OQ Technology is a deep tech scale-up coming out of Luxemburg that’s transforming global connectivity through its innovative approach to satellite communication. The world's first and only operator of low-earth orbit 5G IoT satellites, the scale-up is now also part of EIC Scaling Club’s New Space group. 

OQ Technology’s solution is aimed at – and finding traction with – industries operating in remote and challenging environments that are traditionally underserved by terrestrial networks. As CEO Omar Qaise explains, their core mission is "to revolutionise global 5G connectivity by offering seamless, cost-effective, scalable, and reliable low-earth orbit direct-to-device satellite services that enable industries to operate more efficiently and innovate without boundaries."

Connecting the hard-to-connect

At its core, OQ Technology specialises in providing 5G connectivity via satellite, with a mission to bridge critical communication gaps in regions challenged by geographical or infrastructural limitations. The company's technology serves industries ranging from oil and gas to agriculture, climate monitoring, transportation, logistics, and mining – sectors that often operate in mountainous, maritime, desert, or emerging market environments.

The company’s solution stands out in leveraging standard-based 4G and 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) technologies combined with advanced satellite capabilities. By developing parallel connectivity components, OQ Technology creates robust, secure, and scalable services that traditional networks struggle to provide in remote areas.

A world-class leadership team

OQ Technology was founded by Omar Qaise – the architect of the company’s groundbreaking 5G satellite IoT approach. With over 15 years of experience spanning space agencies and satellite companies like SES Satellites and the European Space Agency, Qaise brings deep technical expertise and a passion for leveraging space technology to create practical solutions.

The leadership team is equally impressive. Christoph Limmer, the Vice President of Sales and Business Development, brings nearly 25 years of experience from major satellite communication companies. He is joined by an impressive lineup of established industry experts in the C-suite, including CIO Prasanna Nagarajan, CTO Cyril Dufoing, and COO Marwah Naseem, all of whom boast extensive backgrounds in telecommunications, space projects, technical innovation, and leadership.

Overcoming industry challenges

"Navigating the complex regulatory environment and securing spectrum rights has been a significant challenge," Qaise notes. By strategically partnering with government bodies and industry leaders like the Luxembourg Space Agency, European Space Agency, and Aramco, OQ Technology has successfully bootstrapped its operations and secured crucial investments. This includes a convertible loan investment from the Luxembourg Space Sector Development Fund, co-led by SES and the Luxembourg government, and supported by investors like Wa’ed Ventures and the Phaistos Investment Fund.

A key milestone has been launching 10 satellite missions, establishing the company as a leader in building 5G satellite constellations. The company has already begun generating revenue – a significant achievement that demonstrates the practical applicability of its technology.

Leveraging the EIC Scaling Club

The company's membership in the EIC Scaling Club represents a strategic move to accelerate growth. Qaise explains their motivation: "We joined the EIC Scaling Club to leverage the network and resources to learn and accelerate our growth and scalability." The company aims to gain access to new markets and enhance its technological offerings through collaboration.

Already, the team has seen tangible benefits. 

"We've been introduced to mentors and are leveraging that to learn more, especially regarding our pitch deck and fundraising," Qaise shares. While acknowledging that there's still much to be done, he feels "very privileged to have access to this network."

About the EIC Scaling Club

The EIC Scaling Club is a curated community where 120+ European deep tech scale-ups with the potential to build world-class businesses and solve major global challenges come together with investors, corporate innovators and other industry stakeholders to spur growth.

The top 120+ European deep tech companies will be carefully selected from a pool of high-growth scale-ups that have benefitted from EIC financial schemes, other European and national innovation programmes, and beyond.

The EIC Scaling Club is an EIC-funded initiative run in partnership by Tech Tour, Bpifrance (EuroQuity), Hello Tomorrow, Tech.eu (Webrazzi), EurA and IESE Business School.

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