Startup Rankings
Top Space Propulsion Startups in Switzerland 2026
Last updated · 8 companies · compiled from public data sources
Switzerland's space propulsion startup ecosystem spans eight companies distributed across cities from Lausanne to Davos, working on everything from hydrogen fuel cells to in-space logistics systems. Most are either current or alumni of ESA BIC Switzerland, reflecting strong institutional support for the sector.
These companies address multiple layers of the propulsion value chain: components and systems (fuel cells, ASICs, lasers), in-orbit services, and ground-based engineering tools. Funding patterns show significant venture capital activity alongside European research grants, with Neural Concept's $100M Series C and PAVE Space's recent $40M seed round highlighting investor confidence in the space.
- 1.
Neural Concept
Lausanne · €127M disclosed funding
Neural Concept develops AI-powered software for engineering simulation and product design across aerospace and other industries. The Lausanne-based company recently closed a $100M Series C round led by Goldman Sachs Growth Equity and set aerodynamics benchmarks with its enterprise platform.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects, ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 2.
PAVE Space
Villeneuve · founded 2024 · €40M disclosed funding
PAVE Space provides in-space logistics and propulsion systems to support orbital operations and satellite deployment. Founded in 2024 in Villeneuve and backed by a $40M seed round from Visionaries Club and Creandum, the company has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the ESA.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 3.
EH Group Engineering
Nyon · founded 2017 · €21.8M disclosed funding
EH Group Engineering manufactures compact hydrogen fuel cell stacks and systems for marine, aviation, and space power applications. The Nyon-based firm has secured $16.8M in Series A funding led by Safran Group and obtained DNV Approval In Principle for its 250kW fuel cell module.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 4.
Coactum
Bex · €242k disclosed funding
Coactum develops satellite positioning and movement solutions for in-space transportation in Earth orbit and beyond. The Bex-based startup has received ESA BIC Switzerland incubation support as it builds its standalone satellite propulsion systems.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 5.
Cfs Engineering
Lausanne · €1.5M disclosed funding
Cfs Engineering provides computational fluid dynamics and structures engineering services for aerospace applications in Lausanne. The firm has participated in multiple H2020 and Horizon research projects focused on multidisciplinary optimization and aircraft design innovation.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
- 6.
Saphyrion SaGL
Bioggio · €838k disclosed funding
Saphyrion SaGL designs and manufactures radiation-hardened ASICs and GNSS systems for space applications from its Bioggio base. The company has contributed to multiple H2020 projects addressing Galileo authentication and secure navigation platforms.
Sources: EU CORDIS research projects
- 7.
Davos Instruments
Davos · founded 2016
Davos Instruments manufactures high-precision solar radiometry instruments and measurement equipment for ground and space-based applications since 2016. The company is an ESA BIC alumnus working on critical sensing technologies for Earth observation missions.
Sources: ESA Space Solutions / ESA BIC
- 8.
Alpes Lasers
Saint-Blaise · founded 1998 · €10 disclosed funding
Alpes Lasers produces Quantum Cascade Lasers for aerospace and defense applications from Saint-Blaise. Founded in 1998, the company participates in 14 active EU research grants and recently launched its RF-HHL laser module product.
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, tell us and we'll review it for the next update.