From Modena to orbit: the Emilia-Romagna deep-tech startup has reached a major milestone, with its supercapacitors integrated into a commercial satellite launched as part of SpaceX’s Transporter-17 mission.
Novac, a deep-tech startup founded in Modena in 2020, has reached an important milestone in the development of its energy storage technology. Its proprietary supercapacitors have been launched into orbit aboard D-Orbit’s ION satellite carrier, as part of SpaceX’s Transporter-17 mission. For the first time, Novac’s technology has been integrated into the electrical architecture of a commercial satellite, marking a significant step towards its validation for space applications.
From university research to space applications
Novac’s story began in Modena, where four young engineers from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia developed the original idea for the company. Established in 2020, the startup specialises in advanced supercapacitor technology designed to deliver high power output and rapid response times in demanding applications.
Originally rooted in Emilia-Romagna’s strong engineering and automotive tradition, Novac is now exploring opportunities in sectors beyond mobility, including aerospace and other advanced industrial applications.
The company’s growth has been supported by innovation programmes and specialised partners. In 2021, Novac joined the Motor Valley Accelerator in Modena, before entering ESA BIC Turin in 2023, an incubation programme supporting start-ups developing technologies for the space sector, managed by I3P in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI).
A milestone for deep-tech innovation
The launch in July 2026 marks an important step in demonstrating Novac’s technology under real mission conditions. After years of research, development, testing and qualification, its proprietary pouch-type supercapacitors have progressed from laboratory development and manufacturing to an operational space mission.
In March 2025, Novac announced a €3.5 million seed funding round, backed by Eureka! Venture, CDP Venture Capital and Galaxia, the National Technology Transfer Hub for Aerospace. The company was also named I3P Start-up of the Year in 2025.
Novac’s journey highlights how Emilia-Romagna’s university research, engineering expertise and entrepreneurial ecosystem can help innovative companies develop technologies for international markets, including the highly specialised aerospace industry.
With its supercapacitors now in orbit, the Modena-based startup has taken an important step towards establishing its technology in the space sector.
Find out more:Novac’s official website | Read the full story
