Top Satellite Startups in Switzerland 2026

Ligentec develops photonic integrated circuits for applications spanning LiDAR, datacom, quantum computing, and space communications. The company has secured substantial EU industrial funding and recently achieved the Scale-Up Vaud 2026 label while expanding partnerships with X-FAB and Vanguard Automation.

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

PAVE Space provides in-space logistics and propulsion systems for orbital operations using a platform approach to space data and technology services. Founded in 2024, the company closed a $40 million seed round led by Visionaries Club and Creandum and was ranked third at the Top100 Swiss Startup Award 2026.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

EH Group Engineering develops hydrogen fuel cell stacks and systems for marine, aviation, and stationary power applications, with relevance to space propulsion. The company has raised over $32 million from investors including Safran Group and has secured backing from Google and AWS accelerators.

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 participates in the SAFIR-Ready project under the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking and has accumulated approximately $528,000 in funding across multiple rounds.

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

Klepsydra Technologies develops an edge AI software framework for space, robotics, and aerospace applications with ESA qualification pathways. Recent partnerships include collaboration with Ramon Space and ETH Zurich on the ENORMITY space project, plus agreements with Firefly Aerospace and Frontgrade Gaisler for in-space edge computing.

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

Onocoy operates a decentralized GNSS correction data network leveraging blockchain technology for high-precision positioning. The company completed a Token Generation Event in 2025 and secured a $1.5 million ESA grant for AI-powered GNSS fraud detection development.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

NovoViz manufactures single-photon avalanche diode sensors for high-sensitivity, high-speed imaging systems applicable to aerospace and quantum sensing. The company raised approximately $2 million in 2026 and was recognized in the Top 100 Swiss Startup Award for its low-power sensor innovations.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

NematX develops on-earth and in-orbit 3D printing technology using high-performance liquid crystal polymers for space component manufacturing. Founded in 2020, the company has raised approximately $1.46 million and secured strategic investment from a Japanese partner in 2024.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Flybotix manufactures inspection drones for confined spaces with extended flight times and AI analytics capabilities, serving both industrial and planetary mission applications. The company secured approximately $10 million in Series A extension funding in 2025 from a technology-focused family office.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

CYSEC provides cybersecurity solutions for satellite systems and confidential computing applications in both ground and space environments. The company raised CHF 4 million in a seed extension led by Line Break Capital in recent years and previously secured Series A funding from Karista.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Menhir Photonics manufactures ultrafast femtosecond laser systems for timing, quantum technology, and microwave generation applications. The company received a $1.25 million US Air Force grant via Vescent for optical frequency comb development and announced a major new production facility in 2025.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

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

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

Coactum develops satellite positioning and movement solutions for Earth orbit operations and in-space transportation with standalone small satellites. The company received EUR 390,000 in ESA Boost co-funding for propellant storage system development and incubation support from ESA BIC Switzerland.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

DPhi provides an on-orbit compute platform that hosts hardware payloads and software workloads on shared satellites to simplify space access. The company completed a CHF 2.1 million pre-seed round led by QBIT Capital in 2025 and received a Venture Kick award.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Chirp Light develops 4D FMCW LIDAR sensor technology for autonomous navigation in spacecraft and other systems operating in extreme lighting conditions. The company is currently supported through the ESA BIC Switzerland incubator program and has received grants from the program.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Clearspace operates as an in-orbit servicing company focused on satellite inspection, life extension, and debris removal missions. Founded in 2018, the company secured an ESA service contract for the ClearSpace-1 debris removal mission and recently secured ESA backing for the Phoenix RPO mission.

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

EM Path provides an RF testing solution for antenna and phased array characterization that eliminates the need for traditional anechoic chambers. The company is currently in the ESA BIC Switzerland program and has raised approximately $400,000 from ESA BIC, Venture Kick, and regional business organizations.

Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC

Saphyrion SaGL designs and manufactures radiation-hardened ASICs and GNSS systems for space applications, with a focus on Galileo authentication and secure navigation platforms. The company has received funding from multiple EU Horizon and H2020 projects for authentication and GNSS research.

Sources: EU CORDIS research projects

Sarmap develops Earth observation software and services using SAR and optical remote sensing data for applications including dam stability monitoring and surface deformation analysis. Founded in 1998, the company has participated in EU-funded research projects and received support from University of Zurich and ESA BIC Switzerland.

Sources: EU CORDIS research projects

Gamma Remote Sensing develops SAR software and microwave remote sensing instruments for research and commercial Earth observation applications. Founded in 1995, the company participates in EU-funded projects including NextGenCarbon and COREGAL for biomass mapping and forest management.

Sources: EU CORDIS research projects