ESA BIC Switzerland supports six startups
Zurich - Six startups are part of the 20th cohort of ESA BIC Switzerland, the European Space Agency’s local incubator operated by ETH Zurich. The startups will receive up to 200,000 euros in funding for tailored business support.
(CONNECT) A total of six startups are participating in the 20th edition of ESA BIC Switzerland, as has been reported in a post. The support program run by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH) supports local startups that leverage space technologies for Earth applications or vice versa. In addition to up to 200,000 euros in funding, the companies receive two years of business and technical support from experts, industry and research partners as well as access to its broad network, as noted in an article by startupticker.
Tethys Robotics of Zurich and Stellar Alpina of Dübendorf in the canton of Zurich develop in-space vehicles. Tethys Robotics uses space-based navigation for underwater drones that can be deployed for inspections, mapping, exploration and search and recovery missions. Stellar Alpina develops lunar delivery systems and compact rocket engines for use in space.
Lepto GmbH from Dübendorf and nordfen from Zurich work with satellite-based data. Lepto, a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), controls electromagnetic signals using ultra-thin optical terahertz components. This technology is intended to improve satellite links and next-generation 6G communication systems. Nordfen uses satellite imagery and geodata to create 3D simulation environments through AI-powered scenario generation.
Emissium, based in Sion, analyzes companies’ electricity emissions using space-based data. Real-time electricity use data is intended to help reduce carbon emissions and optimize costs. Minysa, based in Neuchâtel, develops space-qualified gallium nitride-based power electronics, including integrated circuits and power modules, to improve the reliability of electronic systems in space.
Interested startups can apply for the 21st edition of the accelerator until 31 October 2026. It is open to all Swiss startups which are less than five years old and developing a technology with a space connection. ce/ja
