CDDS strengthens next-generation counter-drone capabilities to save lives and protect critical infrastructure
Zurich, Switzerland – 16 July, 2026
Swisscom Ventures is pleased to announce the closing of a seed financing round in CDDS, led through its Digital Transformation Fund II. The Switzerland-based deeptech company, founded in 2025, develops AI-powered interceptor drones designed to detect, track, and neutralize unauthorized UAVs.
The rapid proliferation of small, autonomous drones is reshaping both modern security challenges and the requirements for infrastructure protection. As these systems become more accessible, agile, and increasingly autonomous, existing countermeasures are reaching their limits.
Small UAVs are increasingly used in both military and civilian contexts, often operating autonomously or in ways that limit the effectiveness of traditional countermeasures. As a result, the ability to reliably intercept such systems under real-world conditions is becoming a key requirement across defense and infrastructure operators.
CDDS is addressing this shift with a new class of solution, with the clear vision of saving lives around the world. CDDS’ approach is based on AI-controlled low-collateral kinetic interception. This enables precise engagement of smaller, fast-moving aerial threats while maintaining significantly lower cost per interception, a critical factor for scalable deployment in environments such as airports, energy infrastructure, and other critical facilities, more so than traditional alternatives. Its system combines computer vision, real-time processing, and advanced control algorithms to operate in highly dynamic environments, where speed, maneuverability, and safety constraints must be addressed simultaneously.
“Small, highly dynamic drones represent one of the fastest-growing security gaps we see today,” said Alexander Schlaepfer, Investment Partner at Swisscom Ventures. “What convinced us is not only the technical approach, but the economics behind it. CDDS enables a level of cost efficiency that makes this type of protection scalable, which is ultimately what drives real-world adoption.”
The company has already established early engagements with defense and civil security stakeholders in Switzerland and is participating in international evaluation programs. CDDS has successfully demonstrated its capabilities in multiple trials and demonstrations worldwide.
The proceeds from the financing round will be used to further develop the product, expand validation activities, and prepare for initial scaling. CDDS also plans to selectively grow its team across engineering and operational functions.
From the outset, CDDS has maintained a clear focus on defensive applications, aiming to contribute to the protection of people and critical infrastructure through controlled and responsible deployment.
About CDDS
When seconds matter, CDDS delivers autonomous, AI-driven defense for critical infrastructure with minimal collateral impact. By combining advanced autonomy, real-time targeting, and kinetic interception, CDDS interceptors neutralize hostile drones within seconds. It provides scalable protection at a fraction of the cost of conventional defenses and can even protect against threats where conventional solutions reach their limits.
About Swisscom Ventures
https://ventures.swisscom.com/
Swisscom Ventures is the venture capital arm of Swisscom AG, the leading telecom and ICT provider in Switzerland. Since 2007, they have invested in over 80 technology companies from their offices in Switzerland (Zurich, Bern and Lausanne) and the USA (Silicon Valley). They invest in 8-10 new companies every year for a total volume of $50-100m p.a. As an investor, they offer entrepreneurs access to Swisscom’s technical infrastructure and market channels in addition to financial support. They focus on sectors of domain expertise such as Telco & IT Cloud, DeepTech, Cybersecurity and Fintech as well as Big Data & AI related new business models where they leverage their access to Swisscom’s technology and market experts.
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