Thales Group

A new generation of building blocks for emerging tech

Next-gen Semiconductors

GreenWaves Technologies, founded in 2014, is a fabless semiconductor company that designs ultra-low power application processors for energy-constrained battery-powered devices. The company's focus is on developing processors that enable artificial intelligence and advanced classification in wireless sensing devices for various internet of Things (IoT) applications. GreenWaves' processors, based on the open-source RISC-V architecture, are designed to perform ultra-low-latency filtering with sophisticated digital signal processing and artificial intelligence while consuming only a few milliwatts of power.
The company's product line includes the GAP8, GAP9, and the upcoming GAP10 processors. The GAP8, launched in February 2018, features eight RISC-V cores and is designed for IoT applications such as image recognition, people and object counting, machine health monitoring, and speech recognition. The GAP9, which adds another RISC-V core, provides five to 10 times more compute power than GAP8 while consuming the same or less power. It is primarily targeted at the hearables market, enabling advanced features like neural network-based audio processing, Automatic Noise Cancellation (ANC), and active sound transparency.
GreenWaves' processors have demonstrated impressive performance in benchmarks. In the MLPerf Tiny v1.0 inference benchmark, the GAP9 recorded the lowest latencies and power consumption among tested processors across all tasks. The company's technology allows for energy-efficient data processing by optimizing memory architecture and reducing data movement across the chip.
The company is currently developing its next-generation processor, GAP10, which is expected to mark GreenWaves' entry into the automotive market. As of March 2023, GreenWaves had shipped 150,000 units of its first product, with sales approaching USD 1 million. The company aimed to ramp up production and bring GAP9 to market, targeting total sales of a few million dollars in 2023 and potentially tens of millions in the following year.
Key customers and partnerships
GreenWaves Technologies has gained traction in various markets with its processors. In the IoT sector, a Chinese customer uses GAP8 for smart cameras that capture daily images of analog gas meters, infer readings using machine learning, and upload data to the cloud. Another customer employs GAP8 in cameras that determine office space occupancy and transmit data to building management software.
In the hearables market, GreenWaves has secured significant interest for its GAP9 processor from tier-one TWS (True Wireless Stereo) vendors. These companies are leveraging GAP9 to introduce novel audio features such as Neural Network-based Noise Filtering and Adaptive Transparency in their products.

SCALINX is a fabless semiconductor company founded in 2015, specializing in the design and supply of advanced mixed-signal chip solutions. The company's core expertise lies in developing highly integrated System-on-Chip (SoC) products based on ultra-high-speed data converters. SCALINX's proprietary Smart Conversion CORE (SCCORE) technology enables the creation of power-efficient integrated circuits capable of processing wideband and multi-carrier signals with outstanding energy efficiency. This technology is particularly crucial for industries such as 5G and 6G wireless networks, autonomous vehicles, defense and aerospace, and test and measurement equipment.
The company's SoC solutions incorporate on-chip conditioning, data conversion, and digital processing of wideband signals. SCALINX's products are designed to address the growing demand for wider analog bandwidth and reduced power consumption in mixed-signal SoCs. As of January 2024, SCALINX had secured a total of EUR 44.5 million in funding, which will be used to expand its business operations and develop new products, particularly in the wireless communication market. The company plans to double its workforce over the next 24 months to support its growth initiatives.
Key customers and partnerships
SCALINX serves customers in various sectors, including defense and aerospace, test and measurement, and communications industries. In December 2023, SCALINX partnered with Arteris, licensing their Ncore and FlexNoC interconnect IP for its next-generation Modem SoC dedicated to wireless communication infrastructures. This collaboration aims to enhance efficiency and accelerate time to market in the 5G communications sector.
The company has also established a long-term technology partnership with Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies for aerospace, defense, and digital identity and security. In January 2024, Thales became an investor in SCALINX, further solidifying their strategic relationship. SCALINX's technology is expected to empower telecom players to deliver ultra-high capacity, multi-gigabit links over longer distances, optimizing total cost of ownership for microwave, millimeter-wave, and multi-band equipment.

Clean, congestion-free air travel gets liftoff

Passenger eVTOL Aircraft

Eve Holding, Inc., a leading aerospace company with operations in Melbourne, Florida, and Brazil, is focused on developing next-generation Urban Air Mobility (UAM) solutions. Its UAM offering encompasses the design and production of eVTOLs, maintenance, and support services for its own and third-party eVTOLs, fleet operations services in collaboration with partners, and an advanced Urban Air Traffic Management (UATM) system. The company is uniquely positioned to develop, certify, and commercialize its UAM solution on a global scale, with its aviation heritage, strategic partnership with Embraer S.A., extensive technology, and intellectual property portfolio.Eve's eVTOL aircraft has a seating capacity for four passengers and a pilot. Once autonomous flight is certified, it would be able to carry up to six passengers. Its unique lift + cruise design, combining fixed wings, rotors, and pushers, ensures safety, efficiency, reliability, and certification. With a range of 60 miles (100 km), Eve's eVTOL provides a sustainable transportation option with reduced noise levels, particularly during cruise. Eve has achieved significant milestones in the development of its eVTOL aircraft, including engineering simulations, subscale test flights, wind tunnel tests, and full-scale ground tests. These advancements have enhanced the technological capability and maturity of its eVTOL, with an expected entry into service in 2026.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31772">July 2024</a>, the company unveiled its first of six prototypes at Embraer's Gaviao Peixoto flight test center in Brazil. The eVTOL is claimed to offer 10–15 decibel reductions, being 65% quieter than helicopters.In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35135">October 2024</a>, Eve launched Eve TechCare, an aftermarket services portfolio for eVTOL operators. The portfolio covered all aspects of daily eVTOL operations, including aircraft health monitoring, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), entry into service support, and pilot and mechanic training.Key customers and partnershipsEve's partnership with Embraer grants Eve a royalty-free license to Embraer's intellectual property for use in the UAM market, access to skilled Embraer employees, and use of Embraer's global infrastructure. This strategic alignment provides Eve with cost and execution advantages for scaling its UAM solution worldwide.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/28610">April 2024 </a>, Eve signed a letter of intent with Japan's largest public helicopter air charter service, AirX, to supply up to 50 eVTOL aircraft. In <a href="https://ir.eveairmobility.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/9/eve-partners-with-porsche-consulting-to-define-evtol-global">May 2022 </a>, The company partnered with Porsche Consulting, Inc. to help define the eVTOL supply chain, global manufacturing, and logistics macro strategy. In <a href="https://ir.eveairmobility.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/19/blade-and-eve-announce-strategic-partnership-to-expand">September 2022 </a>, Eve Announced a strategic partnership with BLADE to expand the urban air mobility ecosystem in India, and further expanded partnership in <a href="https://yqqqphhcg2hvaaua-test001.pj-initial.net/updates/19530">June 2023 </a>to accelerate electric air mobility in Europe. In <a href="https://united.mediaroom.com/2022-09-08-United-Invests-Another-15-Million-in-Electric-Flying-Taxi-Market-with-Eve">2022 </a>, United Airlines made a USD 15 million investment in Eve Air Mobility and a conditional purchase agreement for 200 four-seat electric aircraft plus 200 options, expecting the first deliveries as early as 2026. Further, in <a href="https://yqqqphhcg2hvaaua-test001.pj-initial.net/updates/19528">June 2023 </a>, the company announced a collaboration to bring first electric commuter flights to San Francisco. In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26075">January 2024 </a>, Eve partnered with Thales, Honeywell, RECARO Aircraft Seating, and FACC to source supplies for its eVTOL aircrafts. The company signed up additional suppliers, Aciturri, a Spanish aerostructure developer, and Crouzet, a French mechatronic components developer, to source wings and pilot controls respectively in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26832">February 2024 </a>. During the same month, Eve signed up SkyScape, a Japanese vertiport development company as its 13th Urban ATM customer and sixth Urban ATM vertiport customer. Moreover, the company also signed an MoU with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26742">Yugo Global Industries </a>, a Singaporean aviation company, to explore the potential for UAM and eVTOL flights in Southeast Asia.In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30249">June 2024</a>, Eve partnered with four additional suppliers KRD, Latecoere, RALLC, and Alltec for eVTOL aircraft components including windows, aircraft doors and fuselage components. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31897">July 2024</a>, Eve partnered with Siemens Smart Infrastructure to evaluate the electrical infrastructure and energy management needed for efficient eVTOL operations.In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35598">November 2024</a>, Eve entered into a long-term partnership with Embraer-CAE Training Services to receive training for pilots, maintenance technicians, and ground crew involved in its eVTOL aircraft operations. In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/35661">November 2024</a>, Eve Air Mobility partnered with Revo to develop the advanced air mobility (AAM) ecosystem in São Paulo, Brazil.Funding and financialsIn May 2022, Eve was listed on the NYSE (EVEX) through a SPAC deal, where the newly combined business raised USD 337 million in gross proceeds to support the development, certification, and commercialization of Eve's UAM plans, including manufacturing, service and support, fleet operations, and air traffic management. In <a href="https://eveairmobility.com/united-invests-another-15-million-in-electric-flying-taxi-market-with-eve/">September 2022 </a>, United Airlines invested USD 15 million in post-IPO equity in the company.Eve recorded an EBIT loss of USD 189 million in 2022, primarily reflecting employee costs associated with the development and new warrant expenses. The company's R&amp;D costs of USD 52 million reflected a higher R&amp;D team headcount mainly related to eVTOL and UATM development, as well as higher engineering expenses contemplated in MSA agreements with Embraer S.A. (ERJ) and its subsidiary Atech.&nbsp;

Taking commercial activities to new heights

Commercial Drone Tech

Airspace Link is a Detroit-based company founded in 2018 that provides a cloud-based digital infrastructure platform called AirHub to support the safe integration of drones into the national airspace system and communities. The platform offers a range of services including flight planning, airspace authorization, ground risk assessment, and data analysis to enable safe and compliant drone operations for recreational and commercial users.
AirHub Launch helps drone pilots plan flights, obtain FAA LAANC authorizations for controlled airspace, and access advisories and airspace data. The platform integrates various data sources like ground infrastructure, proprietary third-party data, and government notifications to create a digital representation of the operational environment. AirHub Insights provides analytics and modeling capabilities to support advanced operations and waiver requests.
In March 2023, Airspace Link released the AirHub Portal, a comprehensive platform consolidating its various products and services into a single interface for different user personas such as pilots, planners, and administrators.
Airspace Link has partnered with organizations like the FAA to provide B4UFLY services, enabling recreational pilots to access vital safety information and airspace intelligence before flights. The company has also collaborated with airlines like Emirates to retrofit aircraft with its Airspace Link HBCplus connectivity solution.
Airspace Link's technology has facilitated real-world drone operations, including cross-border cargo deliveries in Michigan and organ transport with MissionGO. The company has developed the FlySafe Program, a tailored solution for local governments to establish and manage drone programs, providing software, customer support, and policy implementation assistance.

Technology providers that enhance satellite operations

Next-gen Satellites

​​​​​​Kinéis is a French satellite IoT operator spin-off from the Centre National d'études Spatiales (CNES). It provides global connectivity for the IoT through its constellation of nanosatellites. ​​​​Kinéis' technology enables precise connectivity and location tracking of objects anywhere on the planet, including areas not covered by terrestrial networks, which account for about 85% of the Earth's surface.The company's core offering is a constellation of 25 nanosatellites, weighing 30 kg each, in low-Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 650 kilometers. As of September 2024, ​​​​Kinéis had successfully launched 10 of these satellites aboard Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket, with plans to complete the full constellation by 2025 and begin providing initial services with its first 10 satellites in January 2025.&nbsp;The company operates the constellation from 20 ground stations, providing near real-time data transmission and connectivity for various applications. ​​​​Kinéis' satellite IoT technology serves multiple industries, including transportation and logistics, oil and gas, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and energy and utilities.The company's solutions allow tracking assets, monitoring activities, and receiving alerts, even in remote or inaccessible areas. These solutions can be used for locating rail cars, monitoring herds, detecting forest fires, or tracking ships at sea.In addition to its new proprietary constellation, ​​​​Kinéis has been managing the ARGOS satellite monitoring system since 2018, which consists of seven satellites in LEO. The ARGOS system started in 1978 as a collaboration between CNES and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).Key customers and partnerships&nbsp;​​​​Kinéis partnered with Dhruva Space in January 2023 to provide space-based IoT connectivity in India, with plans to launch ​​​​Kinéis payloads on the P30 satellite. The company also collaborated with Unabiz in March 2023 to provide satellite IoT connectivity for logistics and transportation applications.In April 2023, ​​​​Kinéis teamed up with Dryad Networks to develop satellite-based solutions for wildfire early detection, addressing environmental challenges. ​​​​Kinéis also partnered with Semtech in May 2024 to revolutionize access to satellite connectivity with a new terrestrial IoT chip, expanding the potential applications of their technology.

Reinventing how computers think based on biological neural networks

Neuromorphic Computing

GreenWaves Technologies, founded in 2014 and based in Grenoble, France, is a fabless semiconductor company that designs and markets ultra-low power processors for energy-constrained devices. The company's primary focus is on developing system-on-chips (SoCs) for applications in hearables, wearables, IoT, and medical monitoring products. GreenWaves' processors enable sophisticated artificial intelligence and digital signal processing capabilities while consuming minimal power, allowing for the development of intelligent, battery-operated sensing devices.
The company's product line includes the GAP8 and GAP9 processors, which are based on the open-source RISC-V architecture. The GAP8, launched in February 2018, features eight RISC-V cores and is designed for IoT applications. The GAP9, a more advanced processor, adds another RISC-V core and provides five to 10 times more compute power than GAP8 while maintaining similar or lower power consumption. In the MLPerf Tiny v1.0 inference benchmark, GAP9 recorded the lowest latencies and power consumption among tested processors across all tasks.
GreenWaves' processors are particularly well-suited for applications requiring sophisticated audio processing. For instance, the GAP9 enables low-power neural network-based audio processing for features such as Automatic Noise Cancellation (ANC), active sound transparency, and head-tracking based spatial audio in hearables. The company's technology can process audio on the edge, reducing latency compared to cloud-based processing.
As of February 2023, GreenWaves had shipped 150,000 units of its first product, generating nearly USD 1 million in sales. The company was aiming to achieve total sales of a few million dollars in 2023 and tens of millions in 2024. GreenWaves is also developing its next-generation processor, GAP10, which is expected to target the automotive market.

Scalinx operates as a fabless semiconductor company specialized in the design and supply of Signal Conversion ASIC and ASSP for Test & Measurement, MilAero, and Communications markets.  Scalinx designs its components at three sites - Paris, it's head office, Caen (Calvados), and Grenoble (Isère) - then industrializes them in Caen with 20 employees, before entrusting them their production to a network of subcontractors. Scalinx does not communicate its turnover, nor the amount of support from France Relance, confidential

GreenWaves Technologies is a fabless semiconductor start-up designing disruptive ultra-low power application processors for image and sound processing and analysis. GAP processor excell at multi-dimensional computing (AI, DSP, ultra low latency DSP). GAP8 primarily serves IoT. GAP9 serves hearables and IoT.

Telit Cinterion provides cellular IoT products.

Airspace Link digitizes local airspace for urban air mobility. It provides government, citizen, and business drone solutions to support local government airspace management, fostering citizen empowerment, and business innovation through consumer and b2b air logistical support and services. It was founded in 2018 and is based in Detroit, Michigan.

Eve Air Mobility develops air mobility solutions to advance the urban air mobility ecosystem. Eve's system includes an advanced electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle project, comprehensive global services and support network, and an air traffic management solution, providing clients with a safe, accessible, and green air mobility ecosystem.

Kinéis is an independent, private satellite operator. An emerging player in the new space sector, the company wants to lead innovation in global connectivity for the IoT domain. Through its technologies, Kinéis works closely with terrestrial IoT operators, current satellite operators and connected object manufacturers, to locate and collect data all over the globe in all conditions.

Keopsys revolutionized the way to pump fiber doped amplifiers, based on a proprietary idea to couple light into the fiber. Keopsys specializes in designing, developing, and manufacturing fiber devices. Therefore, the company is involved in lots of innovative projects. Our roadmap is revised each year by our highly skilled R&D team in order to be at the top level of technology. Geophys company leads a systematic strategy which goals are to increase our devices performance and to lower our prices. Therefore high technology can be accessible to all our customers whatever their business.

Thales is a global technology leader in the Aerospace, Transportation, Defense, and Security markets. In 2013, the company generated revenues of EUR14.2 billion with 65,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems, and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners.

<div> Thales is a global technology leader in the Aerospace, Transportation and Defence &amp; Security markets. In 2013, the company generated revenues of EUR14.2 billion with 65,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners. </div>

$9.13 Billion Hydrogen Aircraft Industry Assessment 2030, Featuring Profiles of Key Players - AeroDelft, AeroVironment, Airbus, GKN Aerospace, Pipistrel, Thales Group, The Boeing Company & More

AI-based solutions for evolving digital threats

Next-gen Cybersecurity

Companies that provide platforms and technologies to protect enterprise data and infrastructure in the cloud from internal and external threats.

Companies that provide next-generation solutions for enterprises to protect endpoint devices such as computers, mobile devices, servers, and other connected enterprise devices.

Companies that provide solutions to protect industrial internet of things (IIoT) and operational technology (OT) devices.

Companies that provide AI-based tools to monitor an organization’s entire infrastructure to identify threats, provide tools for incident investigations, and help automate remediation tasks.

Companies that support businesses with AI-based cybersecurity platforms and human resources for 24/7 threat monitoring and response.

Companies that offer solutions for the protection of enterprise APIs and web applications against external threats such as scripting, bots, denial of service attacks, skimming, Personally Identifiable Information (PII) harvesting, etc.

Companies which provide solutions for enterprises to secure their cloud-native applications and workloads, across the entire development lifecycle.

Biometric Payments

Companies that offer biometric POS terminals, including the complementing software that uses palm print, fingerprint, or finger veins for payment authentication.

Companies providing biometric POS terminals, including the complementing software that uses facial or iris recognition for payment authentication.

Companies that offer biometric authentication software which can be embedded into smart devices or existing POS terminals, for payment authentication.

Companies that provide software platforms to authenticate remote transactions using biometrics, typically leveraging the biometric authentication provided in mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Companies that provide technology to enable fingerprint authentication on payment cards, such as fingerprint sensors, biometric algorithms, and card inlays.

Companies manufacturing biometric payment cards for issuers.

Technology to explore opportunities beyond Earth

Space Travel and Exploration Tech

Companies that facilitate space tourism and rocket and spacecraft launches, which include human spaceflights and satellite launches

Companies that facilitate space habitats capable of supporting humans in orbit for longer durations

Companies that facilitate space exploration, which includes planetary exploration robots and transportation cargo to the moon, Mars, and beyond

Companies engaging in tracking and  removing space debris and providing in-orbit services for satellites such as refueling, repairs, and orbital maneuvers in order to extend the life of space objects and reduce collision risk

Companies that extract resources and materials from asteroids and other planets and the moon

Empowering the modern soldier with cutting-edge technology

Military Tech

Robotics and semi/fully autonomous ground, aerial, and marine vehicles that can be used for military applications, such as surveying, logistics, reconnaissance, and combat.

Developers of sophisticated and advanced defense equipment to counter emerging threats. These solutions include hypersonic flights, directed energy systems, and space militarization.

The use of AI technologies, data analytics, networks of sensors, wearables, and IoT devices in military applications to enhance military capabilities.

The use of simulation technologies such as VR and AR to construct STEs for combat training and mission rehearsals.

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 Thales Alenia Space, a partnership between Thales and Leonardo, has entered into a contract with the European space and technology group, OHB SE. The contract deals with the development of two Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) instruments for the European Space Agency's (ESA) <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34860"> Harmony mission </a>.
 The assignment requires Thales Alenia Space to take the lead in a European industrial consortium, tasked with the designing, development, and validation of C-Band SAR instruments. These instruments will form part of the Harmony constellation's two satellites. Furthermore, the company will handle the digital electronic and antenna tiles for C-Band on both satellites.
 Aiming to provide data related to ocean-ice-atmosphere interactions, ice sheet dynamics, and land deformation, the Harmony mission is ESA's 10th Earth Explorer. The expected launch is set for 2029, on a Vega-C vehicle. 
</div>

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