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
- 1-10
- 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. At least 2 employees (CEO Jose Rico, Sara Fernandez Garrido). Trade show presence: 24th European Microwave Week (EUMW, horizonhouse.expocad.com/24eumw) and Formnext 2025. Participates in EU-funded SMART 6GSAT project. Supplies to major aerospace and defense companies and the European Space Agency (per Technia Innovation Forum). Listed on satsearch.co (satellite industry marketplace). SECPHO photonics cluster member. Swedish industry classification is 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
Notable Customers
European Space Agency (ESA); Major aerospace and defence companies (unnamed)