The space sector is undergoing a major transformation, driven by groundbreaking technologies and visionary companies. The ESA Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) in Portugal plays a key role in this change by supporting innovative startups that push the boundaries of connectivity, data sharing, and accessibility.
One standout example is Connected, co-founded by Tiago Rebelo, a company that exemplifies the fusion of space technology with practical solutions for global connectivity. As the CEO of Connected, Tiago is leading a mission to provide universal, affordable, and standardized connectivity through the pioneering use of Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) technology. This ambitious goal could reshape how we connect remote areas, industries, and services around the world.
Connected’s approach revolves around offering narrowband connectivity directly from space. Traditional IoT solutions rely heavily on ground-based infrastructure, which often limits accessibility, especially in remote or underserved regions. Connected’s innovative use of NB-IoT, supported by ESA Spark 4 Business Portugal, aims to overcome these limitations by using satellites to offer wide-reaching, reliable connectivity that’s accessible even in the most isolated areas. This technology holds transformative potential, from tracking assets across vast distances to providing crucial connectivity for environmental monitoring, agriculture, logistics, and much more.
As one of the many startups supported by ESA BIC in Portugal, Connected benefits from a network of resources, mentorship, and funding, which are essential for young companies navigating the challenging landscape of space innovation. The ESA BIC is part of the European Space Agency’s larger initiative to foster and nurture startups that leverage space technology in creative and practical ways.
Programs like ESA Spark 4 Business provide essential support by bridging the gap between early-stage development and market launch, offering both funding and specialized expertise. Connected, among other startups, has benefited significantly from this program, leveraging its resources to accelerate progress and refine its market-ready solutions.
