County Durham technology firm aXenic is launching a project to develop revolutionary components for the next generation of telecommunications satellites after receiving a grant of €400,000.
Based at the North East Technology Park in Sedgefield, County Durham, aXenic is a leader in the design, development and production of optical modulators for satellite and aerospace communications.
The three-year grant from the European Horizon 2020 programme will be used to launch the SIPhoDiAS research and development project. The project “brings together some of the biggest names in the space industry” and aims to deliver faster and more affordable communications.
Since moving into the space sector in 2015, aXenic has been supported by Business Durham through the North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence, which has provided advice, networking and opportunities to attend events.
Steve Clements, CEO of aXenic, said: “We are pleased once again to engage in leading edge space technology working with satellite builders, this time with Thales Alenia Space, as well as with the supply chain to help make the next generation of satellite communications a reality. This can make a real difference to delivering a whole range of new global services from space, including the highest quality internet.”
Sarah Slaven, Interim Managing Director of Business Durham, added: “We’re delighted to see aXenic launch this very exciting project with some of world’s leading space companies. The company has been involved with the North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence at NETPark for several years and it’s fantastic to see them raise the profile of the North East within the wider space network, nationally and beyond.
“The space sector in the North East has been growing over recent years. We look forward to supporting and attracting more innovations and companies such as this.”
The company took part in the UK Space Agency Incubator Programme, which the Centre also facilitated. Business Durham has led the North East Satellite Applications Centre of Excellence since April 2014, engaging with over 670 organisations, establishing links between 277 business and universities, and helping companies secure £9.2m worth of funding.
