European Startup Nxgsat Secures €1.2M to Pioneer Virtual 5G Satellite Modem Technology

Breaking Down Satellite Communication Barriers

Belgian startup Nxgsat has secured €1.2 million ($1.4 million) in seed funding to develop what could become a game-changing virtual 5G modem for satellite communications. The company, founded by satellite networking veterans, aims to create multi-orbit compatible technology that could fundamentally reshape how satellite networks operate and integrate with terrestrial systems.

Breaking Down Satellite Communication Barriers
The Vision Behind the Virtual Modem
Technical Innovation and Standards Integration
Practical Implications for Industrial Connectivity
European Context and Future Applications
Industry Impact and Forward Outlook

The Vision Behind the Virtual Modem

Unlike traditional satellite communication systems that rely on proprietary modems locking users into single-operator networks, Nxgsat’s approach embraces hardware-agnostic design and open standards. The technology is designed to run on commercial off-the-shelf equipment or integrate directly into flat-panel antennas, potentially revolutionizing connectivity options for industrial and enterprise users., as our earlier report

“We’re not constrained by legacy products or the innovator’s dilemma that holds back incumbent players,” explained Frederik Simoens, co-CEO and chief business officer at Nxgsat. “By building directly on the 5G stack, we can tap into a rich ecosystem of existing technologies and avoid reinventing the wheel.”, according to emerging trends

Technical Innovation and Standards Integration

Nxgsat’s modem is being developed to comply with 5G New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks (NR NTN) standards established by 3GPP, the same standards body that governs terrestrial 5G networks. This strategic alignment with mainstream telecommunications standards represents a significant departure from traditional satellite industry practices.

The company’s leadership brings substantial credibility to this ambitious project. Simoens previously served as chief technology officer at satellite communications equipment manufacturer ST Engineering iDirect, where he advocated for standardized satellite and terrestrial infrastructure. In 2022, iDirect demonstrated the feasibility of virtual modem technology by extracting information from high-speed satellite signals.

Practical Implications for Industrial Connectivity

For manufacturing and industrial operations, Nxgsat’s technology could enable seamless transitions between different satellite and terrestrial providers, reducing both cost and complexity in hybrid network deployments. This flexibility is particularly valuable for facilities in remote locations or those requiring robust backup communication systems.

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

European Context and Future Applications

As a European company, Nxgsat is positioning itself to potentially participate in Europe’s proposed IRIS² multi-orbit sovereign broadband constellation. This strategic alignment with European space initiatives could provide additional growth opportunities and validation for their technology approach.

The seed funding round was led by European investment firms PMV and Imec.istart Future Fund, with the capital earmarked for product development and team expansion ahead of a planned commercial release in the second quarter of 2026.

Industry Impact and Forward Outlook

If successful, Nxgsat’s virtual modem could significantly lower barriers to satellite connectivity adoption across multiple industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and remote operations. The technology’s potential to enable true multi-orbit, multi-provider flexibility represents a substantial advancement over current satellite communication limitations.

The extended development timeline—with commercial availability not expected until 2026—reflects the technical complexity of creating standards-compliant virtual modem technology that can reliably operate across diverse satellite networks and orbital regimes.