VTT is one of Europe’s leading research institutions. We are owned by the Finnish state. Our task is to advance the utilisation and commercialisation of research and technology in commerce and society. Through scientific and technological means, we turn large global challenges into sustainable growth for businesses and society. We bring together people, business, science and technology to solve the biggest challenges of our time. This is how we create sustainable growth, jobs and wellbeing and bring exponential hope.

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland

Voima Ventures’ mission is to solve major global problems by combining science, entrepreneurship, and value adding capital. They shed light on the ideas and technology which require time and courage to build. Industry domains include bio and new materials, medical technologies and life sciences, imaging and optics, IoT and electronics, robotics, software & ICT and AI. In addition, Voima Ventures has invested in more than 30 deep tech startups, including companies like Solar Foods, Infinited Fiber Company, and Dispelix. Cornerstone investors are VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and European Investment Fund (EIF), backed by Finnish private and institutional investors.

Voima Ventures

The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. ESA is an international organisation with 22 Member States. By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, it can undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country. ESA’s budget for 2017 is €5.75 billion. ESA operates on the basis of geographical return, i.e. it invests in each Member State, through industrial contracts for space programmes, an amount more or less equivalent to each country’s contribution. There are around 2200 staff working for ESA, from all the Member States and include scientists, engineers, information technology specialists and administrative personnel.

European Space Agency

Nordic FoodTech VC is the first fund in the Nordics investing explicitly in the future of food.

Nordic Foodtech VC

The Citizenship Fund started out when the founders of the company discovered in their previous positions that a promising Finnish growth company will spend a great deal of time and energy in arranging financing. A good business idea and a team with excellent team could take months in financial negotiations and the outcome could be a return to the start-up. At the same time, investors often wanted new types of higher potential investments alongside traditional alternatives.   These two challenges were possible by removing the promising growth companies as investors, even for non-traditional venture capital investors. Citizenship wanted to create a service in which the company would be able to capitalize on business quickly and flexibly, but the decision-making business would be left to the company itself. From today's point of view, Springvest's goal is that an increasing number of Finnish investors can get involved in the story of Finnish growth companies and potential success.

Springvest

Earth VC is a global climate tech venture capital firm dedicated to backing earth-changing deep tech startups that are key to decarbonizing Emerging Asia. Founded during the Covid-19 lockdowns, Earth VC was born from a shared belief that science and economics are our best solutions to fix the planet. Our bold vision is to foster a new era of investment that prioritizes protecting and preserving our planet over endless growth. Earth VC provides holistic support, from market bridging to Asia to key hirings and strategic fundraising guidance, ensuring that game-changing innovations get the backing they need to thrive. With a hands-on approach and a mission to decarbonize through breakthrough technologies, Earth VC is at the forefront of solving the climate crisis and driving sustainable progress in the Asia-Pacific region.

Earth Venture Capital

Kuva Space

Kuva Space improves life on Earth by using the world's most extensive hyperspectral satellite constellation and artificial intelligence. The company's GREEN DATA® platform will address some of the world's most important concerns, including climate change, disaster response, food demand, and safety and security.

Kuva Space specializes in hyperspectral satellite imaging technology that enables analysis of materials on Earth through their distinct spectral signatures. The company's patented hyperspectral camera, mounted on microsatellites weighing under 30kg, captures detailed wavelength data to identify and monitor various materials and their conditions. The camera can be tuned in orbit to optimize for specific use cases, measuring spectral bands critical for different applications. Kuva Space's AI-powered analytics platform processes this data to deliver insights within 15 minutes of capture. The company operates on a subscription-based business model, moving away from the traditional pay-per-use model in Earth observation. In August 2024, Kuva Space launched its first commercial satellite, Hyperfield-1, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Its technology can be applied across multiple sectors including agriculture for crop monitoring, defense for surveillance, industrial sites for chemical leak detection, and environmental monitoring for climate change analysis. The company aims to deploy a constellation of 100 satellites by 2030 to provide global coverage. In June 2023, Kuva Space was awarded a EUR 5 million contract to be the sole provider of hyperspectral data services for the European Union's Copernicus program.

Technology providers that enhance satellite operations

Next-gen Satellites

Sunstorm CubeSat developed by Kuva Space and Isaware successfully completes mission and re-enters Earth’s atmosphere

Kuva Space specializes in hyperspectral satellite imaging technology that enables analysis of materials on Earth through their distinct spectral signatures. The company's patented hyperspectral camera, mounted on microsatellites weighing under 30kg, captures detailed wavelength data to identify and monitor various materials and their conditions. The camera can be tuned in orbit to optimize for specific use cases, measuring spectral bands critical for different applications. Kuva Space's AI-powered analytics platform processes this data to deliver insights within 15 minutes of capture. The company operates on a subscription-based business model, moving away from the traditional pay-per-use model in Earth observation. In August 2024, Kuva Space launched its first commercial satellite, Hyperfield-1, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Its technology can be applied across multiple sectors including agriculture for crop monitoring, defense for surveillance, industrial sites for chemical leak detection, and environmental monitoring for climate change analysis. The company aims to deploy a constellation of 100 satellites by 2030 to provide global coverage. In June 2023, Kuva Space was awarded a EUR 5 million contract to be the sole provider of hyperspectral data services for the European Union's Copernicus program.
Key customers and partnerships
Kuva Space provides hyperspectral data to support Finnish government agencies focused on border security, wildfires, and landslides under a EUR 1.8 million contract. The company established operations in Fairfax, Virginia to serve US government and commercial customers. Kuva Space also maintains local representation in Finland, Japan, Belgium, and the UK.

Kuva Space – Earth observation through hyperspectral imaging

Space startup plans to beam ‘hyperspectral insights’ to US government

SpaceX launches satellite from 'Bloomberg of planetary insights'

Expanding Copernicus’s Earth Observation Program With Hyperspectral Imaging

Kuva Space launches Hyperfield-1

Kuva Space raises €16.6M Series A to scale hyperspectral imagery ambitions

Kuva Space Wins New ESA Deal

Kuva Space wins ESA hyperspectral contract

Finland’s Kuva Space Raises $17.6 Million for Hyperspectral Satellite Constellation

Kuva Space awarded €5M commercial contract to be sole provider of hyperspectral data services for the Copernicus program

Finnish hyperspectral satellite firm Kuva moves into US market

Kuva Space's hyperspectral camera tech attracts €16.6M in funding

Kuva Space initiates major drive into US hyperspectral satellite market

Kuva Space successfully launches its hyperspectral microsatellite Hyperfield-1 with SpaceX to demonstrate its commercial services

SpinLaunch is a space technology company developing a kinetic launch system to provide low-cost and high-frequency access to space. Unlike traditional fuel-based rockets, SpinLaunch's system utilizes a ground-based, electric-powered centrifuge to accelerate payloads to hypersonic speeds before releasing them into the atmosphere. Its solution is capable of putting 200 kg-class satellites into low orbit. The firm claims this method significantly reduces environmental impact by ~95% compared to conventional rocket launches. Its electric-drive Orbital accelerator offers a revolutionary approach to space travel and significantly reduces the fuel needed to reach orbit by 4x, mitigates costs by 10x, and enables multiple launches per day.Suborbital Accelerator operates at speeds between 800 miph and 5,000 miph, and primarily serves as a testing platform for the Orbital Launch System. It allows customers to conduct tests and serves as a facility for long-term satellite qualification. The company’s first major milestone was the successful test of its suborbital accelerator at Spaceport America in New Mexico in October 2021, where a projectile was launched tens of thousands of feet at 20% power capacity. SpinLaunch also planned to launch small satellites into low-Earth orbit by 2026.SpinLaunch has also created a new type of highly affordable satellite. It claims that applying mass manufacturing techniques and simplifying the supply chain reduces costs without compromising performance. SpinLaunch’s satellites are specifically designed for mass accelerators but are also compatible with traditional launch systems and serve a variety of use cases, such as surveillance broadcasts, Internet of things (IoT), machine-to-machine communication (M2M), and emergency communication platforms.<h3>Key customers and partnerships</h3>In September 2023, SpinLaunch partnered with Sumitomo Corporation (Japan) for the global expansion of affordable and sustainable space services. SpinLaunch has also attracted significant interest and formed strategic partnerships with major organizations, including ATW Partners, Kleiner Perkins, and GV. In 2019, the Department of Defense signed a "launch prototype contract" with SpinLaunch to provide reliable and cost-effective launch services​.Funding and financialsIn September 2022, SpinLaunch secured USD 71 million in a Series B funding round led by ATW Partners to continue developing its launch system and satellite technologies​. In January 2020, the company raised USD 35 million from venture capitalists to aid the development of its kinetic launch system.

SpinLaunch

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch services and space systems, offering a comprehensive range of solutions from satellite manufacturing to orbital launches. The company's primary launch vehicle, Electron, has become the second most frequently launched US rocket annually, having delivered over 190 satellites to orbit for various commercial and government partners. Electron is capable of carrying payloads of up to 300 kilograms to low Earth orbit. In addition to Electron, Rocket Lab has developed HASTE, a suborbital hypersonic launch vehicle.Rocket Lab is currently developing Neutron, an advanced 13-tonne payload class reusable launch vehicle designed for constellation deployment and interplanetary missions. The company successfully conducted the first hot fire test of its Archimedes engine in August 2024, which will power Neutron's first stage. Neutron's unique design encapsulates its second stage within a reusable first stage with an integrated payload fairing. Rocket Lab aims to launch Neutron by mid-2025, potentially marking the fastest time to market for a commercially developed medium-class launch vehicle.Beyond launch services, Rocket Lab has established itself as a premier supplier of advanced satellites, flight-proven subsystems, and spacecraft components. The company's technology spans various areas, including space solar power, composite structures, flight software, star trackers, reaction wheels, and separation systems. As of August 2024, Rocket Lab's satellite technology and components have been integrated into more than 1,700 satellite missions globally. In the second quarter of 2024, Rocket Lab reported record revenue of USD 106.3 million, representing a 71% year-over-year increase.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsRocket Lab has secured partnerships with several high-profile customers and organizations. The company has conducted multiple launches for NASA, including the CAPSTONE mission to the Moon in 2022 and the upcoming ESCAPADE mission to Mars. In August 2024, Rocket Lab delivered two spacecraft for the ESCAPADE mission to Cape Canaveral.Rocket Lab has also established a strong relationship with Capella Space, having completed five missions for the company since August 2020. In August 2024, Rocket Lab successfully launched Capella Space's Acadia-3 satellite, a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite, into orbit. Additionally, the company has partnered with the University of California Berkeley's Space Science Laboratory to build spacecraft for NASA missions. &nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35960">In November 2024</a>, Rocket Lab signed a multi-launch agreement with an undisclosed commercial satellite operator for its Neutron rocket.

Rocket Lab

D-Orbit, an Italy-based company, specializes in satellite deployment, in-space transportation, and in-orbit servicing through its ION Satellite Carrier. The ION reduces satellite deployment time by up to 85% and costs by 40%. By December 2024, D-Orbit had completed 13 missions, deploying 110 satellites and 44 hosted payloads. It was the world’s first B Corp-certified space company.D-Orbit delivers services covering satellite deployment, in-orbit maintenance, mission control, and advanced space solutions. Deployment options include Rideshare, which uses third-party launchers for standard orbits; Precision Deployment, which uses the ION Satellite Carrier to tailor orbital placements; and Constellation Deployment, which phases satellites into optimal positions. D-Orbit's Aurora cloud platform supports real-time telemetry monitoring, trajectory updates, telecommands, and 3D visualization, enabling operators to manage satellites efficiently or delegate control to D-Orbit to streamline operations.In-orbit services encompass transportation, lifetime extension, assembly, refurbishment, debris removal, and inspection. Advanced offerings include the ION Hosted Payload Service for technology testing, in-orbit data computing via D-Orbit Cloud, and a SaaS model. The IRIDE constellation project, financed by Italy’s National Plan for Recovery and Resilience and supported by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Italian Space Agency (ASI), aims to provide Earth observation data for public services like marine monitoring, air quality, and climate analysis. Launches were planned from 2025 to 2026.The company also offers satellite hardware and software, such as the AOCS Suite for satellite control, the D-Sense module for positioning, and systems like D-Raise for propulsion and D3 for satellite disposal.&nbsp;Key customers and partnershipsD-Orbit's customer base includes ESA, ASI, Planet Labs, Spaceflight, Ensign-Bickford Aerospace &amp; Defense (EBAD), the University of Southern California, Brown University, and TelePIX from South Korea.Early partnerships by the company included&nbsp;<a href="https://spacenews.com/d-orbit-launches-two-ion-satellite-carrier-on-its-seventh-orbital-transportation-mission/#:~:text=D%2DOrbit%20launched%20its%20first,more%20than%2090%20payloads%20collectively.">SpaceX</a> for deploying ION Satellite Carrier missions and collaborations with&nbsp;<a href="https://spacenews.com/d-orbit-launches-aurora-a-cloud-based-mission-control-software-suite/">Leaf Space and AWS</a> Ground Station to enhance the Aurora platform's global mission control. Significant partnerships also included&nbsp;<a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/07/starfish-space-and-d-orbit-complete-orbital-rendezvous-bringing-otter-pup-mission-to-a-close/">Starfish Space</a> for orbital rendezvous,&nbsp;<a href="https://spacenews.com/d-orbit-signs-agreement-with-hyimpulse-technologies-for-joint-eu-based-launch-and-deployment-mission/">HyImpulse Technologies</a> for EU-based satellite launch and deployment services,&nbsp;<a href="https://metasensing.com/metasensing-selected-to-provide-the-sar-payload-sensor-for-the-nox-mission-in-italys-iride-constellation/">MetaSensing</a> for supporting ESA's IRIDE Earth observation project, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/D_Orbit_and_SkyServe_enhance_satellite_analytics_with_new_edge_computing_platform_999.html">SkyServe STORM</a> for utilizing Edge computing in space-based data processing.In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34798">October 2024</a>, ESA awarded D-Orbit a contract to develop a spacecraft-servicing vehicle for geostationary satellites and in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/36352">November 2024</a>, D-Orbit partnered with Morpheus Space to demonstrate the GO-2 electric propulsion system aboard its orbital transfer vehicle.&nbsp;

D-Orbit

Phantom Space Corporation is a space services company providing all-in-one capabilities for satellite manufacturing and launch services to commercial and government clients.Phantom Space caters to launch services primarily using its launch vehicle, Daytona Rocket, which is a two-stage system designed to carry payloads of up to 450 kg, including satellites and other space cargo into low-Earth orbit (LEO), for less than USD 4 million per launch. In addition to the Daytona, Phantom Space was developing the larger Laguna rocket, scheduled for launch in 2025, to be powered by a combination of Ripley and Hadley engines produced by Ursa Major to increase payload capacity to 1,200 kg for LEO missions at USD 8 million per launch.In November 2022, the company achieved a major milestone by conducting a successful 60-second hot fire test of the Daytona's Pathfinder test stage at Spaceport America in New Mexico, validating approximately 75% of the vehicle's systems in a flight-realistic condition.The company also provides solutions for designing, manufacturing, and operating small satellites, ranging from single CubeSats to constellations of ESPA-class spacecraft. As of May 2024, Phantom Space had 46 satellite and spacecraft programs successfully executed, while three were currently in progress.As of June 2023, the company aimed to offer affordable access to space through its proprietary rocket and satellite designs. To this end, Phantom Space aimed to employ mass production techniques to reduce costs and increase the frequency of space access for government and commercial entities. Key customers and partnershipsIn May 2023, Phantom Space signed a launch services agreement with Quub, a satellite manufacturer, for three dedicated launches in 2025.In November 2022, Phantom Space secured task orders from NASA for the agency's Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) missions program. The orders involved launching four CubeSat satellites on the second and fourth Daytona rocket flights from Vandenberg Space Force Base, planned for 2024.

Phantom Space

The Beyond Earth Institute is a space policy think tank focused on human spaceflight established in 2010. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with a mission to establish and sustain policy and legal frameworks that enable economically vibrant communities beyond Earth. The institute conducts primary and secondary research to develop and publicize reports and policy recommendations throughout space policy communities in the US and internationally. Their work centers on catalyzing technology readiness, worldwide public support, and public policies needed to achieve a permanent human presence in space. The organization's research and policy efforts particularly focus on enabling long-term human settlement beyond Earth and developing the cislunar economy.
Key customers and partnerships
Beyond Earth has collaborated with Space Perspective. In January 2023, the organization worked with Japanese space company ispace to support their Hakuto-R moon lander mission, which launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Beyond Earth

Companies that offer launch capabilities to get satellites into orbit, including last-mile delivery of satellites and value-added services including launch mission planning and execution

Companies that provide satellite management services once they are deployed

Includes companies that develop satellite buses and payloads for mini, micro and nano systems

Companies that manufacture components for mini, micro, nano, and picosatellite systems

Satellite companies that offer location-based intelligence, navigation, mapping, spatial awareness, and data analytics services

Use of autonomous robotics in the production process, specially in the miniature satellite segments

Kuva Space

Sources

About EDGE

Contact Us

Resources

Area of Focus

Technology Research Made Effortless