ORiS, a Turin-based deep-tech startup developing laser-based wireless power transmission for space and dual-use applications, secured €5 million in new funding. The financing includes a €4.5 million pre-seed round led by Earlybird and co-led by Pitchdrive, with participation from Galaxia, Vento and Piemonte Next Fund, plus a €0.5 million grant from the Piedmont Region.
Building an In-Orbit Energy Network
ORiS is developing technology designed to transmit additional energy directly to satellites in orbit, supporting longer missions, increased payload operations and new spacecraft designs. The long-term goal focuses on creating an in-orbit energy distribution infrastructure for increasingly power-intensive satellites.
"ORiS' vision is to support the disruptive growth of the space economy by reshaping the standard for how satellites are designed and operated," said Andrea Villa, CEO and Co-Founder of ORiS. "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."
From Drone Charging to Space Missions
ORiS is also validating laser-based power transmission through LOONA, a wireless drone-recharging platform developed within the NATO DIANA accelerator programme. Testing has demonstrated wireless power transfer to a hovering drone at more than 100 metres, providing a dual-use testbed for technology intended for future space applications.
Funding Future Development
The funding will support team expansion, R&D, new laboratory and clean-room facilities, development of a satellite-to-satellite wireless power transmission system, and advancement of LOONA toward commercial deployment. ORiS also plans a 2027 in-orbit mission with DCUBED to demonstrate wireless power transmission across a 10-metre distance.