Sophia Space, a Pasadena-based startup developing edge computing infrastructure for satellites, has secured $7 million in new funding, bringing total investment to $22 million, and announced a strategic partnership with satellite manufacturer Apex to advance real-time orbital computing.
Partnership to Demonstrate Orbital Edge Computing
The collaboration with Apex will support a 2027 demonstration mission, where Sophia Space’s TILE (Thermal Integrated LEO Edge) computing modules will be integrated into Apex’s Nova satellite platform. The mission aims to demonstrate real-time data processing in orbit for commercial, government, and defense applications, reducing reliance on ground-based processing.
"This isn't just about faster data," said Rob DeMillo, CEO and Co-Founder of Sophia Space. "It's about enabling satellites to make intelligent decisions autonomously, accelerating innovation across defense, commercial space, and Earth observation industries."
AI-Powered Computing in Space
Sophia Space develops modular computing units designed for AI acceleration and edge computing in low Earth orbit. By processing data directly onboard satellites, the platform enables faster decision-making for applications such as Earth observation, disaster response, communications, and national security.
"We're building the backbone for the next era of space-to-space and space-to-Earth infrastructure," said Leon Alkalai, CTO and Founder of Sophia Space. "With Apex as a collaborator, satellites become autonomous computing hubs, able to act on data the moment it's generated."
Funding to Support Growth
The funding round was led by EverGreen, the NVIDIA Alumni Investment Network, with participation from SparkLabs Group and other strategic investors. The capital will be used to expand product development, engineering, commercial hiring, strategic partnerships, and deployment across government, commercial, and international markets.
"Building modular, AI-optimized compute for orbit isn't an adaptation of Earth-based architecture. It's a ground-up rethink," said Jeff Brown, Founding Partner at EverGreen. "Our network brings deep expertise across the full AI and HPC stack, and we'll support Sophia not just at close but through the technical and commercial milestones ahead."
"Sophia Space is operating at the intersection of two of the most transformative technology trends of our time: artificial intelligence and the expanding space economy," said Bernard Moon, Co-founder and Partner at SparkLabs. "Their team has demonstrated a clear vision, strong technical execution, and a compelling strategy for building the intelligent infrastructure that future space operations will require."