As the number of satellites in orbit continues to grow, the need for reliable and efficient power solutions is becoming more important than ever. While most satellites depend on solar panels, new technologies are emerging to improve how energy is generated and shared in space. Italian startup ORiS is among the companies working on this challenge. The company has now secured fresh funding to speed up the development of its wireless power transmission technology and prepare for future space missions.
ORiS secures €5 million in pre-seed funding
ORiS, a Turin, Italy-based deep-tech startup, has raised €5 million in pre-seed funding. The funding package includes a €4.5 million equity investment and a €500,000 non-dilutive grant from the Piedmont Region through its programme for innovative startups.
The investment round was led by Earlybird and co-led by Pitchdrive. Existing and new investors, including Galaxia, Vento, and Piemonte Next Fund, also participated in the round.
Founded in 2024, ORiS develops laser-based wireless power transmission (WPT) systems for space and dual-use applications. The company aims to make it possible to transmit energy wirelessly between spacecraft, helping future satellites operate more efficiently.
Developing wireless power transmission for space
ORiS is building laser-based technology that can transfer energy without physical cables. Instead of relying only on onboard power generation, satellites could receive energy wirelessly from other spacecraft or dedicated power sources in orbit.
According to the company, this approach could help satellites continue operating during eclipse periods when sunlight is unavailable, increase the amount of usable power for onboard systems, and extend mission lifetimes. The technology is designed to complement existing power systems rather than replace them.
The company believes that wireless power transmission could become an important part of future space infrastructure as satellite networks continue to expand.
Technology demonstrated through LOONA
Before taking its technology into space, ORiS has already demonstrated its wireless power transmission system on Earth.
Its platform, called LOONA, was developed under NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) programme. During testing, the system successfully transmitted power wirelessly to a hovering drone over a distance of more than 100 metres.
The demonstration validated the core laser-based technology that ORiS plans to adapt for space missions and other dual-use applications.
Working with the space industry
ORiS has also completed a feasibility study for Thales Alenia Space to evaluate the use of wireless power transmission for lunar surface assets. The study explored how the technology could support future lunar operations where reliable energy distribution is essential.
The startup is supported by I3P, the Innovative Companies Incubator of Politecnico di Torino, and ESA BIC Turin, which help early-stage space companies develop and commercialise new technologies.
ORiS was founded by aerospace engineering graduates Andrea Villa, who serves as Chief Executive Officer, Anna Mauro, Chief Technology Officer, Domenico Edoardo Sfasciamuro, Chief Commercial Officer, and Francesco Lopez, Chief Operating Officer.
Funding to support next stage of growth
The newly raised capital will help ORiS expand its engineering team, accelerate research and development, and establish larger laboratory and clean-room facilities.
The company also plans to develop a flight model for a future satellite-to-satellite wireless power transmission mission. In addition, it will continue advancing LOONA from a successful demonstration platform toward commercial deployment for civilian and defence applications.
ORiS has stated that it is targeting its first in-orbit mission in 2027 as it works toward building the next generation of space power infrastructure.
Looking ahead
With fresh funding and support from experienced investors, ORiS is moving into the next phase of its growth. As satellite missions become more complex and demand for energy in space increases, the company’s wireless power transmission technology could help improve how spacecraft receive and use power.
The latest investment provides ORiS with the resources needed to continue developing its technology and bring its vision of wireless energy transfer in space closer to reality.
