Matteo Madi, Managing Director of Sirin Orbital Systems AG, believes the next leap in clean energy will come from space. With technologies like wireless power transfer and space-based solar power, SIRIN is turning ambitious ideas into practical solutions—delivering clean energy to Earth and building a sustainable future in orbit.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and highlight various ways Sirin Orbital is solving the challenges of the climate change crisis with space-based technologies and tools?
My name is Matteo Madi, I am Managing Director at Sirin Orbital Systems AG (SIRIN). SIRIN is a Swiss company based in Zürich that has emerged as the stand-out company for the WSW2024 campaign spotlighting innovations in the area of space & climate change. We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award for the novelty of technologies that we are offering. SIRIN’s solutions are perceived to be among cross-sector innovations, scalable with global impact, a catalyst for collaborative partnerships, and have the core essence of sustainability with a long-term vision. SIRIN develops enabling technologies for space-based solar power (SBSP), wireless power transfer (WPT), sustainable micro-propulsion systems, and on-orbit servicing technologies. That’s how SIRIN’s slogan describes our efforts, “venturous innovations, for Earth and beyond”. As distinguished judges of the WSW2024 campaign emphasized, our SBSP and WPT innovations have the potential to revolutionize energy systems—tackling climate change by providing non-stop, sustainable clean energy from space to Earth.
What new technologies or innovations has Sirin Orbital Systems AG introduced in 2024 to address climate change?
Our work this year focuses on making clean energy accessible and space exploration sustainable. One of our key innovations is wireless power transfer (WPT), which delivers energy from space while addressing environmental concerns. We’ve developed a system that keeps wildlife—like birds and insects—safe from radiofrequency beams while maintaining continuous energy transmission.
We are also transforming how energy is shared on Earth. Our point-to-point WPT technology removes the need for transmission lines, enabling regions such as Africa and the Middle East to become clean energy hubs, wirelessly exporting power worldwide. For smaller devices, we use WPT to eliminate replaceable batteries in IoT sensors, cutting down toxic waste.
In space, our focus is on cleaner operations:
-On-orbit servicing: Intelligent cameras support cleaning space debris and recycling it.
-Sustainable propulsion systems: Powered by water and aluminum—available in space—for greener Low Earth Orbit operations.
-Air-breathing propulsion: Uses Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) so satellites can self-clean and improve Earth observation.
These solutions aren’t just about innovation—they’re about building a sustainable future for both Earth and space.
What are SIRIN’s short- and long-term goals?
Our short-term focus is on expanding partnerships and rolling out wireless power transfer (WPT) technology. We aim to work with policymakers and energy sector leaders to implement ground-based, point-to-point WPT systems that redefine how energy is generated and distributed.
Looking further, we plan to demonstrate space-based solar power (SBSP) with swarms of CubeSats, delivering clean energy to critical areas like hospitals and disaster relief zones. In the long term, we envision a space-to-ground energy network, enabling clean energy to flow seamlessly between Earth and space.
What trends will shape the future of space-based technologies, and how is SIRIN positioned?
I see a growing demand for high-impact technologies that solve practical problems. Wireless power transfer is one example—allowing machines, including AI-driven systems, to operate without pauses for recharging. We are also pursuing human-machine synergy with augmented and virtual reality, alongside AI integration, all supported by continuous WPT.
However, we must balance innovation with resilience policies and lifecycle management. The rapid adoption of AI makes technologies like SBSP and WPT essential for sustainably powering digital operations.
What challenges has SIRIN faced, and what lessons have you learned?
The path from initiating highly innovative high-impact concepts to their productization, and conversion to sources of revenues is a highly challenging one, and requires persistence, self-sacrifice and believing in “what one is actually doing”. Disrupting the system through innovation is not always welcome, one is naturally not understood by part of the system, and if that specific part of the system is a decision or policy-maker, then the continuation of the path is cumbersome. The lessons-learned here are to work with that inspiring part of the system, which provides unreserved support, and encouragement for the steps ahead.
How can space actors collaborate with sustainability stakeholders?
Space actors can directly contribute to sustainability through cleaner operations. Beyond that, industries can use space-based tools—such as Earth observation, IoT, and real-time communication—to improve efficiency and minimize environmental impact. The challenge is raising awareness among stakeholders and showing how these technologies offer real benefits, especially to traditional industries that might not yet see their value. Governments have a role, too, by fostering collaboration and driving programs that highlight the impact of space technologies.
“Sustainability isn’t about labels—it’s about mindful planning, strategy, and innovation that make a lasting impact. When you focus on the right solutions, sustainability follows naturally.”
Interview by Deborah Faboade