The Funding Boost
Nxgsat, a Belgian startup, has successfully acquired 1.2 million euros ($1.4 million) in seed funding. This financial injection is intended to propel the
company's product development efforts and facilitate team expansion. The ultimate goal is to achieve a commercial release of their innovative technology in the second quarter of 2026. This funding round, spearheaded by European investment firms PMV and Imec.istart Future Fund, marks a crucial step for Nxgsat in realizing its vision of a more interconnected and accessible satellite communication network. The funding will provide the necessary resources for Nxgsat to advance its virtual 5G modem, enabling it to compete more effectively in the rapidly evolving satellite communications market.
Breaking Down Barriers
The satellite communication landscape is often characterized by proprietary modems, which restrict users to a single network provider. Nxgsat aims to disrupt this by creating a modem designed on open standards, promoting compatibility across various satellite and terrestrial networks. This hardware-agnostic design allows the modem to function with commercial off-the-shelf equipment, or even integrate directly into flat-panel antennas. The startup's approach promises to eliminate the current limitations and foster greater interoperability within the satellite communication industry. This open approach is a significant shift, creating a more flexible and competitive environment for providers and users alike.
The 5G Advantage
Nxgsat's virtual modem is being built to be compliant with 5G New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks (NR NTN) standards, which are used by terrestrial telecom operators. This strategic alignment grants Nxgsat a significant advantage, allowing them to tap into the well-established 5G ecosystem of existing technologies and avoid having to reinvent the wheel. Nxgsat is built on the 3GPP standards, and it is positioned to offer a modernized, more efficient, and cost-effective approach to satellite communications. This strategy highlights the company's commitment to innovation and its intention to seamlessly integrate its technology into the existing communications infrastructure.
Visionary Leadership
The leadership team at Nxgsat is made up of industry veterans, including Frederik Simoens, the co-CEO and chief business officer, and Alain Rolle, the co-CEO and chief technology officer. Simoens previously advocated for standardization while at iDirect, and Rolle worked with him there. These leaders bring extensive experience to the table. Their shared history and understanding of the satellite communications sector place Nxgsat in a strong position. Their experience is intended to help drive the company's strategy and development of innovative technology designed to transform the satellite communications industry.
Future Prospects
Nxgsat, as a European entity, has set its sights on a potential role within Europe’s planned IRIS² multi-orbit broadband constellation. The startup intends to drive down the cost and complexity of hybrid network deployments, through their virtual 5G modem technology, enabling easier transitions between different satellite and terrestrial providers. Nxgsat is in a prime position to become a key player in the evolution of satellite communication, by working to realize its vision and introducing the industry to a more interconnected and flexible communication environment. The technology is likely to attract interest and has the potential to transform satellite communications.
