OQ Technology: Luxembourg’s Space IoT Startup Driving European 5G Connectivity
OQ Technology is a deep-tech startup from Luxembourg that has quietly become a trailblazer in space-based 5G communications. Founded in 2016, the company is building the world’s first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network for Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity using standard 5G protocols. In an era when secure and ubiquitous connectivity is a strategic asset, OQ Technology’s novel approach – integrating ordinary cellular IoT devices with satellites – is drawing interest across Europe’s defense and industrial communities. From remote oil fields in the Middle East to rural farms in Europe, its nanosatellites promise to link sensors and machines in areas no terrestrial network can reach. European policy planners see in OQ Technology an example of the “new space” innovation that can reduce dependence on foreign providers. The company’s ability to connect unmodified IoT devices via satellite, using licensed 5G spectrum, hints at new possibilities for resilient communications in crises or isolated theaters. This introduction to OQ Technology will outline how a small Luxembourg venture positioned itself at the nexus of Europe’s strategic autonomy ambitions in space and 5G. It sets the stage for a detailed analysis of the company’s technology, European alliances, and its role in strengthening EU and NATO capabilities.