Turin-based startup ORiS has secured €5 million in funding to develop an in-orbit energy grid for satellites using laser technology. The pre-seed round, one of Europe's largest for a space company, was led by Earlybird and Pitchdrive. This investment will accelerate development of its wireless power transmission system, aiming to reshape how satellites operate in space.
Revolutionizing In-Orbit Energy
ORiS aims to solve a key limitation for spacecraft that rely on solar panels, which degrade and fail during orbital eclipses. The company’s vision is to make energy in orbit a readily available commodity, allowing satellites to recharge wirelessly. This innovation would enable continuous payload operation and extend mission lifetimes, boosting satellite performance and profitability.
Founded in 2024 by four aerospace engineers from Politecnico di Torino, the company has strong institutional support. ORiS is backed by the I3P Incubator, the European Space Agency’s ESA BIC Turin program, and the CDP Venture Capital ecosystem. This network provides a solid foundation for the startup's ambitious goals in the competitive space technology sector.
Strategic Funding and Development Roadmap
The €5 million funding package includes a €4.5 million pre-seed investment and a €0.5 million grant from the Piedmont Region. The round was led by Earlybird and co-led by Pitchdrive, with participation from Galaxia, Vento, and Piemonte Next Fund. This capital injection is a major milestone for the young company as it prepares to scale its operations.
These funds are designated for expanding the technical team, accelerating R&D, and moving into new lab and clean-room facilities. A primary goal is developing the flight model for a satellite-to-satellite power mission planned for 2027. This in-orbit demonstration with partner DCUBED will aim to prove the technology by beaming power over 10 meters.
From Drones to Satellites: A Dual-Use Approach
While its ultimate goal is space, ORiS is validating its technology on Earth through its LOONA prototype platform. Developed within NATO's DIANA accelerator, LOONA has successfully transmitted power wirelessly to a hovering drone at over 100 meters. This dual-use application provides a near-term commercialization path and serves as a practical testbed for its space systems.
Investors praise this strategy, with Frédéric du Bois-Reymond of Earlybird calling the technology a "foundational capability for the future space economy". Koen Christiaens of Pitchdrive noted that LOONA gives ORiS a faster path to validating its core technology. This dual-use roadmap combines near-term validation with a long-term vision for making energy more accessible in space.
Navigating a Competitive Landscape
ORiS enters a market with formidable, better-funded competitors, primarily based in the United States. For example, Star Catcher Industries raised $65 million for a similar project, while Aetherflux has secured Pentagon funding. This disparity highlights the significant capital advantage held by American firms in the emerging space infrastructure sector.
This funding gap reflects a broader trend where European dual-use tech ventures receive a fraction of US investment. Despite this, the market for space-based power transmission is projected to grow to $3.3 billion by 2035. ORiS aims to leverage its laser-focused approach to carve out a niche in this promising but competitive field.
The €5 million raised by ORiS is a significant vote of confidence in its vision for an orbital power grid. By pursuing a pragmatic dual-use strategy, the company is building both immediate value and a foundation for its long-term ambitions. While facing heavily funded US rivals, ORiS is now positioned to advance its innovative technology in the next wave of space infrastructure.