London-based Isotropic Systems has developed the world’s first low profile and most spectrally efficient, multi-band and electronically steerable antennas. The company claims to have reached a major breakthrough in technology and innovative antenna design. These antennas are designed for satellite broadcast, VSAT, microwave, multipoint wireless and 5G broadband communications. Notably, these antennas are low cost and have no moving parts.
Funding to develop multi-beam antennas
In a recent development, Isotropic Systems, a leading developer of transformational broadband terminal technologies announced that it secured over $40M (nearly £29.2M) funding to develop its game-changing multi-beam antennas.
The funding round was led by SES along with participation from specialised space investors Orbital Ventures, UK government’s Future Fund and existing investors including Boeing HorizonX Global Ventures, Space Angels and Firmament Ventures. The funding round combines both grant and equity funding from the UK government and market leaders in aerospace and telecommunications industries.
This round was driven by recent development contracts for Isotropic Systems’ transformational terminal, advanced over-the-air testing, and the accelerated development and rollout of its phase one terminal expected in early 2022.
John Finney, Isotropic Systems Founder and CEO said, “As we grow our UK-based team, collaborative partnerships and capabilities, we are proud to support tech innovation in the UK to solve connectivity challenges across a broad range of key vertical and geographical markets around the world.”
UK Science Minister, Amanda Solloway MP said: “The UK space sector is thriving and with connectivity never having been more important, it’s vital we support pioneering companies like Isotropic Systems who are tapping into the benefits that space technology can bring us all on Earth. Backed by the UK government, these new multi beam antennas will improve connectivity for us all at home, and for emerging technologies such as driverless cars, while helping to create 150 highly skilled UK jobs as we build back better.”
SES CEO Steve Collar said, “Isotropic’s multi-beam antenna plays an important role in our multi-orbit strategy and is a key enabler for advanced satellite services on land, in the air and at sea. Our investment reflects the potential that we believe this breakthrough technology has for SES and for the industry as a whole.”
Brian Schettler, Senior Managing Director, Boeing HorizonX Global Ventures said, “Our continued investment in Isotropic Systems, underlines our commitment to strengthening the global satellite ecosystem. The development of Isotropic’s unique RF optical technology will further accelerate the expansion of space-based connectivity to meet the growing demand for satellite data, transportation and mobility connectivity, and broadband services.”
According to Orbital Ventures/Promus Ventures, Partner Gareth Keane said, “At Promus Ventures, we invest in early-stage deep-tech companies with exceptional teams and ground-breaking ideas and technologies, and Promus Ventures is excited to support Isotropic Systems through our space-focused Orbital Ventures fund.”
Eyes to accelerate production phase
Founded by John Finney in 2013, Isotropic Systems deploys patented radio frequency optics technology. This lets the high-performance multi-beam antenna to simultaneously link with multiple satellites in multiple orbits sans compromise in the performance of each link. It unlocks the global satellite ecosystem for unprecedented connectivity across a broad range of sectors including government, defense, maritime, enterprise, and aerospace.
Notably, Isotropic Systems plans to accelerate the production phase to support new constellations and satellites launching in all satellite orbits from 2022. The company intends to open a 20,000 sq. ft. technology and testing facility near the company headquarters in Reading, UK. Also, it will let the company create an additional 150 highly skilled engineering roles to the UK in the next two years.
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