Alain Rolle (Nxgsat)
Overview
Alain Rolle is a prominent figure in the satellite communications industry, known for his leadership role as co-CEO of Nxgsat, a Belgian startup focused on integrating satellite and terrestrial communications. Alain Rolle, alongside his colleague Frederik Simoens, co-founded Nxgsat with the goal of making satellite communications more accessible and affordable through innovative 5G technologies. The company is particularly noted for its development of a virtual 5G modem that promises to eliminate the barriers of traditional satellite communication systems.
Recent Developments
- October 2025: Nxgsat raised 1.2 million euros in seed funding from Flemish investment company PMV and the imec.istart future fund. The funds are being deployed to develop a virtual 5G modem, which will be commercially available by the second quarter of 2026. This modem is designed for multi-orbit compatibility and is compliant with 3GPP standards, which aim to streamline the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks.
- 2024: Nxgsat was selected by imec.istart, one of the foremost tech startup accelerators globally. This partnership has fueled rapid advancements in Nxgsat’s innovative 5G satellite technology.
- 2023: Alain Rolle left his role at Accelleran, a significant milestone marking his complete focus on driving innovation at Nxgsat, co-CEO role marks a new chapter in his career, aligning with his vision for ubiquitous satellite connectivity.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alain Rolle |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Occupation | Co-CEO and Chief Technology Officer, Nxgsat |
| Known For | Satellite communications innovation |
| Education | Master's in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering, Ghent University |
Early Life and Education
Alain Rolle was born in Belgium and showed an early propensity for technology and engineering. His academic journey led him to Ghent University, where he obtained a Master's degree in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering. This solid educational foundation paved the way for his future endeavors in the satellite communications field. His early career was characterized by a deep interest in systems engineering and the application of cutting-edge technologies to solve complex communications challenges.
Career and Notable Achievements
Alain Rolle's career trajectory is highlighted by significant contributions and leadership in the satellite communications sector:
- Systems Engineer at ST Engineering iDirect: Contributed to the development of innovative satellite communication solutions.
- Chief Technology Officer at Intelliwave BV: Extended his expertise to telecommunications, focusing on cross-functional team leadership and systems thinking.
- Cactus Technology Lead: Played a key role in integrating AI and 5G technologies, enhancing satellite communication systems.
- Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Nxgsat: Rolled out a groundbreaking virtual 5G modem, recognized for facilitating seamless hybrid networking between satellite and terrestrial systems.
- Awards and Recognitions: Received multiple accolades for his leadership and contributions in satellite technology innovation.
Current Work and Impact
Under the leadership of Alain Rolle, Nxgsat is pioneering a shift in satellite communications, offering solutions that are both cost-effective and universally applicable. The development of the 5G modem leverages open standards, a strategic move that allows the modem to run on off-the-shelf hardware, reducing costs and increasing adaptability in various environments. Alain Rolle’s leadership is instrumental in positioning Nxgsat to potentially contribute to European initiatives like the IRIS² broadband constellation.
Conclusion
Alain Rolle represents a new wave of innovation in satellite communications, focusing on the integration of terrestrial and satellite technologies. By championing open standards and multifunctional technologies, his work with Nxgsat is set to significantly enhance connectivity in remote or underserved areas. Not only is Rolle redefining the technical landscape, but he is also forging the path for a future where satellite communications are as ubiquitous and user-friendly as terrestrial networks. His continued efforts are likely to have a lasting impact, fostering advancements that bridge current technological gaps.