Protostar Labs
protostar.aiOverview
Protostar Labs is a Croatian space technology company based in Osijek, focused on developing onboard data processing systems, optical payload-related technologies, sensors and electronics, AI and machine learning solutions, and software for space applications. Founded in 2019, the company has grown into a team of 25 members and has delivered more than 50 projects. Its vision is to pioneer Croatian technology in space and other critical industries on Earth through dual-use innovation that serves both terrestrial and space applications. The company’s core strength lies in bringing advanced data processing capabilities directly onboard spacecraft. Protostar Labs develops hardware and software solutions that help save bandwidth, reduce downlink costs, and enable autonomous decision-making in orbit. Its distinctive position in the Croatian space ecosystem comes from combining embedded electronics, FPGA-based processing, AI deployment, and payload development into practical upstream products that can be integrated into satellite systems. This makes Protostar Labs one of the clearer Croatian upstream actors building enabling technologies for future spacecraft autonomy and advanced mission capabilities.
Core Competencies
Onboard data processing, FPGA-based AI deployment, space electronics design, optical payload development, embedded software, machine learning deployment, subsystem integration, sensor development, low-power processing, onboard autonomy
Space Experience
Protostar Labs has built a strong ESA-related and upstream technology profile through multiple space projects. Its ProtoSDK product is a low-code software framework for deployment of AI and machine learning models on FPGAs, supporting use cases such as cloud segmentation, object detection, anomaly detection, and in-orbit inspection. Some of its elements have already achieved flight heritage on ESA OPS-SAT. The company also develops a Data Processing Unit for running AI models onboard and enabling seamless integration into satellite systems. In addition, Protostar Labs is involved in the Light Pollution Characterization Module and the ChROmosphere Monitoring InStrument for space weather monitoring.
Collaboration Needs
Protostar Labs is seeking strong ESA and EU project partnerships, FPGA experts, flight partners for the Light Pollution Characterization Module project, and access to advanced instruments, testing facilities, and specialized equipment. The company is also looking for partners and end users for radiation detector technology, satellite deployment monitoring systems, and ProtoSDK for deploying AI and machine learning models on FPGAs.
Interested in connecting?
The Industrial Coordinator will facilitate an introduction between you and Protostar Labs.