3. 3.

    Saphyrion SaGL

    Bioggio · €838k disclosed funding

    Saphyrion designs radiation-hardened ASICs and GNSS systems for space applications, with particular focus on Galileo authentication and navigation platforms. The Bioggio-based company has participated in multiple Horizon 2020 research projects including ATOS, GIMS, and SINSIN.

    componentsearth-observationevtolnavigationRead more

    Sources: EU CORDIS research projects

  4. 4.

    Sarmap

    Purasca · founded 1998 · €175k disclosed funding

    Sarmap develops earth observation software and services using synthetic aperture radar and optical remote sensing data to analyze surface deformation and monitor infrastructure. Founded in 1998 and based in Purasca, the company has received European research funding and contributed expertise to major conferences, including a tutorial at EUSAR 2026.

    earth-observationground-segmentsatellitesspace-dataRead more

    Sources: EU CORDIS research projects

  5. 5.

    Rigi Technologies

    Lausanne · €13 disclosed funding

    Rigi Technologies operates a VTOL drone delivery system with cloud-based logistics management, connecting hospitals, warehouses, and businesses through long-range autonomous operations. An ESA BIC alumni company based in Lausanne, it was recently featured in XTI Aerospace's enterprise drone portfolio in 2026.

    ESA BIC alumniearth-observationevtolRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  6. Gamma Earth provides environmental intelligence through AI-powered earth observation data analytics, offering up to 10x improvements in spatial resolution while preserving spectral accuracy. The company joined the ESA Business Incubation Centre Switzerland program in 2025 as a current participant.

    ESA BIC incubateeearth-observationspace-dataRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  7. Gamma Remote Sensing Research and Consulting develops SAR software and microwave remote sensing instruments for research and commercial applications, including biomass mapping and forest management tools. Founded in 1995 and based in Gumligen, the company participates in Horizon research initiatives and released its 2025 annual report in 2026.

    earth-observationground-segmentnavigationsatellitesRead more

    Sources: EU CORDIS research projects

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.

Enroll your startup

More startup rankings