TUSK IC: CMOS beamformer chips and €15M funding roadmap

September 26, 2026

IO+ Belgium

Overview

TUSK IC, a spin-out from KU Leuven, has secured €15 million in Series A funding to accelerate the commercialization of its standard CMOS beamformer chips for Ka-band satellite communications. This innovative technology promises to significantly reduce the cost and power consumption of high-speed satellite internet by leveraging mainstream CMOS chip manufacturing processes, rather than traditional Silicon Germanium (SiGe). TUSK IC’s chips operate with approximately 30% less power compared to comparable alternatives, and the company has also secured a contract from the European Space Agency (ESA), providing the final funding push for its ConnectKa chips and ConnecTile antenna module line to reach the market.

In Depth

Key Findings

TUSK IC, a spin-out from KU Leuven, has successfully secured €15 million (approximately $16.5 million USD) in Series A funding. This capital injection is earmarked to accelerate the commercialization of its standard CMOS beamformer chips, which are designed to significantly reduce the cost and power consumption of Ka-band satellite communications. This funding marks a pivotal step in bringing the company’s innovative technology to market and fostering the widespread adoption of high-speed satellite internet.

Technical / Clinical Details

At the core of TUSK IC’s technology is a CMOS beamformer chip specifically engineered for Ka-band satellite communications. Historically, chips for high-frequency satellite applications often utilized Silicon Germanium (SiGe) processes due to their superior high-frequency performance. However, TUSK IC leverages mainstream, lower-cost CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) chip manufacturing processes. This approach not only allows for substantial reductions in manufacturing costs at scale but also achieves approximately a 30% reduction in power consumption compared to comparable SiGe-based alternatives. This improvement in power efficiency is critically important for lowering satellite operational costs and enabling smaller, lighter satellite designs. The company’s product line includes the ConnectKa chip and ConnecTile antenna modules, both designed to facilitate high-speed data communication in next-generation satellites and ground terminals.

Background & Context

With global demand for broadband access continually rising, satellite internet is emerging as a promising solution to bridge the connectivity gap, particularly in rural and remote areas. Nevertheless, high-bandwidth Ka-band communication systems still face challenges of high cost and significant power consumption. Innovations from companies like TUSK IC are essential to overcome these hurdles, making satellite internet more affordable and accessible. The company’s earlier contract win with the European Space Agency (ESA) this year provides strong validation for the potential and reliability of its technology.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

The €15 million funding will accelerate TUSK IC’s efforts to bring its ConnectKa chips and ConnecTile antenna modules to the commercial market. The widespread adoption of this technology could enable satellite internet providers to offer high-performance services at lower costs, ultimately benefiting end-users through reduced subscription fees and broader access to high-speed internet in diverse regions. Moreover, the reduction in power consumption contributes to extended satellite operational lifetimes and a reduced environmental footprint, supporting sustainable space development. TUSK IC’s success represents a significant advancement within the European space technology ecosystem and holds the potential to make a substantial impact on the global satellite communication market.

Source: https://ioplus.nl/en/posts/tusk-ic-raises-15m-to-cut-the-cost-of-satellite-internet

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