Univity, a Paris-based space tech startup, has secured €31 million (US$36.3 million) in funding under the France 2030 program to develop a French satellite-based 5G network.

With additional industrial co-financing, the total contract value reaches €44 million (US$51.5 million).

Founded in 2022, the company is building a satellite constellation using very low Earth orbit satellites that work with telecom operators’ 5G spectrum.

TDF, a French telecom infrastructure operator, will oversee three gateway stations—two in mainland France and one overseas—to connect the satellites to terrestrial networks.

The project will demonstrate satellite-based 5G with two prototype satellites launching in 2027, followed by a broader rollout through 2030.

Univity previously raised €9.3 million (US$10.9 million) and launched its first 5G mmWave payload in June 2025.

🔗 Source: EU-Startups

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Space-based 5G represents a rapidly expanding market with significant growth potential

UNIVITY’s €31 million funding comes as the satellite-based 5G network market is projected to grow from $6.69 billion in 2025 to $26.28 billion by 2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of 16.41% 1.

This growth trajectory is driven by increasing demand for connectivity in remote areas where traditional terrestrial networks struggle to reach effectively.

The direct-to-device satellite connectivity segment specifically is expected to expand significantly, from $1.5 billion to nearly $15 billion by 2033 2.

UNIVITY’s focus on Very Low Earth Orbit satellites using telecom operators’ existing 5G spectrum positions the company to capitalize on this market expansion while offering lower latency than traditional satellite internet solutions.

The company’s timeline of launching prototype satellites in 2027 and beginning constellation deployment between 2028-2030 aligns well with the market’s projected growth phase, potentially allowing them to capture market share during the sector’s most rapid expansion period.

2️⃣ European space agencies are pursuing sovereign connectivity capabilities through strategic national programs

UNIVITY’s funding through France 2030 reflects a broader European strategy to develop independent space-based telecommunications capabilities rather than relying solely on American or Chinese solutions.