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Revolution…

How we’re redefining what’s possible with Geostationary small satellite technology 

Radio Frequency communications have changed – even saved – lives in the modern era. Now, data demands are growing exponentially, and a new approach is needed. SWISSto12 is pioneering new frontiers with a revolutionary new class of small, low-cost Geostationary satellite. We aim to connect the world by making high-speed connectivity more scalable, faster to deploy, and less costly to operate. 

Products
in Space
1000 +
Products deployed
on aircraft & ships
100 +
International
patent families
35 +

Our Story

Dr. Emile de Rijk’s Journey in
Satellite Communications

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Our founder, Emile de Rijk, didn’t initially set out to change Satellite Communications. In 2011, while studying for his PhD in Physics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Emile’s grant wouldn’t stretch far enough to buy the expensive Radio Frequency components that his Magnetic Resonance research required.

In a classic case of necessity breeding invention, Emile turned to the university’s 3D printing lab as a novel way to design and manufacture high performance Radio Frequency (RF) products at a low cost.

The Name

Merging Tradition and Innovation in Radio Frequency Technology

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Our name blends tradition with technology. ‘Swiss’ represents the tradition of precision craftsmanship Switzerland is renowned for – an apt reflection of the extremely precise mechanical geometries required in Radio Frequency communications. ‘to12’ calls on the company’s first products, which were channeling signals at Terahertz frequencies (1 THz = 10<sup>12</sup>Hz). Putting them together, we get SWISSto12, or ‘Swiss to the power of twelve’. 

Future Defining

SWISSto12’s Vision for the Future of Satellite Communications

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There are now over 1,000 SWISSto12 products in orbit, and we will be launching our first HummingSat into Geostationary orbit in 2026. For SWISSto12, the sky is not the limit. We’re going beyond that, defining the future of Satellite Communications technology in partnership with the world’s leading operators, manufacturers and Space agencies. 

Meet the Team

Dr. Emile de Rijk

BSC, MSC, PHD Physics

CEO and founder

In 2011, Emile spun out SWISSto12 from EPFL.



 

Under his leadership, the company has grown to become a leading provider of Radio Frequency (RF) solutions for high-throughput satellite communication applications with over 1,000 products in space at geostationary orbit (35,786 km above earth) and the world’s largest IP portfolio in RF products and solutions built using 3D printing.



 

In 2022, SWISSto12 became the first ever scale-up company to sell a geostationary telecoms satellite – named HummingSat after the small, light and agile bird – to a global satellite operator.



 

Emile holds a PhD in Physics from EPFL, and a Master in Physics from the University of Amsterdam.

Trailblazing RF Innovation since 2011

2011
It all started when Emile de Rijk, was working on his PhD at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne
2015
SWISSto12 establishes itself as a supplier to the aerospace industry by securing its first contracts with ESA
2016
Company moves from  “build to print” to  “build to Spec” business model
2017-2018
First contracts with large aerospace companies 

2018
Company further grows in supply chain, offering subsystems that integrate 3rd party products assembled to its core 3D printed RF products
2019
First RF products launched in Space Start of the first US office in CA
2021
Company wins first contracts with major US primes
2022
ESA Supports HummingSat
2022
Intelsat orders 1 HummingSat
2023
Inmarsat orders 3 HummingSat
2024
Booked >200m CHF sales to date
2026
Planned launch of first HummingSat onboard Ariane 6

Management

Frank's role at SWISSto12 involves collaborating with the team, customers, and partners to develop and deliver cutting-edge products. He facilitates the product development lifecycle, from opportunity analysis to delivery, and oversees the growth of the team. Additionally, Frank manages the program and engineering activities of the European team. He holds a PhD in Telecom engineering from TU Munich and has previously served as Head of IoT operations at Nagravision, Kudelski Group, and Program Manager at DLR (German Aerospace Center).

Dr. Frank Schreckenbach

CPO

Emile founded SWISSto12 in 2011 as a spinoff from his PhD at EPFL. He led the company’s growth into aerospace and telecommunications, making it the first scale-up to sell a Geostationary telecom satellite, HummingSat, to a global operator. Emile co-invented 15+ patents, raised over $30 million, and secured $150 million in contracts. He holds a PhD from EPFL and a Master’s in Physics from the University of Amsterdam.

Dr. Emile de Rijk

CEO & Founder

When Mike and Emile met, they saw the potential of using SWISSto12’s RF products for satellite systems, leading to the development of HummingSat. Mike coordinates team activities and program execution while also leading business development. He heads SWISSto12’s California office and holds a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from Stanford. Previously, he was Director of Payload Engineering at Ruag Space and Program Manager at Space Systems Loral (now Maxar).

Michael Kaliski

CTO HummingSat

Peter leverages his executive experience and network to drive sustainable growth for SWISSto12, focusing on business development, partnerships, international expansion, and government relations. He also oversees the IT environment. Peter holds a PhD in Computer Science from ETH Zürich and an IMD executive MBA. Previously, he served as CEO of RUAG Space (2008-2020) and Head of Automation Products at ABB.

Dr. Peter Guggenbach

CGO

Franck is in charge of Finance at SWISSto12, helping us deliver sustainably and profitably on our growth trajectory while managing and controlling the financial assets and associated risks. Franck holds a Master's in Finance in Paris.
He previously served in multiple CFO, financial management and controlling roles at Roche, Swatch group, Richmond and others.

Franck Barbe

VP Finance

Hadrien leads corporate partnerships at SWISSto12, driving growth strategy and identifying new opportunities. He joined after four years at Spire Global as Director of Strategy and Planning and Chief of Staff, where he led partnerships, secured growth investments, and managed a major acquisition. Previously, he worked in strategy consulting at BCG and Monitor Deloitte. Hadrien holds an MSc in Strategic Management from HEC Paris and a Master's of Law from the University of Exeter.

Hadrien Chautard

Head of Corporate Strategy & Development

Jean-Marie manages production, testing, procurement, facilities, and quality operations at SWISSto12, covering manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, and maintenance. He holds a Master’s in Material Science from UCL Belgium and has held various roles in R&D, plant, and general management at Bekaert, Sulzer Sorevi, and Oerlikon.

Jean-Marie Jacquet

COO

Scott leads SWISSto12’s RF product business in the US, delivering mission critical products to US based customers.

Scott Wolf

Managing Director of St12 RF Solutions Inc

Hadar joined SWISSto12 to start the company’s commercial activities with customers in EMEA that have developed into key partnerships. He also helped build and develop the company’s Surveillance product line.
With a strong background in sales of RF products, Hadar is now helping us to develop our RF products and solutions sales across EMEA.

Hadar Naor

VP Sales EMEA

Esteban joined SWISSto12 as an early employee and helped define the company’s RF product portfolio and develop its USP. Esteban now leads the RF product line for Space. He holds a degree in Telecommunications Engineering from Univ Politécnica de Valencia, specializing in Satellite Communications.

Esteban Menargues

Head of Space RF Products

Mathieu, one of SWISSto12's first employees, initially led the development of the company's manufacturing technologies. He now heads the Satcom User Terminal product line, collaborating with the team, partners, suppliers, and customers to ensure reliable satellite connectivity. Mathieu holds a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Polytech’Annecy and previously worked as a Mechanical Engineer at Applied Materials and Rolex.

Mathieu Billod

Head of Satcom User Terminal products

Claudia manages Human Resources and supports SWISSto12's growth globally. Her team focuses on timely talent acquisition, HR policy implementation, and aligning with business objectives. She also drives performance through a diverse, multicultural team. Claudia holds a Bachelor's in Organizational Psychology and has previously held HR leadership roles at Cargill and NagraVision.

Claudia Hochstrasser

Head of Human Resources

As SWISSto12’s General Counsel, Julie handles legal, contracts, trade, and compliance, advising on commercial decisions. She previously served as Senior Legal Counsel at Tesat Spacecom, Thales International, and Thales Alenia Space, and was General Counsel for Schaefler France in the automotive industry. Julie holds a Master’s degrees from Toulouse Business School and Toulouse Law University.

Julie Pignon

General Counsel

Roland holds a Master's of Electrical Engineering from EPFL. He previously founded and was CEO of NewSat communications (merged with ITC Global) and subsequently COO & Chairman of ITC Global (acquired by Panasonic Avionics in 2015).

Roland Loos

Chairman of the board

Emile founded SWISSto12 in 2011 as a spinoff from his PhD at EPFL. He led the company’s growth into aerospace and telecommunications, making it the first scale-up to sell a Geostationary telecom satellite, HummingSat, to a global operator. Emile co-invented 15+ patents, raised over $30 million, and secured $150 million in contracts. He holds a PhD from EPFL and a Master’s in Physics from the University of Amsterdam.

Dr. Emile de Rijk

CEO & Board Member

Philipp serves as founder and CEO of CNB Capital. He holds aMaster's of Law from the University of Vienna, an MBA from Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh Business School). He previously served in various roles, including VP corporate development and Director of Global Sales Operations at SAP.

Philipp Thurn und Taxis

Board member

Pär serves as Partner at Swisscom Ventures. He holds a Master in Engineering Physics from Linköping University and an MBA from INSEAD. He previously worked in various roles, including as Managing Director and Co-founder of Miranet AB, and in the telecoms industry as Product Marketing Manager for Ericsson.

Pär Lange

Board observer

Nils serves as Senior Investment Director Private Equity at the Zürcher Kantonalbank. He holds a Master in Mechanical Engineering from Linköping University and an MBA from INSEAD. He previously worked in various roles, including Head of investments at Telia, investment management roles at Swisscom and Cartagena Capital and in the telecoms industry as Regional Manager for Ericsson.

Nils Granath

Board member

Working with leaders in Satellite Communications

Awards

Our revolutionary satellites have earned numerous awards, recognizing their innovation and excellence in the field.

World Economic Forum

Technology Pioneer

ViaSatellite

One of “10 Hottest Companies”

Le Temps Forum

Top 100

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“The SWISSto12 product brings two innovations to meet our business needs. The small size addresses a gap in our fleet strategy, enabling us to be increasingly more targeted to meet specific customer requirements.”

Jean-Luc Froeliger

SVP Space Systems

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