The collaboration between the i2CAT Research Centre and Sateliot stands as an exemplary and pioneering success story in the field of innovation and research. This union has culminated in the prestigious Catalan National Research Award for Public-Private Partnership in R&D, a recognition that underscores Catalonia’s capacity to lead the New Space economy. This association has not only enabled the transfer of cutting-edge research knowledge into a real, high-impact product but has also consolidated Catalonia’s strategic position in the global New Space ecosystem. It is an inspiring testament to how the union of public vision and private entrepreneurship can unlock unprecedented technological challenges and drive a future of global connectivity with transformative benefits for society.
Our relationship with Sateliot, a young Barcelona-based startup founded in 2018 and a pioneer in massive satellite IoT connectivity services, began in 2020. Sateliot had an ambitious vision: to be the first satellite communication service provider to offer global Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity using the standard 5G. The challenge was considerable, as they needed to find communication network cores that could meet the demands of both terrestrial (5G) and space environments. This task was unprecedented; there were no market-ready solutions that could seamlessly integrate both environments.
As a research centre specialising in 5G, IoT, and space communications since 2003, accepting this challenge was a perfect opportunity for i2CAT. Our research teams dedicated themselves to investigating various methods to overcome the inherent challenges of combining these two environments, including crucial issues such as communication delays and authentication.
The fruit of our intensive research and development was the design and creation of an adapted communication core network, validated in a laboratory environment. This unique solution is a customised Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) core network that includes standard 3GPP interfaces, making it accessible to both users and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). The fact that it adheres to 3GPP standards is key, as it ensures compatibility with commercial 5G devices, thereby democratising access to connectivity and facilitating rapid and widespread adoption. After laboratory validation, the solution has been deployed in orbit, following the successful launch of four Sateliot satellites in August 2024.
After completing the launch and early orbit (LEOP) and commissioning phases, the solution is being tested and validated by both Sateliot and i2CAT teams, with very satisfactory results.
This innovative solution, developed entirely by i2CAT, has been fundamental to Sateliot’s success. It has demonstrated Sateliot’s business idea, which has supported them in securing investments—close to €100 million in private and public funding since its foundation, including €26M in private funding and a new €10M investment for Series B recently announced—and closing strategic agreements with key ecosystem players, such as Telefónica, Turkcell, Transatel, or Comfone.
For i2CAT, the collaboration with Sateliot has been, and continues to be, a strategic partnership. It has provided our research teams with challenging projects, enabling us to apply our knowledge and research to new products and services. This alliance has opened new lines of research and development, fostering the growth of our research and innovation staff.
The results of this partnership extend far beyond the realm of technology. We have generated numerous scientific papers, publications, and presentations at international conferences. One of our most notable achievements is the patent for the “Store&Forward” technology, which addresses network disruption.
The economic impact is undeniable. The satellite connectivity we enable catalyses the creation of new opportunities, services, and markets, particularly in remote, rural, and underserved areas. This connectivity has vital applications in various sectors, including agriculture, climate monitoring, transportation, logistics, and emergency services. The collaboration also positions i2CAT and Sateliot as key players in the global space ecosystem, attracting investment and fostering job creation in Catalonia.
From a social perspective, our collaboration serves as a model for how public-private partnerships can drive innovation and address global challenges. Sateliot’s satellite IoT connectivity directly contributes to various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, underscoring our commitment to promoting positive social change.
Internationally, this alliance has been instrumental in establishing Catalonia as a significant player in the New Space economy. It fosters collaboration within the Catalan space ecosystem, offering local opportunities for young talent and attracting foreign investment. Moreover, Sateliot has been the highest contributor to the 3GPP Release 17 non-terrestrial NB-IoT standard, underscoring our role in shaping the future of satellite IoT communications.
On June 18, 2025, our commitment and the impact of this collaboration were formally recognised with the Catalan National Research Award for Public-Private Partnership in R&D. This prestigious award, bestowed by the Catalan Government and the Catalan Foundation for Research and Innovation (FCRI), celebrates our fruitful collaboration in advancing satellite communication technologies.
This recognition indirectly contributes to increasing the possibilities of generating new contacts and business, strengthening our reputation as a leader in research and innovation. This award symbolises an excellent opportunity to collaborate with an innovative company that has the potential to impact the sector on a global scale, positioning our territory as a pivotal actor in the worldwide New Space ecosystem.
The collaboration between i2CAT and Sateliot continues to evolve. Both teams continue to work together on various projects to enhance the system’s functionalities and ensure its readiness for full operational capabilities. Our shared vision is to continue defining a relationship that helps to create a new economy, with an eye on the future, ideating and researching disruptive services that could be offered thanks to Sateliot’s technology.
At i2CAT, we are convinced that this “win-win situation” is a true success story. The Catalan National Research Award is a testament to how combining years of international research expertise with the possibilities offered by the private sector provides unique and comprehensive products that yield successful businesses capable of making a global impact.
