Akash Systems Selected as a Technology Pioneer by World Economic Forum
- The World Economic Forum announced its selection of the 100 most promising Technology Pioneers of 2021 – companies that are shaping industries from healthcare to retail and many more.
- This year’s cohort includes representation from 26 economies on six continents with reach far beyond traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley.
- Akash Systems, a venture-backed San Francisco-based start-up developing satellites with the world’s fastest data speeds, made it to the selection for its contributions in the field of Satellite Communications.
- The full list of Technology Pioneers can be viewed here.
San Francisco, 15 June, 2021 – Akash Systems, a San Francisco-based start-up developing satellite infrastructure based on a pioneering new material system, GaN-on-Diamond, was selected among hundreds of candidates as one of the World Economic Forum’s “Technology Pioneers.” Akash Systems is focused on enabling faster and cheaper satellite communications, eventually reducing internet access cost to a few dollars per month.
The World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers are early to growth-stage companies from around the world that are involved in the use of new technologies and innovation that are poised to have a significant impact on business and society.
With their selection as Technology Pioneer, co-founder and CEO Felix Ejeckam of Akash Systems will be invited to participate at World Economic Forum activities, events, and discussions throughout the year. Akash Systems will also contribute to Forum initiatives over the next two years, working with global leaders to help address key industry and societal issues.
“We’re excited to welcome Akash Systems to our 2021 cohort of Technology Pioneers,” says Susan Nesbitt, Head of the Global Innovators Community, World Economic Forum. “Akash Systems and its fellow pioneers are developing technologies that can help society solve some of its most pressing issues relating to high internet access costs and accessibility. We look forward to their contribution to the World Economic Forum in its commitment to improving the state of the world.”
“We are honoured to be selected as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum,” said Akash Systems CEO, Felix Ejeckam. “Akash was created to develop this transformative satellite technology that can positively impact the lives of billions around the world. This honor confirms that our technology is ground-breaking and has the potential to change society for the better.”
For the first time in the community’s history, over 30% of the cohort are led by women. The firms also come from regions all around the world, extending their community far beyond Silicon Valley. This year’s cohort includes start-ups from 26 countries, with UAE, El Salvador, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe represented for the first time.
The diversity of these companies extends to their innovations as well. 2021 Tech Pioneer firms are shaping the future by advancing technologies such as AI, IoT, robotics, blockchain, biotechnology and many more. The full list of Technology Pioneers can be found here.
Technology Pioneers have been selected based on the community’s selection criteria, which includes innovation, impact and leadership as well as the company’s relevance with the World Economic Forum’s Platforms.
All info on this year’s Technology Pioneers can be found here: http://wef.ch/techpioneers21 More information on past winners, information on the community and the application link can be found here.
About Akash Systems: Akash Systems is venture-backed San Francisco-based start-up focused on developing satellites with the world’s fastest data speeds. It was founded by Felix Ejeckam and Ty Mitchell.
About World Economic Forum: The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. (www.weforum.org).
About the Technology Pioneers: The World Economic Forum believes that innovation is critical to the future well-being of society and to driving economic growth. Launched in 2000, the Technology Pioneer community is composed of early to growth-stage companies from around the world that are involved in the design, development and deployment of new technologies and innovations, and are poised to have a significant impact on business and society.
The World Economic Forum provides the Technology Pioneers community with a platform to engage with the public- and private-sector leaders and to contribute new solutions to overcome the current crisis and build future resiliency.
Akash Systems Appoints Space Industry Veteran Fabrizio Montauti Vice President of Radios to Bolster Manufacturing
Seasoned RF professional will lead team delivering the next generation of radio communications gear to the satellite industry
San Francisco, May 19, 2019 – Akash Systems, Inc., a San Francisco-based startup focused on resolving the explosive growth of data collected from space by enabling faster and cheaper satellite communications, has appointed industry veteran Fabrizio Montauti as Vice President of Radios. Montauti brings 30 years of radio frequency (RF) communications experience from his work delivering radio technologies to the global space satellite communications market.
Montauti’s appointment continues the expansion of the Akash Systems’ core management team, which has been carefully assembled by co-founders Felix Ejeckam and Ty Mitchell since 2016.
“It’s one thing to design effective RF technology. It’s another to deliver that technology to customers through trusted and proven partnerships,” said Ejeckam, Akash co-founder, CEO and GaN-on-Diamond inventor. “Fabrizio has shown a mastery of both skills, and we’re excited to leverage his expertise in conceptualizing and delivering groundbreaking space-qualified radio communications systems to our customers.”.
Montauti’s team of industry-leading engineers expects to deliver its first radio product, a small X/S transceiver, over the next few months to both CubeSat and satellite customers in the Earth observation market, with a Ka/S transceiver shortly thereafter. Gallium Nitride (GaN)-on-Diamond, the innovative material created by Ejeckam, powers the company’s radio products and allows for record-breaking data rates at highly reduced power consumption levels.
Through his experience in radio product design, customer support, business development, sales and team leadership, Montauti will further Akash’s mission of extending the reach of fast, affordable information across the globe. Prior to joining Akash, he was head of Microwave Products at RUAG Space in Santa Clara, CA, where he led advanced research and development of microwave payloads equipment. Previously, Montauti held senior management positions at numerous startups and established companies, including L3 Communications, P-Com and Siemens Telecomunicazioni.
About Akash Systems
Akash Systems, Inc., (San Francisco, CA) founded in 2016 by Felix Ejeckam and Ty Mitchell, is venture-backed startup focused on developing and supplying the next generation of small satellites with the RF gear that power them. A pioneering new material, GaN-on-Diamond, is at the heart of the company’s RF technology and products.
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Anuj Baveja FleishmanHillard 919-457-3782 anuj.baveja@fleishman.com
Akash Systems’ Daniel Francis Presents Keynote at Diamond D-Day Conference
San Francisco, January 31, 2019 – Daniel Francis Ph.D, Vice President of Material at Akash Systems, Inc., presented the keynote address at the recent Diamond D-Day conference in Bristol UK. Diamond D-Day is a one-day workshop hosted by the Centre for Device Thermography and Reliability of the University of Bristol and the GaN-DaME EPSRC Programme.
The workshop is dedicated to the latest developments on GaN-on-Diamond materials and devices, a next generation of GaN for ultra-high-power RF uses, as well as their applications.
FCC Grants Akash Systems Approval of Experimental GaN-on-Diamond Satellite Launch
Launch will demonstrate new level of transmission data-rate never achieved, enabling more compact future satellites for reduced costs
San Francisco, January 8, 2019 – Akash Systems, Inc., focused on resolving the explosive growth of data consumption by enabling the world’s fastest and most efficient satellite systems, announced today it has been granted an Experimental Special Temporary Authorization license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for a satellite launch featuring its proprietary GaN-on-Diamond transmitter technology. The GaN-on-Diamond technology will be integrated into a Ka-band (17.2 to 20.2 GHz) 3U radio transmitter and launched in a 12U CubeSat allowing for new levels of data transmission for customers to increase capacity and reduce end-user costs.
“Taking the lead in the satellite communications industry, this demo will showcase the use of our proprietary GaN-on-Diamond Radio Frequency (RF) amplifier technology,” said Co-founder, CEO and GaN-on-Diamond Inventor Felix Ejeckam. “Beyond the capability to handle the increasing demands of today’s extreme data throughput, we are confident future adoption of the system will drive down end-user costs to levels never before seen.”
The company’s satellite launch will demonstrate the transmitter’s capability to handle more than five gigabits per second (5Gbps+) downlink speeds from a 10-Watt 3U radio transmitter. Tentatively slated for early 2020, the launch will validate the datarates, reliability, and space-qualification readiness of the GaN-on-Diamond transmitter technology. The new technology enables a smaller, lighter and higher performing satellite that will pave the way to lower launch costs, reduced cost-per-bit, more launch cycles, and increased communications access around the earth.
“Anyone buying our solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) to transmit data to/from space will be interested in the space worthiness and reliability of our SSPA products,” said Jeanette Quinlan, director of space systems, Akash Systems. “This launch helps us capture that worthiness and reliability data for them.”
Akash will continue to focus on scaling up and qualifying its GaN-on-Diamond Power Amplifier product line, offering customers products with higher frequencies that will be announced in the months ahead.
About Akash Systems
Akash Systems, Inc., (San Francisco, CA) founded by Felix Ejeckam and Ty Mitchell, and seed-funded in Q4 2017 by Khosla Ventures and others, is focused on developing and supplying the next generation of small satellites, and the RF Power Amplifiers that power them. A pioneering new material, GaN-on-Diamond, is at the heart of the company’s technology and products.
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Elizabeth Romero FleishmanHillard 919-457-0749 elizabeth.romero@fleishman.com
EUROCONSULT HONORS THE MOST PROMISING START-UPS WITH THE 2ND FINSPACE AWARDS
Paris, Washington D.C., Montreal, Yokohama, October 25, 2018 – During Euroconsult’s annual World Satellite Business Week, awards were presented to the four most promising start-ups, as selected by an independent jury, after a pitch competition during the FinSpace cocktail reception at Euroconsult’s Summit for Satellite Financing, which brings together the leading decision makers of the satellite-enabled business sector. FinSpace is supported by MAXAR and Global Space Ventures.
130 companies were identified, after which 36 were shortlisted and 12 were invited to pitch. The four winners were selected from those 12 companies, based on the assessment of qualitative criteria, including innovation, existing and future customer base, amount of capital raised, level of maturity and market approach.
This year’s award categories and winners:
Best Newcomer: Akash Systems
Best Pitch: Hiber Global
Most Innovative Technology: Isotropic Systems
Entrepreneur of the Year: Rafael Jordá Siquier, CEO of Open Cosmos
The participants had the opportunity to present their projects during the FinSpace event and cocktail reception and also received €10,000 worth of Euroconsult’s research products and coaching from Global Space Ventures.
The jury, which had been in deliberation over the summer, was composed of leading figures from the satellite industry:
- Jury President: Jean-Jacques Dordain, Member of Advisory Board, SpaceResources.lu
- Pacôme Révillon, CEO, Euroconsult
- Hélène Huby, Partner, Global Space Ventures
- Will Porteous, Partner, COO, RRE Ventures
- Serge Van Herck, Space Entrepreneur
“The success of the 2nd edition of FinSpace is one of the many signals of “new space” taking momentum in Europe. Its growth involves more and more entrepreneurs and investors, more and more companies, long standing and new, big and small, from the space sector and from outside the space sector, all with the support of space agencies. The movement is now irreversible along a sustainable path paved with more and more clusters and ecosystems covering the total value chain. Congratulations and long life to the four winners!” – Jean-Jacques Dordain, Jury President & Member of Advisory Board, SpaceResources.lu
“The future and growth of our industry will be shaped through innovative ideas and disruption. The FinSpace Awards recognize the most promising start-ups for their outstanding new concepts and initiatives, while at the same time facilitating exchanges and the formation of partnerships between them, established industry players and investors.” – Pacôme Révillon, CEO, Euroconsult
About EuroconsultEuroconsult is the leading global consulting firm specialized in high technology industries, with expertise in the space industry, satellite-based applications and aero connectivity. As a privately-owned, fully independent firm, we provide first-class strategic consulting, develop comprehensive research and organize executive-level annual summits and training programs for the industry. With more than 30 years of experience, Euroconsult is trusted by over 600 clients in more than 50 countries. Euroconsult is headquartered in Paris, France, and has offices in Washington D.C. and Montreal, as well as representatives in Singapore and Tokyo.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Lorraine Whitfield: whitfield@euroconsult-ec.com – +33 6 76 89 42 42 Annette Chatterton: chatterton@euroconsult-ec.com – +33 1 49 23 75 17 www.euroconsult-ec.com ### Euroconsult, 465 Rue McGill, Suite 1103, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2H1 CanadaFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Elizabeth Romero FleishmanHillard 919-457-0749 elizabeth.romero@fleishman.com
Renowned Space Satellite Industry Expert Joins Akash Systems as It Files for Experimental License with FCC
Brian Holz’s wealth of experience to fuel Akash’s space aspirations
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 27, 2018 – Akash Systems, Inc., focused on resolving the explosive growth of data consumption by enabling smarter and lighter satellite systems, has appointed industry leader Brian Holz as Chief Architect. Holz brings extensive space satellite experience from his work directing the design and construction of satellite constellations for leading commercial organizations.
“With competition becoming fierce in the crowded satellite industry, we recognized the need to bring the best minds to our team,” says Akash Co- founder, CEO and GaN-on-Diamond inventor Felix Ejeckam. “A proven visionary, Brian is one of those minds, and he will bolster our systems development as we ramp up efforts to deliver next-generation RF communications links to a world that continues to demand increased connectivity.”
With extensive experience in space systems engineering, program management and executive leadership, Holz will further Akash’s mission of reimagining tomorrow’s communication systems by developing the next generation of small satellites and the components that power them. He was previously Chief Executive Officer of OneWeb Satellites, and Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, O3b Networks. He brings expertise in startup management, global supply chain operations, multi-discipline team leadership and core technology development.
“Today the satellite industry is massively hindered by bandwidth constraints and Akash’s components will be game-changing for the entire industry,” says Khosla Ventures investor, Delian Asparouhov. “Brian is a key component of helping us transform communications in space.”
Holz joins Akash Systems just as the company has completed its critical FCC filing for an experimental license, which grants organizations the ability to conduct scientific and research missions.
About Akash Systems
Akash Systems, Inc., (San Francisco, CA) founded in 2016 by Felix Ejeckam and Ty Mitchell, is focused on developing and supplying the next generation of small satellites (CubeSats), and the RF Power Amplifiers that power them. A pioneering new material, GaN-on-Diamond, is at the heart of the company’s RF technology and products.
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Media Contact:
Ty Mitchell Akash Systems, Inc. (408) 800-9022 Info@akashsystemsinc.com
Akash Systems Raises $3.1 million in Seed Round Funding Led by Khosla Ventures
Sky is the limit for company that aims to reimagine satellites and the components that power them
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30, 2018 – Akash Systems, Inc., focused on resolving the explosive growth of data consumption by enabling smarter and lighter satellite systems, announced today it has raised $3.1 million and closed its seed round funding. Led by Khosla Ventures, the seed round also included Social Capital, Data Collective, Ruvento Ventures, Sriram Krishnan, and Backstage Capital. The funding will allow Akash to further its mission of reimagining tomorrow’s communication systems by developing the next generation of small satellites and the components that power them.
“Today’s worldwide data demand is outpacing the bandwidth and power capabilities of our current communication infrastructure,” said Co-founder, CEO and GaN-on-Diamond Inventor Felix Ejeckam. “We have the technology and innovation to look beyond current satellite systems in order to enable the design of small satellite (Cubesat) systems and subsystems in the very near future.”
With clarity on the limitations of existing satellite capacity and networks, Akash has set out to revolutionize the future of fast, affordable satellite communications using gallium nitride (GaN)-on-Diamond technology. Akash’s patented GaN-on-Diamond science is enabling smaller, lighter and higher performing satellites that will pave the way to lower launch costs, reduced cost-per-bit, more launch cycles, and increased communications access and throughput.
“Technology is all around us, and the constant use of communication strains our satellite infrastructure more each year,” said Sven Strohband, partner at Khosla Ventures. “Akash Systems is here to revolutionize satellite communications by creating high-performance components to get ahead of current satellite limitations such as heat generation and efficient cooling.”
Creating this future begins with Akash’s high-performance components – phase one of their business approach – which includes GaN-on-Diamond MMIC Power Amplifiers that are currently on the market. Akash plans to move into phase two, working with satellite system makers to design small satellite (Cubesat) systems and their transmitters by 2019.
About Akash Systems
Akash Systems, Inc., (San Francisco, CA) founded in 2016 by Felix Ejeckam and Ty Mitchell, is focused on developing and supplying the next generation of small satellites (CubeSats), and the RF Power Amplifiers that power them. A pioneering new material, GaN-on-Diamond, is at the heart of the company’s RF technology and products.
Email: Info@akashsystemsinc.com
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Media Contact:
Ty Mitchell Akash Systems, Inc. (408) 800-9022 Info@akashsystemsinc.com
Akash Systems Debuts, Transforms Satellite Communications with Revolutionary GaN-on-Diamond Technology
Confirms agreement to acquire GaN-on-Diamond patents and intellectual property
SAN FRANCISCO, March 20, 2017 – With worldwide data demand outpacing the frequency, bandwidth and power capabilities of our current communications infrastructure, Felix Ejeckam and Ty Mitchell, both experts in gallium nitride (GaN)-on-Diamond technology have joined forces to create Akash Systems, Inc. (Akash), a company committed to revolutionizing the future of fast, affordable satellite communications.
Through the application of GaN-on-Diamond materials, Akash’s technologies can resolve issues critical to the expansive growth of data use and consumption, enabling smaller, lighter and higher performing satellites that lead to lower launch costs, reduced cost-per-bit, more launch cycles, and increased communications access and throughput.
“There is a great need and demand for new satellites that are lower-cost and allow for faster downlink data rates,” said Co-founder, CEO and GaN-on-Diamond Inventor Felix Ejeckam. “Our technology will also create opportunities not envisioned today, including deep space communications, faster data links between spacecraft, and higher-density information access between human communities, no matter where they are in the universe.”
Creating this future begins with Akash’s high-performance components – phase one of their business approach – which includes GaN-on-Diamond Hybrids and MMIC Power Amplifiers that are currently on the market. Akash plans to move into phase two, working with satellite system makers to design small satellite (Cubesat) systems and subsystems, by 2019.
Ejeckam invented the GaN-on-Diamond technology in 2003, while at Group4 Labs, Inc., by lifting GaN epitaxy from its original growth substrate—for example, silicon—and transferring it to a synthetic CVD diamond substrate. Group4 Labs’ assets were acquired in 2013 by Element Six Technologies, a member of the De Beers Group of Companies.
In 2016, Ejeckam with Akash Co-founder and COO Ty Mitchell, entered into an agreement with RFHIC Corporation to jointly negotiate the repurchase of the GaN-on-Diamond intellectual property (IP), with Akash acquiring all patents and other IP rights related to GaN-on-Diamond technology for use in satellite communications and related markets.
“Imagine extending the reach of fast, affordable communications to every human on earth. Imagine the possibility of high-bandwidth communications between Earth and deep space, or even human colonies in space. At Akash, we are creating technologies to make that vision come true,” said Mitchell, who prior to forming Akash was at Cree, Inc., a $1.6B market-leading innovator of technologies and products based on GaN-on-SiC, where he served in roles including EVP/GM and VP/GM of Cree’s Optoelectronics, GaN/SiC materials, and LED Lighting businesses. “Akash is excited to acquire this IP to serve our customer base of satellite system makers around the world. We want to redefine what people believe are limitations in satellite communications.”
About Akash Systems
Akash, Systems, Inc., (San Francisco, CA) founded in 2016 by Felix Ejeckam and Ty Mitchell, is focused on developing and supplying the next generation of small satellites (CubeSats), and the RF Power Amplifiers that power them. A pioneering new material, GaN-on-Diamond, is at the heart of the company’s RF technology and products.
Email: Info@akashsystemsinc.com
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