Northern Waves AB
Develops and manufactures metal 3D-printed microwave components and antennas for satellite communications, 5G/6G, aerospace, and defense applications using additive manufacturing.
- CEO / Founder
- Jose Rico (Pepe Rico)
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- $58.6K
- Latest Round
- Seed
- Key Investors
- Vinnova, ESA-BIC Sweden, SpaceFounders, Linnea Capital, Uppsala Innovation Centre
Technology & Products
Key Products
Metal 3D-printed microwave components and antennas, including bends, twists, adapters, and filters, for satellite communications, 5G/6G, aerospace, and defense applications. Also involved in MULTIRACS project for multi-functional full-duplex radios.
Technological Advantage
CLAIMED: AM unlocks unprecedented design possibilities for microwave components — intricate geometries, lattice structures, and custom shapes enabling superior performance, increased functionality, and reduced lead times. Strong market position by blending microwave technology knowledge with cutting-edge AM techniques. VERIFIED: Products listed on satsearch (reflector antennas, X-band horn antennas, custom antenna design); ESA Space Innovation engagement confirmed via LinkedIn; Formnext 2025 exhibitor (industry peer validation). Advantages are based on domain expertise and engineering know-how (REPLICABLE by competitors with similar dual expertise, but barrier to entry is moderate due to the rare combination of RF engineering + AM manufacturing skills).
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Bridges the gap between microwave/antenna design and manufactured component by combining deep RF engineering expertise with metal additive manufacturing, enabling intricate geometries, lattice structures, and custom shapes that are impossible with conventional machining — reducing lead times and enabling superior RF performance.
How They Differentiate
Unlike general AM service bureaus, Northern Waves combines deep microwave engineering design capability with in-house metal AM manufacturing — serving as a single-link solution from RF design to finished component. While competitors like Optisys focus primarily on defense antenna applications, Northern Waves targets both satellite communications and cellular 5G/6G markets. Compared to traditional CNC-machined microwave components, AM enables complex internal cooling channels, integrated waveguide structures, and weight reduction not achievable through conventional manufacturing.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Satellite communications companies; Aerospace OEMs; 5G/6G telecommunications equipment manufacturers; Defense contractors requiring high-performance microwave components
Industry Verticals
Satellite Communications; Aerospace; Defense; Telecommunications (5G/6G)
Competitors
Mettis Aerospace (AM microwave components for aerospace); Optisys (metal AM antennas and RF components for defense/aerospace); SWISSto12 (3D-printed RF components for satellite and telecom)
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Registered 2022, current company name since 2023-05-16. Grown to ~11 employees across Sweden and Spain operations (as of Jun 2026). Opening new metal AM production facility in Porceyo industrial estate, Gijón, Asturias, Spain (summer 2026 launch), backed by ~€1.5M investment; initial capacity ~5,000 antennas/year scaling to 12,000-15,000/year within ~24 months; facility supported by SEKUENS (Asturias regional science/innovation agency). Reported serving 84 global clients across satellite comms, defense radar, automotive and telecom (per capital.es, May 2026). Trade show presence: 24th European Microwave Week (EUMW) and Formnext 2025. Participates in EU-funded SMART 6GSAT project. Listed on satsearch.co. SECPHO photonics cluster member. Swedish industry classification remains generic ('Printing of books and other printed matter') and does not reflect actual AM/microwave business.
Major Milestones
Exhibited at Formnext 2025; ESA Space Innovation program engagement; Listed on satsearch space industry supplier directory; Opening new metal additive manufacturing facility in Gijón, Asturias, Spain (summer 2026 launch), ~€1.5M investment, initial capacity 5,000 antennas/year scaling toward 12,000-15,000/year within 24 months
Notable Customers
European Space Agency (ESA); Major aerospace and defence companies (unnamed)