ORiS, a Turin-based deeptech startup
developing laser-based wireless power transmission (WPT) systems for space and
dual-use applications, has secured €5 million in funding to accelerate the
development of its technology. The €4.5 million pre-seed round was led by
Earlybird and co-led by Pitchdrive, with participation from Galaxia, Vento and
Piemonte Next Fund. ORiS also received a €0.5 million grant through the
Piedmont Region’s Consolidamento patrimoniale e crescita delle start up
innovative programme.
Founded by Politecnico di Torino
engineers Andrea Villa (CEO), Anna Mauro (CTO), Domenico Edoardo Sfasciamuro
(CCO) and Francesco Lopez (COO), ORiS is developing an in-orbit energy
distribution grid using laser-based wireless power transmission to provide satellites
with additional energy directly in orbit.
As satellite capabilities continue to
grow, so do their energy requirements. ORiS’ technology is designed to address
this challenge by enabling on-demand power delivery in orbit. For satellites
already in operation, this could increase payload availability, support
operations during eclipse periods and extend mission lifetimes as solar panels
degrade. For future spacecraft, on-demand energy in orbit could fundamentally
reshape mission design, influencing how electrical power systems are sized,
payloads are operated and missions are planned.
ORiS’ vision is to support the
disruptive growth of the space economy by reshaping the standard for how
satellites are designed and operated. We want to optimize satellites for high
performance and profitability. Our first step is to make energy in orbit a
commodity, available at any time, just as we are used to here on Earth,
said Andrea Villa, CEO and co-founder of ORiS.
Alongside its long-term space
ambitions, ORiS is validating its laser-based wireless power technology through
LOONA, a drone charging platform developed within NATO DIANA’s accelerator
programme. The company has already demonstrated wireless power transfer to a
hovering drone over distances of more than 100 metres, providing an early
dual-use validation of its technology.
Beyond drones and satellites, ORiS is
also exploring lunar applications, including wireless power transmission for
surface assets such as rovers. The company has already completed a feasibility
study on the concept for Thales Alenia Space.
The funding will support the expansion
of ORiS’ engineering team, accelerate research and development of critical
subsystems, enable the company to move into new laboratory and clean-room
facilities, develop a flight model for a future satellite-to-satellite wireless
power transmission mission, and advance LOONA from a prototype platform towards
a commercial dual-use product.