Tokyo (SCCIJ) – Swiss space technology company SWISSto12 and Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric Corporation have entered a strategic partnership to develop new opportunities in advanced satellite technology, strengthening cooperation between Switzerland and Japan in the rapidly growing space sector.
Announced on September 14, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will see the two companies pursue joint opportunities in advanced satellite payloads, radio frequency (RF) products and market development in Japan and across the Asia-Pacific region.
The partnership combines Mitsubishi Electric’s extensive experience in satellite systems and integration with SWISSto12’s proprietary 3D-printing technologies, which enable the production of smaller, lighter and high-performance satellite components in shorter manufacturing timeframes.
The agreement is already being accompanied by concrete business. Mitsubishi Electric has awarded SWISSto12 a contract to provide advanced phased-array antenna products for the Japanese government’s geostationary secure communications programme.
Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Renens, near Lausanne, SWISSto12 has emerged as one of Switzerland’s fastest-growing space technology companies. Its HummingLink technology uses 3D printing at the core of advanced satellite payloads, antennas and RF products, with more than 2,000 SWISSto12 products already operating in orbit.
“SWISSto12’s innovative technologies, including its 3D-printing-based component manufacturing technology and small geostationary satellite platform, hold tremendous potential,” said Masahiko Arai, Executive Officer and Group President, Defense & Space Systems at Mitsubishi Electric.
By combining the respective strengths of the two companies, Mitsubishi Electric aims to pursue new business opportunities in Japan and international markets.
For SWISSto12, the partnership also represents a significant step in its expansion in Asia-Pacific, where the company sees growing demand for advanced satellite communications technologies across land, sea, air and space applications.
The Swiss company has experienced rapid growth in recent years, reaching USD 140 million in revenue in 2025 and securing more than USD 500 million in contracted orders.
The new partnership highlights the growing links between Switzerland’s deep-tech and advanced manufacturing ecosystem and Japan’s established industrial and space capabilities, opening new opportunities for technological and commercial cooperation between the two countries.
Source: SCCIJ based on press material of SWISSto12
