The awards celebrate outstanding and innovative technologies, as well as exceptional contributions, within the satcom sector.
Innovation of the Year
Winner of the Innovation of the Year award was Mission Microwave Technologies. This was for its one-kilowatt Hub mount Ku-band BUC (Block Upconverter).
For the benefit to satellite uplink operators, it replaces a fleet of high-power amplifiers with a single reliable unit.
SIG wrote:
“The compact energy efficient design of the product completes a fifty-year long technology evolution from tube-based amplifiers, to arrays of solid state amplifiers, to a single hub mounted unit that replaces an entire shelter full of amplifiers. The technology dramatically shifts the capital, power distribution and real estate requirements to dramatically reduce the footprint of an uplink antenna while simultaneously reducing its initial capital cost.”
Best Cooperation
The winner of Best Cooperation was Kacific Broadband Satellites. It won for helping provide affordable, high-speed internet to underserved areas in the Asia-Pacific region.
For example, with its Gigstarter prepaid model, Kacific improves access to education and healthcare, as well business opportunities. SIG’s award noted:
“With over 600 ISP partners, distributors, resellers, and a dedicated team, Kacific delivers solutions that have drastically reduced internet costs. By expanding into tower management services and forming key partnerships, Kacific continues to bridge the digital divide, achieving both commercial success and social impact, offering sustainable solutions to local challenges across 25 countries.”
Educational Project
For 2025, the Educational Project of the Year award went to Space Skills Alliance, the think tank and consultancy. It won for its work addressing UK space skills shortages.
“In 2024, Space Skills Alliance launched the 2024 Space Census and the Space Skills Roadmap 2030, and ran the first Space Skills Summit, UK’s first space skills conference. Space Skills Alliance also runs Space Careers which provides resources for skills and career development, a jobs board with all the latest opportunities in the sector, as well as delivering events across the country to raise awareness of career options and paths into them.”
Young Engineer
Finally, the Young Engineer of the Year was Lukas Nyström, of Satcube.
He joined the Swedish satellite terminal provider Satcube in 2017 as a systems engineer and then rose through the ranks. Aged 25 years old, he became CTO, leading the development of Satcube’s next-generation user terminals.
SIG wrote:
“Much of this work is focused on antenna and RF subsystem research and development, targeting low-cost solutions to enable global broadband. Lukas holds a M.Sc. in Engineering Physics, and a M.Sc. in Accounting and Financial Management, which enables him to bring exceptional insight that merges both disciplines, acting as a bridge between the two fields. Lukas is fantastic role model for all young engineers in the industry.”
SIG Awards 2025
“The standard of entries for this year’s awards has been outstanding, reflecting the rapid innovation and transformation taking place within the satellite industry,” said Helen Weedon, SIG Managing Director.
“Each entry was of the highest standard, which made selecting the winners extremely difficult. Congratulations to all the winners for their well-deserved recognition, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who submitted an entry.”
Communication
The Satcoms Innovation Group (SIG) aims to promote innovation in the satellite communication industry. This is to improve operational efficiency and reduce impact, saving time and money. Described as an open forum to generate innovative thinking, it enables the industry to discuss current challenges.
Its MD, Helen Wheedon, is a judge for the Electronics Weekly Women Leaders In Electronics Awards.
Image: Satcoms Innovation Group – Angela Wheeler (Director, Global Network Operations at Intelsat) presenting the Innovation of the Year Award to Steve Richeson (VP sales & Marketing, Mission Microwave Technologies)
See also: Viewpoint – Engaging young people to close the Satcom skills gap
