SES TECHCOM SA

Their core work

SES TECHCOM is the technical and innovation arm of SES, one of the world's largest satellite operators headquartered in Luxembourg. They specialize in integrating satellite communications into next-generation 5G networks, enabling connectivity in areas where terrestrial infrastructure alone falls short. Their H2020 work focuses on validating satellite-terrestrial convergence for 5G, testing end-to-end network performance, and exploring IoT applications that combine satellite backhaul with edge computing. They bring real satellite infrastructure and operational expertise to European research consortia.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

SES TECHCOM's H2020 trajectory shows a clear progression from foundational satellite-5G convergence toward increasingly applied and industry-specific use cases. Their earliest project (SaT5G, 2017) established the baseline for integrating satellite into 5G architectures, while 5G-VINNI (2018) moved into large-scale testing infrastructure and performance benchmarking. By iNGENIOUS (2020), their focus had expanded into IoT, supply chain applications, and frontier technologies like neuromorphic sensors and mixed reality — signaling a shift from pure connectivity research toward vertical industry solutions.

SES TECHCOM is moving from proving satellite-5G feasibility toward deploying it in vertical industries like logistics and manufacturing, making them a strong partner for applied 5G projects with real-world use cases.

How they like to work

SES TECHCOM participates exclusively as a consortium partner, never as coordinator — consistent with a large infrastructure provider contributing satellite assets and domain expertise rather than managing research agendas. They work in sizable consortia (58 unique partners across 15 countries), indicating comfort in large, multi-stakeholder projects. Their role is that of an infrastructure and technology contributor who brings real satellite capacity and operational know-how to the table.

SES TECHCOM has collaborated with 58 unique partners across 15 countries through just 3 projects, reflecting involvement in large pan-European 5G consortia. Their network spans major telecom research hubs across Western and Southern Europe.

What sets them apart

SES TECHCOM brings something few partners can offer: access to actual satellite infrastructure from one of the world's largest satellite fleet operators. While many research organizations work on 5G theory, SES TECHCOM can provide real satellite capacity for testing and validation. For any consortium working on non-terrestrial networks, rural connectivity, or satellite-augmented 5G, they are one of a very small number of credible industry partners in Europe.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SaT5G
  One of the earliest EU projects to formally address satellite integration into 5G architecture, establishing SES TECHCOM's position in this niche.
• iNGENIOUS
  Broadened scope from pure connectivity to supply chain IoT, combining frontier technologies like neuromorphic sensors, mixed reality, and blockchain with 5G satellite networks.
• 5G-VINNI
  Major 5G infrastructure project building end-to-end testing facilities across Europe, with SES TECHCOM contributing the satellite validation dimension.