NAVCERT GMBH

Their core work

NAVCERT is a German SME specializing in certification, testing, and evaluation of satellite navigation (GNSS) receivers and location-based systems. Based in Braunschweig — Germany's hub for navigation and aerospace research — they provide independent verification that GNSS-based products meet safety, accuracy, and security requirements across transport domains. Their H2020 work spans Galileo receiver certification for intelligent transport systems, location-based emergency communications, and certifiable GNSS units for railway signalling.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

NAVCERT's early H2020 work (2015-2018) addressed two parallel domains: Galileo receiver security for road transport (FOSTER ITS) and location-enabled emergency communications (EMYNOS). Their most recent project (CLUG, 2019-2022) signals a clear pivot toward the railway sector, specifically certifiable GNSS positioning for safety-critical rail applications. This trajectory shows a company moving from general GNSS certification toward high-assurance, safety-critical transport certification — a more specialized and regulated niche.

NAVCERT is moving toward safety-critical GNSS certification for railways, a growing market as European rail adopts satellite-based train positioning under ERTMS evolution.

How they like to work

NAVCERT consistently operates as a specialist participant, never leading consortia but contributing targeted certification and testing expertise. With 29 unique partners across 11 countries from just 3 projects, they work in medium-to-large consortia typical of space and security calls. Their role pattern suggests they are brought in specifically for their independent testing and certification capability — a trusted third-party validator rather than a technology developer.

Despite only three projects, NAVCERT has built a network of 29 partners across 11 countries, indicating participation in sizeable European consortia. Their Braunschweig location places them close to DLR and the German aerospace/navigation research ecosystem.

What sets them apart

NAVCERT fills a specific gap in the European GNSS ecosystem: independent certification and testing of satellite navigation receivers for safety-critical applications. While many partners develop GNSS technology, very few can independently certify that it meets transport safety standards. For consortium builders, they offer a credible, SME-sized certification authority that satisfies EU requirements for independent evaluation in space and transport projects.

Highlights from their portfolio

• EMYNOS
  Largest project by funding (€485K), addressing next-generation emergency communications — connecting GNSS positioning with public safety infrastructure.
• CLUG
  Most recent project targeting the high-growth area of certifiable GNSS for railways, signalling NAVCERT's strategic direction toward rail safety certification.