Space tech start-up launches funding drive

An Irish space technology start-up is seeking €3 million to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence and computing technology designed to make satellites more autonomous.

Dublin-based Setanta Space Systems is raising the funding as it continues to develop modular onboard computing hardware and AI software for next-generation satellites and spacecraft.

Founded in 2025 and headquartered at NovaUCD, the company has also joined ESA BIC Ireland, beginning a two-year incubation programme supporting Irish businesses developing space-related technologies and applications.

At the heart of Setanta Space’s technology is Danu, a modular onboard computer designed to allow mission operators to tailor processing power, AI acceleration and radiation tolerance to individual requirements.

Its architecture enables computing systems to be integrated, upgraded or reconfigured without redesigning an entire spacecraft avionics system.

Alongside Danu, Setanta Space is developing AI models for spacecraft health monitoring, Earth Observation analytics and autonomous navigation, with the technology aimed at enabling spacecraft to make more decisions independently in challenging environments.

Adam Taylor, founder and chief executive of Setanta Space, said: “We are delighted to announce our €3 million funding drive as we focus on fast-tracking the further development of Setanta’s onboard AI and modular satellite computing technologies. 

“Our goal is to give mission designers the flexibility to scale compute on demand, process Earth Observation data directly at the payload, and give satellites the operational autonomy needed to respond immediately in increasingly complex orbital environments.”

James Murphy, founder and chief technology officer of Setanta Space, added: “Being accepted into the ESA BIC initiative gives us the opportunity to network with the wider European space supply chain and advance our technologies further and faster. 

“Navigating the commercial space sector requires strong industry links, and the support will help us engage with satellite integrators and research partners as we develop our onboard computing platform.”

Joining ESA BIC Ireland will provide Setanta Space with up to €50,000 in seed funding, alongside access to technical expertise, training and further funding opportunities.

The programme is managed by ESA Space Solutions Centre Ireland, a consortium led by Tyndall National Institute and involving universities and technological institutions across Ireland.

Peter Finnegan, manager of ESA Space Solutions Centre Ireland and head of new ventures at Tyndall National Institute, added: “Setanta Space is another example of a new Irish company developing a proprietary upstream application that increases compute on demand at a lower development cost and is radiation scalable, which will be of massive interest to satellite operators and integrators.”

Setanta Space is also a client of Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Government’s enterprise development agency.

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