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.
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.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 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.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 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.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 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.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 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.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 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.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 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.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 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.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 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.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 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.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 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.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 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.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
- 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.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
- 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.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 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.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 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.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 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).
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 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.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 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.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 20.
Gamma Remote Sensing Research And Consulting
Gumligen · founded 1995
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.
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.