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The i2CAT research centre and Sateliot, the first company to offer standard 5G IoT connectivity via satellite, from its base in Barcelona, have been jointly awarded the prestigious Catalan National Research Award for Public-Private Partnership in Research and Innovation. The recognition highlights the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and delivering tangible societal benefits. This significant award, bestowed by the Catalan Government and the Catalan Foundation for Research and Innovation (FCRI), celebrates their successful collaboration in advancing satellite communication technologies and firmly positioning Catalonia within the growing “New Space” economy. The Minister of Research and Universities of the Government of Catalonia, Núria Montserrat, presented the award to the Director of i2CAT, Sergi Figuerola, PhD, and the CEO of Sateliot, Jaume Sanpera, yesterday at a ceremony held at the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya in Barcelona.
From left to right: The Director of i2CAT, Sergi Figuerola, PhD; the Minister of Research and Universities at the Government of Catalonia, Núria Montserrat; and the CEO of Sateliot, Jaume Sanpera. Foto: FCRI.
The partnership between i2CAT and Sateliot started in 2020, as both entities joined forces to design and develop a tailor-made solution that would allow Sateliot to provide global Internet of Things connectivity via satellite using standard 5G devices. This initial collaboration led to the first successful validation of the system in a laboratory environment, paving the way for subsequent in-orbit demonstrations and validations, and effectively making Sateliot the first satellite operator of 5G IoT over satellite worldwide.
Sateliot is a pioneer in satellite connectivity. Their vision, unlike that of other players in the market, is to provide a standardised solution that ensures compatibility with commercial 5G devices, thereby democratising access to connectivity and enabling fast and widespread adoption. Thanks to its expertise in advanced 5G & 6G technologies, Internet of Things, and space communications, i2CAT has been the perfect partner to overcome the challenges arising from Sateliot’s vision, one that integrates satellite and conventional networks seamlessly. The partnership has also yielded numerous scientific publications, international presentations, and a patent for the innovative Store&Forward technology, which addresses network disruption.
i2CAT’s developments have been pivotal to Sateliot’s commercial success, enabling the company to secure significant funding—close to €100 million in private and public funding since its foundation—and reach strategic alliances with key industry players, as well as commercial contracts with future users of the constellation. For i2CAT, the partnership has brought challenging projects to the centre, allowing research teams to transfer their knowledge into novel products and services, fostering new R&D lines, and contributing to staff growth.
The collaboration’s impact spans economic, social, and international spheres. By enabling global connectivity, Sateliot provides connectivity services to remote, rural and underserved areas, acting as a catalyst for new opportunities and markets across critical sectors, including agriculture, climate monitoring, and emergency services. This connectivity directly contributes to several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, exemplifying how combining public research expertise with private entrepreneurial spirit can drive positive social change.
The partnership between Sateliot and i2CAT is strategic for both entities, and they continue to work on projects and initiatives in both the medium and long term. On the one hand, developments are underway to support the launch of Sateliot’s operational service, as well as projects that will accelerate the deployment of the growing constellation of satellites. On the other hand, with an eye on the future, the teams of both entities are working on future use scenarios and ideating and researching disruptive services that could be offered thanks to Sateliot’s technology.
The Director of i2CAT, Sergi Figuerola, PhD, remarked that “the partnership with Sateliot is an excellent opportunity to collaborate with an innovative company based in Catalonia that has the potential to impact the sector at a global scale, thus positioning our territory as a pivotal actor in the New Space ecosystem worldwide. It is also very exciting because it allows i2CAT to apply research to novel products and services and continue enhancing and empowering the combination of satellite and ground networks”.
Jaume Sanpera, CEO and Co-founder of Sateliot, highlighted that “this award is a recognition of what happens when visionary public research and private technological ambition come together with a shared purpose. Our partnership with i2CAT has not only made 5G IoT over satellite a reality, but has also contributed to building a competitive and innovation-driven New Space ecosystem in Catalonia. We’re proud to lead this transformation with roots in Barcelona, a strong technological backbone, and the conviction that space must serve people—wherever they are.
Internationally, this partnership has been crucial in establishing Catalonia as a key player in the New Space economy. It fosters collaboration within the Catalan space ecosystem, offering local opportunities for young talent and attracting foreign investment. Sateliot, as a Satellite Operator, has also been the highest contributor to the 3GPP Release 17 non-terrestrial NB-IoT standard, highlighting its significant international role.
