Swiss Aerospace Ventures

Startup Rankings

Top Satellite Startups in Switzerland 2026

Last updated · 20 companies · compiled from public data sources

Switzerland hosts 20 satellite and space technology companies developing solutions across propulsion, components, in-orbit services, and Earth observation. The cluster spans cities including Zurich, Lausanne, Renens, and Nyon, with notable concentration in components and ESA BIC participation—15 of the 20 companies are or were ESA BIC members.

Funding patterns range from European research grants (Horizon and H2020 programs) to private investment rounds. PAVE Space leads with a $40M seed round in 2026, while others leverage venture backing and strategic corporate partnerships. Recent milestones include Clearspace's PRELUDE in-orbit servicing mission, Klepsydra's Horizon Europe awards, and multiple companies advancing AI, photonics, and autonomous space operations.

  1. 1.

    PAVE Space

    Villeneuve · founded 2024 · €40M disclosed funding

    PAVE Space develops in-space logistics and propulsion systems for orbital operations, helping businesses leverage space data and technology for improved efficiency. The Villeneuve-based startup raised $40M in seed funding in 2026 from Visionaries Club and Creandum, and recently won the PERL 2026 Trophy and signed an MOU with the ESA.

    ESA BIC incubateecomponentsin-orbit-servicespropulsionsatellitesRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  2. 2.

    EH Group Engineering

    Nyon · founded 2017 · €21.8M disclosed funding

    EH Group Engineering manufactures compact hydrogen fuel cell systems for marine, aviation, and power applications including space. Based in Nyon and founded in 2017, the company has raised $16.8M in Series A funding led by Safran Group and secured Approval In Principle from DNV for its 250kW fuel cell power module.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentspropulsionsatellitesRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  3. 3.

    Klepsydra Technologies

    Zug · €386k disclosed funding

    Klepsydra Technologies provides edge AI software frameworks qualified for space, robotics, and aerospace applications using a European RISC-V CPU stack. The Zug-based startup has won multiple Horizon Europe awards, most recently for the NeAIxt project, and announced a strategic partnership with BrainChip to deliver heterogeneous AI runtime.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentsroboticssatellitesspace-dataRead more

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

  4. 4.

    Involi

    Lausanne · €147k disclosed funding

    Involi operates a real-time air traffic surveillance platform and receiver network for drone operations and airspace management, focusing on medical air mobility. The Lausanne company was selected as a finalist in the GENIUS NY business accelerator in 2024 and has partnered with ANSART and ResilienX for airport air traffic management.

    ESA BIC alumnievtolground-segmentnavigationsatellitesRead more

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

  5. 5.

    Menhir Photonics

    Dübendorf · founded 2018 · €1.3M disclosed funding

    Menhir Photonics manufactures ultrafast femtosecond laser systems for timing, quantum technology, and microwave generation used in space and terrestrial applications. The Dübendorf company, founded in 2018, unveiled a new production facility in 2025 and has received a NASA contract and Air Force SBIR Phase II grant totaling over $1.25M.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentssatellitesRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  6. 6.

    Onocoy

    €940k disclosed funding

    Onocoy operates a decentralized GNSS correction data network using blockchain technology to enable high-precision positioning through a community-powered network of reference stations. The company secured $940K in strategic funding from Ryze Labs and the ESA in 2024 and won the TOP 100 Public Award in Engineering at the 2024 Swiss Startup Awards.

    ESA BIC alumniground-segmentnavigationsatellitesspace-dataRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  7. 7.

    Clearspace

    Renens · founded 2018 · €50k disclosed funding

    Clearspace develops in-orbit servicing capabilities for satellite inspection, life extension, and debris removal missions. The Renens company, founded in 2018, announced the PRELUDE mission with the ESA in 2026 and completed Phase 2 of its CLEAR mission in 2025, advancing autonomous space operations.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentsin-orbit-servicesroboticssatellitesRead more

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

  8. 8.

    Diramics

    Steinhaussen · founded 2016 · €103k disclosed funding

    Diramics manufactures ultra-low-noise pHEMT transistors and amplifiers for space ground stations and satellite communications, addressing critical receiver performance needs. The Steinhaussen company, founded in 2016, was supported by Horizon 2020, ESA BIC Switzerland, and ETH Zurich.

    ESA BIC alumnicommunicationscomponentsearth-observationground-segmentRead more

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

  9. 9.

    NovoViz

    Neuchâtel · €150k disclosed funding

    NovoViz develops single-photon image sensors for high-sensitivity, high-speed, and high-dynamic-range camera systems in aerospace and quantum imaging applications. The Neuchâtel company won a CHF 150,000 Venture Kick award and has launched its first SPAD camera into space.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentssatellitesRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  10. 10.

    DPhi

    €150k disclosed funding

    DPhi provides on-orbit compute platforms hosting hardware payloads and software workloads on shared satellites to simplify and lower-cost access to space. The company launched Clustergate-1 aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 in 2025 and signed a partnership with Momentus, with a second demo mission planned for 2026.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentsin-orbit-servicessatellitesspace-dataRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  11. 11.

    Coactum

    Bex · €242k disclosed funding

    Coactum develops satellite positioning and movement solutions for Earth orbit operations and in-space transportation using a standalone small satellite approach. Based in Bex, the company has received ESA BIC Switzerland incubation support totaling $242K.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentsin-orbit-servicespropulsionsatellitesRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  12. 12.

    Saphyrion SaGL

    Bioggio · €838k disclosed funding

    Saphyrion designs and manufactures radiation-hardened ASICs and GNSS systems for space applications, including Galileo authentication platforms for secure and safe navigation. The Bioggio company has received multiple Horizon 2020 project grants totaling over EUR 837K.

    componentsearth-observationevtolnavigationRead more

    Sources: EU CORDIS research projects

  13. 13.

    Sarmap

    Purasca · founded 1998 · €175k disclosed funding

    Sarmap develops Earth observation software and services using synthetic aperture radar and optical remote sensing data for surface deformation analysis and infrastructure monitoring. Founded in 1998 and based in Purasca, the company continues to advance SAR mission support and participates in ESA research initiatives.

    earth-observationground-segmentsatellitesspace-dataRead more

    Sources: EU CORDIS research projects

  14. 14.

    Chirp Light

    Thalwil · €234 disclosed funding

    Chirp Light develops 4D FMCW LIDAR sensor technology enabling robust autonomous approach and docking for spacecraft in extreme lighting conditions. Based in Thalwil and an ESA BIC current member, the company specializes in navigation systems for autonomous space operations.

    ESA BIC incubateecomponentsin-orbit-servicesnavigationsatellitesRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  15. 15.

    Ligentec

    Ecublens · founded 2016

    Ligentec manufactures photonic integrated circuits for applications spanning LiDAR, datacom, quantum computing, and space communications. Founded in 2016 in Ecublens, the company expanded its partnership with X-FAB in 2026 and is advancing photonics capabilities beyond silicon nitride.

    ESA BIC alumnicommunicationscomponentsnavigationsatellitesRead more

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

  16. 16.

    Flybotix

    Switzerland · founded 2019 · €10 disclosed funding

    Flybotix manufactures inspection drones for confined spaces on Earth with extended flight times and AI analytics, with heritage applicable to planetary missions. The 2019-founded company raised $10M in a Series A extension round in 2025 from family office and strategic investors.

    ESA BIC alumninavigationroboticssatellitesRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  17. 17.

    CYSEC

    Lausanne · €6 disclosed funding

    CYSEC provides cybersecurity solutions for satellite systems and confidential computing applications, securing telecommunications and data handling for ground and space segments. Based in Lausanne, the company closed a seed extension in 2026 and has received contracts from the French Space Agency (CNES).

    ESA BIC alumnicommunicationscomponentsground-segmentsatellitesRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  18. 18.

    NematX

    Zurich · founded 2020 · €1 disclosed funding

    NematX manufactures high-precision industrial 3D printers using liquid crystal polymers for on-earth and in-orbit production of aerospace components. Founded in 2020 in Zurich, the company secured strategic investment from Japanese partner POLYPLASTICS in 2024.

    ESA BIC alumnicomponentsin-orbit-servicesmaterialssatellitesRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  19. 19.

    EM Path

    Renens

    EM Path accelerates satellite antenna development with a compact, real-time RF testing solution that eliminates the need for traditional anechoic chambers. The Renens-based startup, an ESA BIC current member, received Venture Kick grant support.

    ESA BIC incubateecomponentsground-segmentsatellitesRead more

    Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

  20. Gamma Remote Sensing develops SAR software and microwave remote sensing instruments for biomass mapping, climate research, and forest management applications. Founded in 1995 and based in Gumligen, the company participates in Horizon Europe research initiatives including NextGenCarbon.

    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, tell us and we'll review it for the next update.

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