Kymeta
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Satellite communications technology |
| Founded | August 2012 |
| Founder | Intellectual Ventures (spin-off) |
| Headquarters | Redmond, Washington , United States |
Key people | Nathan Kundtz (CEO until 2018) |
| Products | mTennaU7 antenna subsystem module, KyWay terminal, KĀLO satellite services |
Kymeta Corporation is an American enterprise specializing in satellite communications technology.
History
Established in August 2012 as a spin-off from Intellectual Ventures, Kymeta focuses on creating software-driven electronic beamforming antennas and terminals that utilize metamaterials for satellite communication purposes. Nathan Kundtz held the position of CEO until 2018.
In March 2017, the company introduced its inaugural commercial offerings: the mTennaU7 antenna subsystem module (ASM) alongside the KyWay terminal. This launch represented the first market-ready application of metamaterials-based innovations. Collaborating with Intelsat, Kymeta provided KĀLO satellite services integrated with its hardware solutions. By October 2018, the firm had secured close to $200 million in funding from investors such as Bill Gates and Lux Capital.
Technology
Kymeta’s Metamaterial Surface Antenna Technology (MSAT) tackles the difficulties of broadband satellite connectivity for mobile platforms and non-geostationary satellite systems. Incorporating high-birefringence liquid crystals as adjustable dielectrics at microwave frequencies, MSAT enables extensive beam steering exceeding 60 degrees while maintaining low energy usage (under 10 Watts) and eliminating moving components. Its sleek design measures just 5 cm in thickness, promoting enhanced operational efficiency.
Unlike traditional bulky three-dimensional metamaterials, MSAT employs metasurfaces combined with holographic beamforming techniques, resulting in improved efficiency and minimized signal loss. This advancement facilitates electronically steered antennas delivering exceptional performance across both Ku and Ka satellite frequency ranges, positioning Kymeta’s offerings as cutting-edge solutions within mobile satellite communication markets.