What CertX AG does

CertX AG is a Swiss certification and inspection services company, founded in 2018 as a spin-off from the University of Fribourg's Competence Center for Robust and Safe Systems (ROSAS), and operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of SGS since December 2024. The company is the first Swiss certification body accredited by the Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS) for functional safety and cybersecurity, and is additionally designated as an EU Notified Body for machinery safety and as an Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) for national railway authority approvals. Its service portfolio spans three interconnected pillars — Functional Safety & RAMS, Cyber Security (IT/OT/Data Privacy), and Artificial Intelligence Assessment & Certification — plus training, personnel certification (Red/Black/Master Belt scheme), and the Digital Trust Label.

The core technology is a proprietary AI Assessment and Certification Schema developed since 2022 that links high-level regulatory objectives (EU AI Act, NIST AI RMF) to actionable technical requirements, complemented by the CertAI six-dimension AI risk evaluation methodology co-developed with Munich Re and Fraunhofer IAIS. CertX's commercial model is predominantly professional-services based: enterprise customers in automotive, industrial machinery, railway, digital health/pharma, and aerospace/drones pay quote-based fees for conformity assessments, confirmation reviews, ISA engagements, gap analyses, and product/management system certifications, while a self-service e-learning and live training catalog (covering ISO 26262, ISO/SAE 21434, EN 50126/50128/50129, EU AI Act, ISO 42001, etc.) generates a smaller but distributed training revenue stream at publicly listed prices (CHF 290 to CHF 1,390 per course). Distribution is enterprise-direct with free evaluation calls, and post-SGS acquisition the services scale through SGS's global testing and certification network.

Name

CertX AG

Legal name

CertX AG

Website

https://certx.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

CertX AG is a Swiss SAS-accredited certification body, founded in 2018 as a University of Fribourg spin-off and now a wholly-owned SGS subsidiary, providing functional safety, cybersecurity, and AI assessment and certification services to enterprise customers in automotive, industrial machinery, railway, digital health, and aerospace/drones sectors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Safety and Security Certification Services

NAICS

Testing Laboratories and Services (54138), Testing Laboratories and Services (541380), Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825)

akta.pro primary industry

Finance, Accounting & Risk (CFA/CPA/FRM) Certifications (EDAAANAD)

Keywords

• Functional safety certification
• Cybersecurity certification
• AI risk assessment
• RAMS certification
• Quality management audits

Headquarters

HQ city

Fribourg

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Certification and Inspection Services: Core revenue stream from independent certification and inspection services for products, processes, and management systems in functional safety, cybersecurity, and AI domains.
2. Training and E-learning: Online courses and webinars for functional safety, cybersecurity, and AI standards. E-learning accessible for 30 days after purchase. Live training sessions available online or in-person.
3. Product Certification and Type Approvals: Product certification services for CE conformity and homologation, including gap analysis during conceptual design stages.
4. Quality Management System Audit and Certification: Audit and certification services for organizational AI quality management systems based on ISO/IEC 42001 and related standards.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

CertX AG is a Swiss certification and inspection body that delivers independent assessments, audits, and certifications across functional safety, cybersecurity, and AI trustworthiness for products, processes, and management systems. Its services target safety-critical industries (automotive, industrial machinery, railway, digital health/pharma, aerospace and drones) and are complemented by standards-based training (e-learning and live courses) plus a joint AI risk evaluation service (CertAI) with Munich Re and Fraunhofer IAIS.

Product overview

CertX AG is a Swiss certification and inspection services company — the first Swiss certification body for functional safety and cybersecurity — offering a portfolio of assessment, audit, certification, and training services. The core offering is organized around three interconnected pillars: (1) Functional Safety & RAMS Services (including railway Independent Safety Assessments, product certification, and management system certification), (2) Cyber Security Services (covering IT Security, OT Security, and Data Privacy), and (3) Artificial Intelligence Assessment & Certification (encompassing the proprietary AI Assessment & Certification Schema, AI Process and Product Conformity Assessment, and AI Quality Management System Audit). Supporting the core services are training products — E-Learning Courses (covering EN 50126/8/9, EN 50128, EN 50129, EN 50159, EN 50657, EN 50716, RAMS Introduction, ISO/SAE 21434), AI Live Training Courses (EU AI Act, ISO 42001, Bias & Fairness, Data Quality, Transparency & Explainability, Safety & Reliability — all with optional Red Belt personal certification), and free Webinars. CertX also operates the CertAI joint service (with Munich Re and Fraunhofer IAIS) for AI risk evaluation, and provides the Digital Trust Label and Certificate Finder public tool. The company is accredited by the Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS) and its services are extended globally through its parent company SGS.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CertAI: A joint service with Munich Re and Fraunhofer for evaluating AI risks in six dimensions: Fairness, Autonomy and Control, Transparency, Robustness, Functional and Cyber Security, and Data Protection

Products and services

• Functional Safety & RAMS Services Certification and inspection services for products and processes to identify potential flaws before they cause hazards in field operations, covering automotive (ISO 26262, SOTIF), industrial machinery (ISO 13849, IEC 62061, IEC 61508), and railway (EN 50126/28/29, EN 50159). Includes Independent Safety Assessments (ISA) for railway approvals and product certification for CE conformity and homologation.
• Cyber Security Services OT Security, IT Security, and Data Privacy services delivered horizontally across multiple domains to apply best security practices with sector-specific constraints. Covers cybersecurity assessments, confirmation reviews, and audits for connected and automated systems, aligned with ISO/SAE 21434, IEC 62443, UN-R 155/156.
• Artificial Intelligence Assessment & Certification Systematic and independent evaluation of AI solutions performed by a team of AI, safety, security, and risk management experts. Includes process and product conformity assessment (scoping, gap analysis, documentation review, technical testing, audit, certification decision, continuous improvement) aligned with the NIST AI Risk Management Framework and EU AI Act.
• Quality Management System Certification Audit and certification of management systems (including AI quality management systems under ISO/IEC 42001) to demonstrate compliance with relevant management standards and support organizations in achieving their quality and safety objectives.
• AI Process and Product Conformity Assessment Structured 8-step conformity assessment process for AI systems: scoping, applying the assessment schema, gap analysis, detailed documentation request, technical testing and inspections, audit and review, certification decision, and continuous improvement.
• AI Quality Management System Audit and Certification Quality management system audit for organizations developing AI or machine learning products, ensuring compliance with ISO/IEC 42001, ISO/IEC 38507, ISO/IEC 23894, and ISO/IEC 42005, aligned with the EU AI Act and NIST AI Risk Management Framework.
• E-Learning Courses (Standards-Based) Self-paced online courses covering functional safety and cybersecurity standards including EN 50126/28/29, EN 50159, EN 50657, EN 50716, RAMS Introduction, and ISO/SAE 21434 Automotive Cyber Security. Accessible for 30 days after purchase, with optional 1:1 Q&A sessions with trainers.
• AI Training Courses (Live) Instructor-led training programs covering EU AI Act (Red Belt Certification), ISO 42001 AI Management System, Bias and Fairness in AI Systems, Data Quality in AI Systems, Transparency and Explainability in AI Systems, and Safety and Reliability in AI Systems. Available online or in-person, with optional exam and personal certification upon success.
• CertX Personal Certification Scheme (Red Belt / Black Belt / Master) Structured qualification program certifying engineers and managers across three levels: Red Belt (proficient basic knowledge in functional safety, cybersecurity, or AI), Black Belt (advanced knowledge with at least 3 years of practical experience), and Master (expertise with at least 5 years of experience). Certifications valid for three years.
• CertAI (AI Risk Evaluation Service) AI risk evaluation product and service developed in cooperation with Munich Re and Fraunhofer IAIS. AI systems are analyzed along six dimensions: Fairness, Autonomy and Control, Transparency, Robustness, Functional and Cyber Security, and Data Protection. Independent quality and risk assessments minimize liability risks and demonstrate compliance with EU AI regulations.
• Digital Trust Label A label offered by CertX to certify products, processes, or systems as meeting digital trust standards for safety, security, and AI trustworthiness, aligned with EU AI Act and international standards.

Quantifiable outcome

• Strong double-digit revenue growth experienced at founding
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and supporting.

• RobustifAI ConsortiummajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025CertX selected as primary assessment provider for EU-funded RobustifAI project (EUR 7.3 million over 3 years) addressing challenges of bias, hallucinations, and reliability in generative AI systems. Consortium involves 18 partners from 10+ EU countries, Switzerland, and India, focusing on automotive, robotics, healthcare, and cybersecurity sectors.
• NVIDIA (Halos AI Systems Inspection Lab)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025CertX participated in NVIDIA's Halos AI Systems Inspection Lab ecosystem since July 2025, establishing foundation for AI certification services. The ecosystem provides infrastructure for scaled inspection, assessment, and certification support for AI-powered and autonomous systems.
• SGScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2024Global testing and certification company SGS acquired CertX in December 2024. The acquisition supports SGS's Strategy 27 target of achieving CHF 200 million incremental revenue from Digital Trust services by 2027. CertX extends SGS's AI, cybersecurity, and functional safety certification expertise throughout SGS's global network for automotive, robotics, and industrial automation sectors.
• Fraunhofer IAISmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems (IAIS) contributes scientific perspectives from national and international AI certification initiatives to CertAI. As one of Germany's leading scientific institutes in AI, ML, and Big Data, IAIS pioneered AI testing methods and developed one of the first AI guides for trustworthy intelligent systems development.
• FAKT GmbHsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022Partnership with FAKT GmbH for homologation of cars according to UNECE 155/156/157 regulations for automotive cybersecurity. Enables comprehensive automotive certification services.
• University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland Fribourg (HES-SO//FR)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018CertX originated as spin-off from HES-SO//FR Competence Center for Robust and Safe Systems (ROSAS). University was previous majority shareholder before Munich Re stake acquisition.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Applus+ IDIADA: Specialized in automotive design, engineering, testing, and homologation services, including functional safety and cybersecurity for connected/autonomous vehicles. Direct peer in automotive certification, the segment where CertX cites Kalray and Brusa as customers.
• TÜV Rheinland: Major TIC provider with established functional safety, cybersecurity, and emerging AI/algorithmic auditing practices. Overlaps directly with CertX's ISO 26262, SOTIF, ISO 21434, and AI risk assessment offerings across automotive and industrial customers.
• Bureau Veritas: International TIC group with cybersecurity, functional safety, and emerging digital trust / AI services. Direct competitor to CertX in automotive, rail, industrial, and aerospace certification, with significantly broader geographic reach.
• TÜV SÜD: Global testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) company offering functional safety, automotive cybersecurity (ISO/SAE 21434), and increasingly AI assurance services. Directly competes with CertX in automotive, industrial, and railway certification, with a much larger global bench.
• UL Solutions: Global safety science and certification organization with established cybersecurity, functional safety, and emerging AI assurance offerings. Directly competes for the same industrial, automotive, and connected-product certification engagements as CertX.
• TÜV NORD: German-based TIC group providing functional safety, cybersecurity, and AI governance/certification services to automotive, rail, and industrial clients. Overlaps with CertX's core offerings and competes for the same European Notified Body-driven engagements.
• RINA: Multinational certification, testing, and inspection company with strong railway (ISA) and industrial safety practices and growing digital/AI services. Directly comparable to CertX in railway Independent Safety Assessments and EN 50126/8/9 compliance.
• DEKRA: Global TIC company with strong automotive, industrial, and cybersecurity certification practices. DEKRA is actively building AI safety and autonomous systems certification capabilities that compete head-on with CertX's functional safety + cybersecurity + AI portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• Intertek: Large diversified TIC provider offering cybersecurity, functional safety, and quality certification across multiple industries. Broader portfolio than CertX but overlapping in automotive, industrial, and rail safety-critical certification work.

Emerging players

• Fraunhofer IAIS: German research institute pioneering AI testing methodologies and trustworthy AI assessment; co-developed CertX's CertAI service with Munich Re. A partner today but also a potential competitor as it expands AI auditing and certification offerings for the EU AI Act.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@certxag5970
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/certx-com

Compliance35 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CertX AG