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EDGX Secures €2.3M Funding to Propel AI Satellite Technology

In a significant step towards advancing onboard technology for satellites, Belgian spacetech startup EDGX has successfully completed a €2.3 million seed funding round. This crucial financial backing aims to accelerate the commercialization of EDGX Sterna, a next-generation edge AI computer tailored for satellite applications. The funding will facilitate the transition from research and development to market-ready solutions, addressing the urgent demand for real-time data processing capabilities in space technologies.

The funding round was co-led by the imec.istart future fund, with additional participation from the Flanders Future Tech Fund, managed by PMV, a Flemish investment company. This influx of capital underscores the trust that investors place in EDGX to revolutionize how data is handled in orbit, a sector experiencing exponential growth.

Key Features of EDGX Sterna

The EDGX Sterna Computer is designed as a high-performance data processing unit (DPU) that leverages cutting-edge NVIDIA technology. Its robust computational abilities allow it to run complex algorithms directly in orbit, effectively eliminating the bottleneck caused by transmitting massive datasets back to Earth for analysis. This shift is expected to enable satellite operators to deliver faster, smarter, and more efficient services, transforming the landscape of satellite data management.

Moreover, EDGX's Sterna computer is complemented by its custom SpaceFeather software stack, engineered specifically for autonomous and upgradeable satellite operations. This software includes a space-hardened Linux OS that ensures full traceability, along with sophisticated features for autonomous health monitoring, radiation fault detection, recovery systems, and an in-orbit application framework. These advancements promise to bolster the resilience and adaptability of satellite operations, which is crucial for the ever-evolving demands of space data services.

Future Plans and Partnerships

The successful funding round coincides with EDGX's announcement of a multi-unit deal with a satellite operator valued at €1.1 million. The company also revealed plans for an in-orbit demonstration scheduled for a SpaceX Falcon 9 mission in February 2026. This mission represents a pivotal moment for EDGX, demonstrating the practical application of their technology in a real-world environment and providing a vital validation of their innovative solutions.

Nick Destrycker, founder and CEO of EDGX, expressed enthusiasm about the funding, stating, "Customers aren't waiting for flight validation; they're signing now. With a full launch manifest, secured commercial contracts, and our first mission set for Falcon 9, this funding enables us to scale to meet demand for real-time intelligence from space." This statement highlights the pressing need for advanced satellite technology that can handle unprecedented amounts of data generated in orbit and illustrates EDGX's commitment to meeting that need.

Kris Vandenberk, managing partner at imec.istart future fund, commented on the significance of EDGX's approach, saying, "EDGX represents exactly the kind of transformative infrastructure play we look for. The space industry is hitting a fundamental bottleneck; we're generating massive amounts of data in orbit but still using outdated 'store and forward' architectures. EDGX is solving this by bringing AI-powered edge computing directly into space, enabling satellites to analyze and act on data in real-time rather than waiting for ground processing." This clearly aligns with the pressing demands of modern satellite operations, where speed and efficiency are paramount.

Conclusion

With the successful funding and strategic partnerships, EDGX is poised to play a transformative role in the satellite technology arena. The innovative capabilities of the EDGX Sterna computer not only position the company for success in the competitive space tech market but also pave the way for a new era in onboard data processing, further enhancing the capabilities of satellites to operate autonomously and intelligently in the demanding environment of space.