Startup Rankings
Top Space Propulsion Startups in Switzerland 2026
Last updated · 9 companies · compiled from public data sources
Switzerland's space propulsion ecosystem encompasses nine companies spanning Lausanne to Davos, with particular concentration in the Romandy region. The cohort represents diverse specializations: from AI-driven engineering platforms and in-space logistics to hydrogen fuel cells and precision measurement instruments, with eight of nine companies holding or holding past ESA BIC acceleration status.
Recent funding activity demonstrates investor confidence in the sector, ranging from early-stage grants to major venture capital commitments. Neural Concept leads with $100M in Series C funding, while newer entrants like PAVE Space secured $40M in seed capital in 2026. The companies collectively pursue applications across propulsion components, satellite systems, in-orbit services, and communications infrastructure.
- 1.
Neural Concept
Lausanne · €254.1M disclosed funding
Neural Concept develops AI-powered software that accelerates product design and simulation through machine learning, serving aerospace and adjacent industries handling complex engineering data. The Lausanne-based platform recently closed a $100M Series C round led by Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, signaling strong market traction alongside 100% enterprise growth reported in 2025.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 2.
PAVE Space
Villeneuve · founded 2024 · €447.1M disclosed funding
PAVE Space offers in-space logistics and propulsion systems enabling orbital operations and satellite servicing. Founded in 2024 and based in Villeneuve, the company raised $40M in seed funding from Visionaries Club and Creandum in 2026 and secured a launch slot on SpaceX Transporter-18, positioning it as an active player in the in-orbit services space.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 3.
EH Group Engineering
Nyon · founded 2017 · €75.9M disclosed funding
EH Group Engineering designs compact hydrogen fuel cell stacks and systems for applications in aviation, marine, and stationary power. The Nyon company, founded in 2017, has raised $32.3M from investors including Safran Group, HyAccelerator, and tech accelerators, and recently entered a joint development agreement with Advent Technologies to advance high-temperature fuel cell technology.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 4.
Coactum
Bex · €5.2M disclosed funding
Coactum develops standalone small satellite solutions for in-space transportation and orbital positioning, enabling access to high Earth orbits and beyond. The Bex-based company, an ESA BIC alumnus, received ESA Boost funding support for propellant storage system development and continues to advance satellite movement and servicing capabilities.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 5.
MinWave Technologies
Crissier · €630k disclosed funding
MinWave Technologies produces compact microwave devices and RF components for satellite communication systems using metamaterial subwavelength engineering, achieving 10-fold reductions in size and weight. The Crissier firm is an ESA BIC alumnus that secured Venture Kick Stage 3 awards and Foundation for Technological Innovation support, with recent recognition through the Venture Leaders Mobile program.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 6.
Alpes Lasers
Saint-Blaise · founded 1998 · €57M disclosed funding
Alpes Lasers manufactures quantum cascade lasers and bio-inspired graphene foam components for aerospace, defense, and sensing applications. Founded in 1998 and based in Saint-Blaise, the company has secured approximately 11 million EUR in EU research funding through Horizon Europe and EUROSTARS programs, recently launching advanced laser modules for spectroscopy and RF applications.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
- 7.
Davos Instruments
Davos · founded 2016 · €445k disclosed funding
Davos Instruments provides high-precision solar radiometry instruments and measurement equipment for ground and space-based applications. The 2016-founded company, an ESA BIC alumnus, has received support from ESA BIC Switzerland and regional innovation foundations for instrument development work in the Earth observation and solar measurement domains.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 8.
Cfs Engineering
Lausanne · €11.4M disclosed funding
Cfs Engineering offers computational fluid dynamics and structures engineering services for aerospace and advanced propulsion applications. The Lausanne firm has secured approximately 5 million EUR in EU research grants and competed for innovation prizes, with project work spanning reusable launch vehicles and aerodynamic optimization for aerospace clients.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
- 9.
Saphyrion SaGL
Bioggio · €3.9M disclosed funding
Saphyrion designs radiation-hardened ASICs and GNSS systems for space and navigation applications, including authentication platforms and secure positioning solutions. The Bioggio company has received multiple EU research contributions totaling over 1 million EUR across Horizon programs, with recent chipset releases supporting high-end GNSS and inertial units for drone systems.
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.