Debuting the ZES 'smart chip', Dr Joseph Chang (middle) poses alongside Dr Shu Wei (left) and Dr Chong Kwen Siong (right). Credit: Lester Kok/NTU.

Airbus Ventures has made its latest investment in Zero Error Systems (ZES), a Singapore-based startup that is launching smart chip technology to protect satellites from radiation damage.

This S$2.5m seed round will allow the firm to boost its operations and work with international customers to launch its products into space, besides exploring new applications such as self-driving vehicles.

ZES expects the launch of its chips into space next year.

ZES founding chief technology officer Dr Shu Wei said: “Pairing ZES proprietary technology with advanced consumer-grade electronics will enable highly intelligent and cost-effective technology that is built to resist radiation.

“As we embark on this journey, ZES is privileged to have Airbus Ventures invest in us. This partnership will enable and expedite the proliferation of our products and technologies into the Airbus Ventures ecosystem and beyond.”

Developed at Nanyang Technological University, ZES’s new technology has the capability to discover harmful heavy-ion radiation.

The technology has already been deployed in three pico-satellites built by the Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan.

Airbus Ventures partner Mathieu Costes said: “We at Airbus Ventures are proud to team with ZES on the cusp of a new era for space electronics and autonomous vehicles.

“Our ZES investment, Airbus Ventures’ second in Singapore, signifies a deepening convergence of entrepreneurial research and venture pioneers in the region, drawing together new networks as we actively expand our presence in the Asia Pacific.”

Airbus Ventures recently announced its milestone partnership with the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ), Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Company Limited (Mitsubishi UFJ Lease) and Fuyo General Lease (FGL) to invest in Airbus Ventures Fund III LP to support early-stage businesses in their growth in the space industry.