Applying patented and state of the art RF MEMS (radio frequency microelectromechanical systems), Sofant Technologies’ platform solves the most pressing power consumption and heat problems faced by the next generation of 5G and satellite communications systems.
David Wither, CEO of Sofant Technologies, said, “We are honoured that the UKSA and the ESA have agreed to support the commercialisation of Sofant’s technology. They have a clear understanding of the technical challenges faced by the satellite communications industry as it seeks to exploit the promise of a new generation of satellite networks. They also share our belief that a scalable technology platform which solves power consumption and heat problems in phased array antennas is critical for the future wireless communications. We look forward to working with the team at the ESA throughout this project.”
The funding was secured under an Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) contract. It will support Sofant Technologies to complete the commercialisation of a satellite communication terminal, allowing users to connect to the cloud via a new generation of low-latency, super-fast satellite networks.
Eliminating the need for complex and expensive cooling systems, Sofant’s platform will enable Satellite Communication (SatCom) and 5G wireless networks to operate with 70 per cent less power.
This announcement comes as Sofant Technologies gears up for its first Series A funding round, to scale its base in Edinburgh and triple its headcount from 16 to 48 over the contract period. This will create numerous skilled jobs within Scotland’s engineering sector, from antenna and product design to component, product and software engineering.