UAB KONGSBERG NANOAVIONICS

Their core work

NanoAvionics develops small satellite platforms and propulsion systems for the growing commercial nanosatellite market. Their core work centers on enabling chemical propulsion for small satellites and building nano-satellite constellations for global IoT and machine-to-machine communication networks. They have progressed from early-stage feasibility (SME Phase 1) through full development (SME Phase 2) to large-scale innovation actions, demonstrating a classic deep-tech scale-up trajectory in the European space sector.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

NanoAvionics began in 2016 focused squarely on satellite component technology — specifically chemical propulsion systems for small satellites (EPSS Phase 1 and Phase 2). By 2019, they shifted toward full system-level solutions, with GIoT targeting a complete nano-satellite constellation for global IoT connectivity. This progression from component manufacturer to infrastructure-level service provider reflects a deliberate move up the space value chain.

Moving from satellite hardware components toward complete space-based IoT infrastructure and connectivity services — expect future work in satellite constellation operations and downstream data applications.

How they like to work

NanoAvionics operates almost exclusively as a project coordinator — all three H2020 projects were self-led, following the SME Instrument pathway (Phase 1 → Phase 2 → Innovation Action). Their consortia are minimal, with only 2 unique partners across 2 countries, indicating they prefer to lead tightly scoped projects with small, focused teams rather than joining large multi-partner consortia. This is typical of a product-driven SME that uses EU funding to de-risk its own technology roadmap.

Very small H2020 network with only 2 consortium partners across 2 countries. This reflects their SME Instrument focus, where Phase 1 and Phase 2 projects are typically single-company efforts with minimal consortium requirements.

What sets them apart

NanoAvionics is one of very few European SMEs that has successfully used the full SME Instrument pathway (Phase 1 → Phase 2 → Innovation Action) to scale a deep-tech space product. Their combination of propulsion hardware expertise and satellite constellation ambitions positions them as both a component supplier and a potential end-to-end small satellite service provider. For partners seeking a commercially minded space hardware company with a track record of EU-funded product development, they offer a rare blend of engineering capability and market orientation.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GIoT
  Largest project (EUR 1.76M Innovation Action) representing their strategic shift from satellite components to global IoT infrastructure via nano-satellite constellations.
• EPSS 2
  Successful SME Phase 2 project (EUR 1.18M) that validated their chemical propulsion system for small satellites — proof of technical maturity and commercial viability.