Startup Rankings
Top In-Orbit Services Startups in Switzerland 2026
Last updated · 6 companies · compiled from public data sources
Switzerland's in-orbit services sector is growing quickly, with six major startups based in cities from Zurich to Renens developing solutions for satellite operations, debris removal, and space logistics. The companies span propulsion systems, 3D printing, autonomous docking, and shared satellite platforms, reflecting diverse approaches to solving practical challenges in orbital operations.
ESA BIC support is prominent across this cohort, with all six startups participating in or alumni of the European Space Agency's business incubation program. Funding patterns show significant variation, from early-stage grants of under half a million euros to PAVE Space's $40 million seed round, indicating investor confidence in solving real operational needs in orbit.
- 1.
PAVE Space
Villeneuve · founded 2024 · €240M disclosed funding
PAVE Space provides in-space logistics and propulsion systems to support orbital operations and satellite servicing. The Villeneuve-based startup closed a $40 million seed round led by Visionaries Club and Creandum in 2026 and ranked third at the Top100 Swiss Startup Award that year.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 2.
NematX
Zurich · founded 2020 · €10.1M disclosed funding
NematX manufactures high-precision 3D printers using liquid crystal polymers to produce space components both on Earth and in orbit. The Zurich company, founded in 2020, has raised approximately $1.46 million and $1.3 million CHF across multiple rounds, with strategic backing from Japanese partners announced in 2024.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 3.
Coactum
Bex · €3.5M disclosed funding
Coactum develops in-space transportation solutions using small satellites to provide access to high Earth orbits and beyond. Based in Bex, the company has received ESA Boost co-funding for propellant storage system development and support from ESA BIC Switzerland.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 4.
DPhi
€2.3M disclosed funding
DPhi operates an on-orbit compute platform that hosts hardware payloads and software workloads on shared satellites, making space access simpler and more affordable. The startup raised CHF 2.1 million in its pre-seed round led by QBIT Capital in 2025 and won a Venture Kick award in 2024.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 5.
Chirp Light
Thalwil · €936k disclosed funding
Chirp Light develops 4D FMCW LIDAR sensor technology for autonomous spacecraft navigation, approach, and docking in extreme lighting conditions. The Thalwil-based company is a current ESA BIC Switzerland participant and has received grant funding to advance its sensor technology.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 6.
Clearspace
Renens · founded 2018 · €51k disclosed funding
Clearspace provides in-orbit servicing for satellite inspection, life extension, and space debris removal missions. The Renens company, founded in 2018, secured backing from ESA for its ClearSpace-1 debris removal mission and additional ESA support for the Phoenix RPO mission announced in September 2026.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, 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.