Liontech Instruments: Hardware Security for Critical Space Infrastructure Solid Cybersecurity for the Space Sector

At ESA BIC Northern Germany in Bremen, the incubator for space startups in Northern Germany, Liontech Instruments is pursuing a mission: protecting the critical infrastructure of European spaceflight from specialized cyberattacks. The startup develops a hardware-based IT security solution that goes far beyond conventional antivirus software. Paula Schöner and Roxane Kirschmann, two of the founders, explain their vision in an interview.

The Technology: External Protection 

The core of Liontech Instruments is an independent hardware module. It is a circuit board with a microprocessor and FPGA on which the security software runs completely autonomously. “Our solution fundamentally differs from conventional antivirus protection,” Paula explains. “We protect specifically against specialized attacks that would override conventional software-based protection.” 

The module is plugged into existing systems via a standard PCIe interface, present in all servers and data centers. From there, it monitors the system’s memory and detects attack patterns through pattern databases and machine learning algorithms. Since the security solution runs externally, it cannot be undermined by deep system attacks. 

The Liontech Instruments – a new approach to cybersecurity © Liontech Instruments 2025

Focus on Space Infrastructure 

Ground stations for satellite communication are particularly in focus. These are often so overloaded that they cannot run additional antivirus software without impairing performance. Liontech’s external hardware module consumes extremely little computing time while enabling comprehensive security. 

“Geopolitical conflicts are leading to more specialized attacks on critical infrastructure,” the founders emphasize. “Hardware-based protective measures are becoming increasingly important – especially in spaceflight, where ESA also operates extensive data centers.” 

From University to Startup 

Liontech’s founding story is typical for deep-tech startups: The founders researched the underlying technology at university. A team with complementary qualifications in information systems engineering and electrical engineering came together through friends at the university. 

Strategy: from Regional to Continental  

Initially, Liontech Instruments focuses on German pilot customers to ensure close support during hardware development. “We are still in the development phase and not yet certified,” and Roxane explains. “That’s why collaboration with official partners like ESA is our priority.” 

After successful pilot partnerships in the automation industry and with data centers, the startup plans European expansion. All components are sourced exclusively from Europe – a “solution from Europe for Europe,” as the founders emphasize. 

Building Trust 

To gain customer trust in a security-critical market, Liontech Instruments relies on several pillars: planned certifications, pilot projects demonstrating protection effectiveness, and proof that the module causes no system failures. The exclusive use of European components eliminates supply chain dependencies and positions Liontech Instruments as a provider according to European standards – a rarity in hardware security. 

Market Leadership in Europe 

The long-term vision is focused: Liontech Instruments wants to secure the European market rather than expand globally. “We think the European market is large enough,” say the founders. In the long term, the startup plans to build up its own hardware production and function as an established partner for critical infrastructure protection in Europe. The incubation at ESA BIC Northern Germany in Bremen provides ideal conditions: access to the spaceflight network, expertise in the space sector, and proximity to important European players. 

Advice for Deep-Tech Founders 

When asked about recommendations for other founders in deep-tech and space, Paula and Roxane provide honest insights: “Think carefully about your location, because success depends on it.” Bremen as City of Aerospace offers critical competitive advantages. Furthermore, the stress the importance of a well-balanced company “Diversify your team so that someone can focus solely on organization.” 

With technological innovation, strategic planning, and the support of ESA BIC Northern Germany in Bremen, Liontech Instruments is on a promising path to sustainably change the cybersecurity landscape of European spaceflight. 

About ESA BIC Northern Germany 

The Incubation Centre of the European Space Agency in Northern Germany (ESA BIC Northern Germany) is headquartered jointly with the Bremen aeronautics and space industries association at the Bremer Innovations- und Technologiezentrum BITZ as well as the Digihub Industry – two of the largest innovation and technology centres for high-tech companies and startups in the German federal state of Bremen. The ESA BIC Northern Germany brings new startup opportunities to the region and thus strengthens the aeronautics and space sector in the German federal state of Bremen. AVIASPACE BREMEN e.V. supports the incubatees with its network, public relations work and targeted coaching not only during the incubation period, but also afterwards as alumni. STARTHAUS Bremen & Bremerhaven is the central point of contact in the Bremen startup ecosystem and supports the startups on all issues relating to business development and financing. The ESA BIC Northern Germany is managed by Anwendungszentrum GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen (AZO), an international networking and branding company for the European space programmes that also manages ESA BIC Bavaria with three locations in southern Germany. 

Since 2021, ESA BIC Northern Germany has also been offering its service to space-related startups in Schleswig-Holstein. The Technikzentrum Lübeck with GATEWAY49, AviaSpace Bremen and AZO jointly operate this extension of ESA BIC Northern Germany. As of June 2024, ESA BIC Northern Germany also offers its services to space-related startups in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The Innovation Port Wismar with AviaSpace Bremen and AZO jointly operate this extension of ESA BIC Northern Germany. There are also plans to extend ESA BIC Northern Germany to the northern German federal states of Hamburg, Lower Saxony, and Berlin-Brandenburg.

Technical support of the ESA BIC Northern Germany, is offered by Fraunhofer IFAM, German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence DFKI, DLR-RY Institute for Space Systems, Alfred-Wegener Institute for Polar Research AWI, Universities in the State of Bremen incl. many institutes such as IUP Institute for Environmental Physics, Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity ZARM, TH Lübeck, University Lübeck,  Life Science Nord, Airbus Group, ArianeGroup, AES Aircraft Elektro/Elektronik System, Dräger, DSI Aerospace, Possehl, and OHB.