Satellite Communications

Astrome Technologies

Astrome is a deep-tech startup in the telecommunications domain, developing innovative wireless communication solutions to extend broadband connectivity. Astrome’s flagship product is “GigaMesh”, an E-band (millimeter-wave) wireless backhaul equipment that can deliver multi-Gbps data links between telecom towers. GigaMesh uses a patented multi-beam antenna to connect up to 8 remote towers simultaneously, reducing the need for fiber in rural or difficult terrains. Initially envisioning to use satellites for global internet, Astrome pivoted to this ground solution which leverages expertise in phased arrays and RF electronics (though the tech can be applied to satellite communications as well). The company still retains its space ambitions: it has worked on a pilot – SpaceNet – to provide broadband from Leo satellites using its technology, and was part of Techstars Starburst Space Accelerator in 2019. Astrome thus operates at the intersection of 5G and space, with a mission to “connect the unconnected” in cost-effective ways.

2015
Year founded
$10 Million Series A
Latest Funding Round
~$15 million
Total Funding
~80
Employees

GigaMesh: a networking solution consisting of radio boxes installed on telecom towers – each GigaMesh can create a mesh of multi-gigabit wireless links (up to 40 Gbps aggregate) to other towers up to 10 km away. This enables rapid rollout of 4G/5G backhaul in regions where laying fiber is impractical or costly. GigaMesh is unique in forming multiple simultaneous links from one unit, drastically lowering capex for wide-area coverage.

Satcom Equipment: Astrome has developed flat-panel RF antennas suitable for communications satellites and planned constellations. It is working on GaN-based transceiver modules that could be deployed on LEO satellites for high-throughput links.

Gigaton: an envisioned service to provide 100 Mbps+ internet directly to homes using a constellation of small satellites - currently in R&D; Astrome demonstrated elements of this via stratospheric balloon tests. While focusing on terrestrial GigaMesh sales (which garnered commercial contracts in India and Africa), the company continues to collaborate with ISRO and others on future satellite broadband deployments, aligning with India’s digital inclusion goals.

Meet the Team

Founders

Dr. Neha Satak (Co-founder & CEO) and Dr. Prasad H. L. Bhat (Co-founder & President) - both are PhD holders (Neha from Texas A&M, Prasad from IISc) and among the rare Indian women leading a deep-tech startup. Neha leads overall strategy and has been an advocate for women in STEM, while Prasad leads engineering; they were college batchmates who started Astrome to realize a vision of affordable internet from space


Other Team Members

Yohann Leroy (Board Member) - former Deputy CEO of Eutelsat, brings satellite industry experience. Brig. Vivek Sood (Retd.) - leads government liaison, vital for telecom regulatory approvals. Astrome’s Series A infusion is led by Bharat Innovation Fund (affiliated with IIM Ahmedabad) and Constellation VC, adding technical and market mentors to its board. The company was recognized by the ITU and won the Commonwealth Digital Challenge 2021 for its potential to bridge the digital divide.

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