Lausanne Aerospace Sector
Canton of Vaud in Switzerland has established itself as a significant hub for space-related activities, with the EPFL Space Center playing a crucial role in this ecosystem. Located at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL, Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne), the Center serves as a focal point for space education, research and innovation in the region. EPFL provides engineers with state-of-the-art space expertise, fosters space-related spin-offs and serves as networking platform amongst space actors.
The canton hosts several notable companies making substantial contributions to the space industry.
- Swissto12, based in Renens, specializes in advanced antenna and radio frequency products for satellites is currently revolutionizing the satcom market with a brand new class of small, low-cost geostationary satellites. To date they secured over €350 million in customer orders.
- APCO Technologies in Aigle is renowned for its high-precision mechanical systems for space missions, satellite structures and mechanical ground support equipment (MGSE). More recently the company setup a brand new production workshop to manufacture large batches of Equipped Solid Rocket (ESR) upper and lower attachment subsystems of Ariane 6. They have a subsidiary at the European space port in Kourou French Guyana.
- Beyond Gravity in Nyon is a leading European supplier of high-performance slip rings for space and defense applications, with over 60 years of experience and a 100% mission success rate.
- By acquiring the EPFL spin-off company Jast Antenna System in 2007, the US based global communication company Viasat established a landmark in Switzerland to develop its European business. With a global turnover of more than US$4 billion in 2024 and the acquisition of its concurrent Inmarsat in 2023, Viasat is one of the leader in the field. Lausanne office is now counting more than 100 employees.
Lausanne & Space Business Events
Lausanne: just one of many towns? Its scenery, its history and its inhabitants have made it a place with a charm of its own. The fourth biggest city in Switzerland – and Olympic Capital of the world – is distinguished by the unique atmosphere of the site it occupies.
Its undulating contours afford residents and visitors spectacular glimpses over Lake Geneva and the Alps. The wealth of its cultural life is exceptional, while its modest size keeps it on an eminently human scale.
A bastion of training and research, its campuses have built a solid reputation all over the globe. A leisurely stroll is enough to discover stunning parks and gardens, bustling shopping districts and a fine architectural heritage. To discover Lausanne is to know the quality of life that makes it such a unique city.
In the centre of Europe, Switzerland and therefore Lausanne offers a direct access to 2 international airports (Geneva & Zurich) Lausanne city centre is at 40 minutes door to door from Geneva airport.
Monocle, the must-read travel magazine, designated Lausanne as “Best small city in the world”. No less! Such a title doesn’t spring out of nowhere, and there’s no doubt: Lausanne indeed has all the assets to deserve the top spot in the ranking.
Lausanne Key Contact
Gerald Howard
