SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE SPAIN SOCIEDAD LIMITADA

Their core work

Originally operating as Seven Solutions (sevensols.com), this Granada-based SME specializes in ultra-precise time and frequency distribution technologies, particularly over optical fiber networks. They develop timing synchronization hardware and services used in telecommunications, scientific infrastructure, and industrial applications. More recently, they have expanded into distributed AI systems, edge computing, and smart sensor integration, applying their deep expertise in precision timing to emerging Industry 4.0 and IoT domains. The company was acquired by Safran Electronics & Defense, bringing their timing technology into a major aerospace and defense group.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In 2015–2017, the company focused squarely on its founding specialty: ultra-accurate timing services and optical-fiber clock networks (WORLDTIMING I & II, CLONETS). From 2018 onward, they broadened significantly into distributed computing, AI, and smart sensors — participating in projects on edge computing, explainable AI, digital twins, and perception sensors (FITOPTIVIS, NextPerception, DAIS, IMOCO4.E). The thread connecting both periods is distributed systems and precision infrastructure, but the application layer has shifted from scientific timing to industrial AI and IoT.

Moving from pure timing/synchronization hardware toward intelligent distributed systems where precise timing underpins AI-driven industrial and IoT applications.

How they like to work

They coordinated their flagship WORLDTIMING projects but predominantly participate as specialist contributors in larger consortia (7 of 9 projects as participant). With 164 unique partners across 21 countries, they maintain a broad and diverse network rather than relying on a small circle of repeat collaborators. This pattern suggests they are valued as a specialized technology provider that different consortia recruit for specific capabilities in timing, synchronization, or distributed systems.

Extensive pan-European network spanning 164 unique partners across 21 countries, built through participation in mid-to-large consortia in both ICT and research infrastructure projects. Their network bridges scientific metrology communities (CLONETS) with industrial digital technology consortia (DAIS, IMOCO4.E).

What sets them apart

Few SMEs combine deep expertise in precision timing infrastructure with practical capabilities in distributed AI and edge computing. Their WORLDTIMING projects show they can lead and commercialize timing technology, while their broad consortium participation demonstrates versatility across domains from telecom security to smart manufacturing. Now backed by Safran's aerospace and defense resources, they offer a rare mix of SME agility with large-group backing — particularly attractive for projects needing precise synchronization in critical systems.

Highlights from their portfolio

• WORLDTIMING II
  Their largest project (EUR 950K) as coordinator, commercializing ultra-accurate world timing services — the clearest expression of their core business.
• DAIS
  Positioned them in the distributed AI ecosystem with focus on trustable AI, interoperability, and cross-domain applications — signaling their strategic shift.
• CLONETS-DS
  Design study for pan-European clock network services over optical fiber, connecting them to fundamental physics and research infrastructure communities.