FOSSA Systems, an Andalusian startup that conquers the space frontier

Julian Fernandez was just 16 when he launched his first picosatellite in space. Three years later, 13 devices have been successfully launched by the entrepreneur. This is all in collaboration with Vicente Gonzalez (co-founder of FOSSA System), the startup they will represent at Alhambra Venture 2022.

Vicente Gonzalez was Vicente's partner in Malaga, Spain in February 2020. Vicente was working in Everis' Space division at that time. They met and shared their passion for space. The two decided to start FOSSA Systems.

IDEAL was informed by them that their primary objective is to provide IoT communications worldwide, even where there is no mobile coverage. FOSSA System is a Spanish scaleup which provides secure and economical IoT solutions for companies with assets in remote locations through satellite connectivity.

We offer professional connectivity solutions that are competitive to businesses and professionals in a variety of sectors, including agriculture, livestock, energy and infrastructure. The entrepreneurs say that IoT connectivity allows companies monitor assets and control processes to help them make the best decisions to maximize their results.

Internet connectivity is not available in 80% of the world's population.

Despite the fact that the world is becoming more interconnected, around 80% of the world does not have internet connectivity. This is due to limitations in terrestrial networks. Satellite connectivity is the only way to connect these areas.

Traditional space-based solutions have been designed for broadband internet and high data throughput. However, they are too expensive for IoT applications that only require asset location or temperature control. These solutions also rely on large satellites with a launch mass of typically 700 kg. This means that they are expensive to develop and launch. The connectivity service is therefore not accessible for many SMEs and large companies who need remote monitoring.

FOSSA is "the perfect ally" and provides services to companies in order to monitor their assets efficiently at a fair price. It also allows companies to make changes in their decision-making that reduces costs and optimizes production and other processes.

It is important to highlight the projected growth of this sector in the next years. In 2020, there were 8.7 billion connected IoT devices. This number is projected to rise exponentially to 25.4 million in 2030. These devices will most likely be connected to existing terrestrial networks in cities. The number of devices that are not covered by terrestrial networks is projected to reach 30 million by 2030.

FOSSA IoT connectivity targets companies that have applications or assets located in areas without mobile coverage or connectivity. These companies can be broken down into two groups depending on their criticality: Some clients need real-time coverage (e.g. Defense networks or monitoring of moving assets), while others require only one message per day in verticals like agriculture.

"As we deploy more satellites, and expand our constellation," new verticals will be addressed. Through strategic alliances, we will be able to address each vertical and offer tailored solutions that are specific to each application. Fernandez explains that the main areas of focus are logistics, maintenance, monitoring and monitoring infrastructures and agrotechnology.

"We want be the global standard for satellite IoT connectivity."

Vicente Gonzalez said that they are currently deploying a constellation with 80 satellites. This will be done in 2024. We will be able to offer better quality services to specific industries by putting more satellites in orbit.

The FOSSA business units will focus their efforts on engineering research and development until the constellation is fully operational. This will ensure that the constellation's evolution and correct maintenance are constant. Between 2024 and 2025 the network's capacity will triple. This is due to a gradual increase of the constellation, as well as the introduction of new technologies and communication protocols that offer a wider service.

FOSSA Systems will attend Alhambra Venture July 12 and 13, to help achieve all of the goals. The entrepreneurs concluded that they have been closely following the Alhambra Venture forum for years, and have seen how many startups have received a remarkable return on the program. This is what FOSSA Systems wants to do, to take advantage of all the Alhambra Ventures advantages and make the most of them to reach their goal of being the global benchmark in satellite IoT connectivity.