Startup Rankings
Top Space Propulsion Startups in Switzerland 2026
Last updated · 8 companies · compiled from public data sources
Switzerland's space propulsion ecosystem spans eight companies across cities including Lausanne, Villeneuve, Nyon, and Davos. The group mixes established players like Alpes Lasers (founded 1998) with recent entrants such as PAVE Space (2024), alongside multiple ESA BIC alumni and current participants driving innovation in orbital systems, fuel cells, and engineering services.
Collectively, these firms have attracted significant backing, from Neural Concept's $100 million Series C to PAVE Space's $40 million seed round, complemented by EU research grants and ESA support. Their focus spans in-space logistics, hydrogen fuel cells, satellite positioning, computational engineering, and specialized components for aerospace applications.
- 1.
Neural Concept
Lausanne · €254.1M disclosed funding
Neural Concept develops AI-powered software for engineering design and simulation, helping companies optimize product development across automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors. The Lausanne-based firm recently closed a $100 million Series C led by Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives and has achieved 100% enterprise growth, reflecting strong market adoption.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 2.
PAVE Space
Villeneuve · founded 2024 · €160M disclosed funding
PAVE Space provides in-space logistics and propulsion systems to enable orbital operations and satellite deployment. Founded in 2024 and based in Villeneuve, the company closed a $40 million seed round led by Visionaries Club and Creandum, making it one of Switzerland's fastest-funded aerospace startups.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 3.
EH Group Engineering
Nyon · founded 2017 · €43.6M disclosed funding
EH Group Engineering develops compact hydrogen fuel cell stacks and systems for marine, aviation, and stationary power applications, with specific focus on space energy solutions. Based in Nyon since 2017, the company has raised $16.8 million in Series A funding led by Safran Group and HyAccelerator, signaling confidence in fuel cell technology for aerospace.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 4.
Coactum
Bex · €2.4M disclosed funding
Coactum creates satellite positioning and movement solutions that enable in-space transportation to high Earth orbits and beyond. The Bex-based ESA BIC alumni has received support through the ESA Boost! program and was selected for the LeadiNNg Scale-Up Program in 2023.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 5.
Alpes Lasers
Saint-Blaise · founded 1998 · €27M disclosed funding
Alpes Lasers manufactures Quantum Cascade Lasers and graphene foam components for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. Founded in 1998 in Saint-Blaise, the company has secured 11 million euros in cumulative EU R&D funding across Horizon Europe and EUROSTARS projects, with recent product launches including advanced laser modules.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
- 6.
Davos Instruments
Davos · founded 2016 · €56k disclosed funding
Davos Instruments produces high-precision solar radiometry instruments for ground and space-based measurement applications. An ESA BIC alumni founded in 2016, the company provides engineering services and specialized measurement equipment for solar radiation assessment.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 7.
Cfs Engineering
Lausanne · €2M disclosed funding
CFS Engineering offers computational fluids and structures engineering services for aerospace applications, including multidisciplinary optimization and advanced analysis. The Lausanne firm has participated in multiple EU research projects and received 480,000 USD in grant funding from the European Union.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
- 8.
Saphyrion SaGL
Bioggio · €838k disclosed funding
Saphyrion SaGL designs and manufactures radiation-hardened ASICs and GNSS systems for space applications, supporting secure navigation and authentication. Based in Bioggio, the company has contributed to multiple H2020 projects focused on Galileo authentication and navigation systems for air mobility and space services.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
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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.