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

Airbus Ventures last week revealed that it has invested in Zero Error Systems (ZES), a Singapore-based startup debuting “smart chip” technology to protect satellites from radiation damage. The approximately $1.8 million ($2.5 million Singapore dollars) seed round will help enable the company to scale its operations, and work with international customers to deploy its products into space. Additionally, ZES will explore new applications, including self-driving vehicles with high levels of autonomy.

ZES’ chip design was developed at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University. The chip the capability to detect heavy-ion radiation, and has already been installed in three pico-satellites built by the Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan. ZES expects the first launch of its chips into orbit in 2021.

“We at Airbus Ventures are proud to team with ZES on the cusp of a new era for space electronics and autonomous vehicles,” Mathieu Costes, Airbus Ventures Partner noted. “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.”