European Startup Secures Seed Funding for Multi-Orbit 5G Satellite Modem Development

Funding Breakthrough for Satellite Connectivity Innovation

A Belgian startup founded by satellite networking veterans has reportedly secured 1.2 million euros ($1.4 million) in seed funding to develop what sources describe as a groundbreaking virtual 5G modem for satellite communications. According to reports, Nxgsat’s technology is designed for multi-orbit compatibility across traditionally closed communications infrastructure, potentially revolutionizing how satellite networks operate.

Funding Breakthrough for Satellite Connectivity Innovation
Overcoming Proprietary Limitations
Building on 5G Standards
Transforming Satellite Connectivity
European Ambitions and Funding

Overcoming Proprietary Limitations

Current satellite communications systems typically use proprietary modems to translate signals between satellites and terrestrial antennas, which analysts suggest restricts connections to a single operator’s network. Frederik Simoens, co-CEO and chief business officer at Nxgsat, indicated that their modem will be hardware-agnostic, using open standards to run on commercial off-the-shelf equipment or integrate directly into flat-panel antennas.

“Approaching this as a startup gives us a significant advantage,” Simoens stated, according to the company‘s announcement. “We’re not constrained by legacy products or the innovator’s dilemma that holds back incumbent players who risk cannibalizing their existing products.”

Building on 5G Standards

Sources indicate that Nxgsat is developing a 5G New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks (NR NTN)-compliant modem built on the 3GPP standards used by terrestrial telecom operators. This approach, the report states, will enable users to move more easily between different satellite and terrestrial providers, potentially reducing cost and complexity in hybrid network deployments.

Simoens, formerly chief technology officer at satellite communications equipment maker ST Engineering iDirect, was reportedly a vocal advocate for standardizing satellite and terrestrial infrastructure during his previous tenure. Industry observers note that iDirect demonstrated the ability of a virtual modem to extract information from a high-speed satellite signal in 2022, suggesting Nxgsat aims to advance this concept significantly.

Transforming Satellite Connectivity

Alain Rolle, co-CEO and chief technology officer at Nxgsat who previously worked with Simoens at iDirect, drew a compelling comparison to illustrate their mission. “Imagine that your smartphone would only connect to a single mobile network — that’s the current reality of satellite communications,” Rolle stated. “Nxgsat is on a mission to change that.”

The startup claims its technology will break down barriers between different satellite operators and enable seamless transitions between networks, much like cellular roaming works for terrestrial mobile services.

European Ambitions and Funding

As a European company, Nxgsat is reportedly positioning itself for a potential role in Europe’s proposed IRIS² multi-orbit sovereign broadband constellation. The seed funding round was led by European investment firms PMV and Imec.istart Future Fund, with the capital expected to support product development and team expansion ahead of a planned commercial release in the second quarter of 2026.

Industry analysts suggest that Nxgsat’s approach could significantly impact the satellite communications landscape by creating more open, interoperable systems that leverage the extensive 5G ecosystem rather than requiring proprietary solutions for each network operator.