With this funding, ION-X will initiate the industrialization of its ion thrusters, targeting a production rate of 10 thrusters per month by 2026. With its production facility located in the Paris region and propellant sourced in France, ION-X centralizes nearly its entire supply chain domestically. With a targeted production capacity of 200 thrusters per year by 2028, ION-X aims to establish itself as a key player in space mobility, offering solutions tailored to the needs of small satellites and constellations.
The funding round included contributions from its historic investors, Expansion and Technofounders Participation, as well as new stakeholders such as the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund and the Île-de-France Region, through its Reindustrialization Fund managed by Innovacom (Turenne Group).

“This funding round is a decisive step for ION-X. It allows us not only to launch the industrialization of our ion thruster but also to accelerate our growth in a rapidly expanding sector. We are deeply convinced that our propulsion solutions can revolutionize the space mobility market, contribute to sustainable, innovative, and cost-effective space missions, and carve out a significant commercial position in a market eager for reliable thrusters,”
Thomas Hiriart, CEO of ION-X.

“ION-X is today a leader in electrospray propulsion technology, and we believe this will quickly make them market leaders. Since our first investment in 2022, they have demonstrated their execution and recruitment capabilities, and we have full confidence in their international ambitions.”
Charles BEIGBEDER, General Partner, Expansion.

“We are particularly proud to join the capital of ION-X through the Île-de-France Reindustrialization Fund. This investment perfectly illustrates the Region’s commitment to actively contributing to industrial initiatives within its territory, embodied by our Impact 2028 strategy. With the construction of a high-tech aerospace production site, ION-X will create jobs, energize the Île-de-France region, and uphold the competitiveness and excellence of the New Space sector in France.”
Alexandra DUBLANCHE, Vice President, Île-de-France Region.

“Convinced of the critical role of industry for our region and competitiveness, we believe in the potential of ION-X’s team to successfully commercialize their high-tech thrusters. We are proud to support them with an investment that perfectly aligns with the thesis of the Île-de-France Reindustrialization Fund.”
Alban NENERT, Investment Director, Innovacom – Turenne Group.

“The EIC’s unique financing model, combining grants and investments, is highly attractive to Europe’s most promising startups. We are delighted to see the EIC Fund investing in ION-X, an innovative company pushing the boundaries of space propulsion. Supporting them reinforces Europe’s ability to innovate and lead in space technology.”
Svetoslava Georgieva, Chair of the EIC Fund Steering Board.

“We are thrilled to continue supporting the development of ION-X, whose deeply innovative technology is in high demand. Under Thomas Hiriart’s leadership, the team has great potential to establish an international leadership position in small satellite propulsion.”

Yves MATTON, Managing Partner, Technofounders.