Top Satellite Startups in Switzerland 2026

Ligentec manufactures photonic integrated circuits for LiDAR, datacom, quantum computing, and space communications applications. The company has secured over EUR 100 million in EU-funded industrial projects and is an ESA BIC alumnus.

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

PAVE Space develops in-space logistics and propulsion systems for orbital operations. Founded in 2024, the startup raised USD 40 million in a seed round and secured a SpaceX Transporter-18 mission slot while ranking third in the Top100 Swiss Startup Award 2026.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Involi operates a real-time air traffic surveillance platform and receiver network for drone operations and airspace management. The company has raised over USD 500,000 and recently launched VistaTrack, securing partnerships with industry players.

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

EH Group Engineering develops hydrogen fuel cell stacks for marine, aviation, and stationary power applications. With over USD 32 million raised including Series A funding from Safran Group, the company recently entered a joint development agreement with Advent Technologies.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Flybotix manufactures inspection drones for confined spaces with extended flight times and AI analytics. The company secured a USD 10 million Series A extension round in 2025 and has expanded operations across Switzerland and Germany.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Klepsydra Technologies develops edge AI software frameworks for space, robotics, and aerospace applications with ESA qualification. Recent highlights include consortium awards for space projects and partnerships with industry leaders like SYSGO and BrainChip.

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

Onocoy operates a decentralized GNSS correction data network using blockchain for high-precision positioning. The company completed a token generation event and secured non-dilutive ESA grants for AI-powered GNSS fraud detection.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

NovoViz manufactures single-photon image sensors for high-sensitivity camera systems used in aerospace and quantum imaging. The company won the Prix BCN Innovation 2026 and recently completed funding rounds totaling USD 2 million.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

NematX produces high-precision industrial 3D printers using liquid crystal polymers for aerospace and industrial components. The company has raised over USD 1.4 million and secured strategic investment from Japanese partners.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Diramics manufactures ultra-low-noise pHEMT transistors and amplifiers for space ground stations and satellite communications. The company joined the EU-funded Move2THz project and has received multiple grants from ESA BIC and Horizon programs.

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

Menhir Photonics develops ultrafast femtosecond laser systems for timing, quantum technology, and microwave generation. The company received USD 1.25 million in US Air Force grants and recently unveiled a new facility for mass production.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

CYSEC provides cybersecurity solutions for satellite systems and confidential computing applications. The company raised CHF 4 million in a seed extension and won EUR 100,000 from the European Union Agency for Space Programme in the CASSINI Challenges competition.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

DPhi Space operates an on-orbit compute platform hosting hardware payloads and software workloads on shared satellites. The company raised CHF 2.1 million in pre-seed funding and completed its first mission in March 2025.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Chirp Light develops 4D FMCW LIDAR sensor technology for autonomous navigation and docking in extreme lighting conditions. The company is an active ESA BIC participant receiving grant funding for sensor development.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Coactum develops satellite positioning and movement solutions for Earth orbit operations and access to high Earth orbits. The company received EUR 390,000 in ESA Boost program co-funding for propellant storage system development.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

EM Path accelerates satellite antenna development with a compact RF testing solution eliminating the need for anechoic chambers. The company raised USD 400,000 from ESA BIC Switzerland, Venture Kick, and regional innovation programs.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

ClearSpace operates in-orbit servicing missions including satellite inspection, life extension, and debris removal. The company signed an ESA contract for the Phoenix GEO life-extension mission and recently completed Phase 2 of its CLEAR program.

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

MinWave Technologies develops metamaterial RF components and SATCOM terminals for LEO and GEO satellite connectivity. The company received CHF 150,000 from Venture Kick and CHF 100,000 from the Foundation for Technological Innovation.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Saphyrion designs and manufactures radiation-hardened ASICs and GNSS systems for space applications. The company secured multiple EU Horizon grants totaling EUR 400,000 for Earth observation systems and geodetic monitoring projects.

Sources: EU CORDIS research projects

Sarmap develops Earth observation software and services using SAR and optical remote sensing data. Founded in 1998, the company has received EUR 175,000 in H2020 project funding for dam stability and infrastructure monitoring applications.

Sources: EU CORDIS research projects