Belgium’s nxgsat raises €1.2M to advance next-generation 5G satellite connectivity

nxgsat, a Belgian startup pioneering next-generation satellite communication technologies, has secured €1.2 million in a seed funding round. Here’s why

Belgium-based nxgsat, a company specialised in next-generation satellite communications, has secured €1.2M in a seed funding round led by PMV and imec.istart future fund.

The new funds will be used to accelerate product development, expand technical and commercial teams, and advance market deployment of nxgsat’s technology.

This investment will also help the company accelerate the development of its flagship project – a high-speed, 5G satellite modem designed to enable seamless interoperability across terrestrial and multi-orbit satellite networks.

Alain Rolle, Founder and CEO/CTO of nxgsat, comments, “This funding marks a pivotal step in our journey. With the backing of PMV and imec.istart future fund, we are now able to engage in larger-scale programs and strengthen both our technical and commercial teams. This will further reinforce our ambition to make high-performance interoperable satellite connectivity a reality for tomorrow’s users.”

Nxgsat: Easy and fast satellite communication

Satellite communications are key for fast and reliable connections in places where traditional mobile networks fail, such as at sea or during emergencies.

Nxgsat is transforming this with its software-defined 5G satellite modem.

Founded in 2024 as a spin-out from Cactus Software, nxgsat is led by Alain Rolle (formerly of Newtec, formerly of All.Space) and Frederik Simoens (formerly of Newtec, formerly of iDirect).

Using open standards like 3GPP, users can easily switch between multiple networks, including land-based and various satellite types (LEO and MEO).

This technology operates on standard hardware, allowing for fast and affordable satellite internet access for businesses needing to transmit large amounts of data, like mobile operators, governments, and emergency services.

CEO and co-founder Alain Rolle explains, “Imagine your smartphone only working on one network and nowhere else, that’s how it is with satellite modems. Our mission is to break down those barriers and give everyone the freedom to always choose the best connection.”

The company has already shown traction in recent months, with continued interest from both industry and government.

The company is actively working on projects with European space agencies, including ESA, and aims to play a key role in innovation programs like IRIS – the European Union’s initiative for a secure, independent satellite network.

Krist Vandenberk, managing partner at imec.istart future fund, comments, “The nxgsat team consists of seasoned experts from the satellite and telecom world, who have successfully adapted the latest 5G standards for satellites. This gives Europe a significant advantage in digital connectivity and enables flexible, secure, and interoperable communications – not only for today, but certainly for the future as well. We strongly believe that nxgsat will be a pioneer in tomorrow’s global communications.”