Kigen
Kigen develops SIM, eSIM, and iSIM operating systems plus Remote SIM Provisioning platforms that secure cellular IoT device identity. It serves chipset vendors, module makers, OEMs, MNOs, and utilities across utility, smart metering, and industrial IoT deployments.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersCambridge, United Kingdom
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Kigen does
Kigen is a UK-headquartered eSIM and iSIM technology provider for cellular IoT, spun out of Arm in 2020 and operating as a SoftBank Vision Fund company. Headquartered in Cambridge with engineering offices in Belfast (UK), Noida (India), and Copenhagen (Denmark), the company develops SIM, embedded SIM (eSIM), and integrated SIM (iSIM) operating systems, plus Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) platforms, that secure cellular device identity and enable remote management of mobile network operator profiles across IoT and edge devices. The technology stack centers on the Kigen SIM OS (claimed as the world's most optimized SIM OS footprint), GSMA-certified eSIM and iSIM products, the SGP.32-compliant Kigen eSIM IoT Manager (eIM), and In-Factory Profile Provisioning (IFPP), together with GSMA SAS-accredited Data Generation services for SIM personalization. Kigen reports cumulative enablement of more than 2.5 billion SIMs, claims #5 position in SIM cards by volume worldwide, and has SIM OS integrated by 8 of the top 10 chipset vendors and licensed by 65% of regional SIM vendors. GSMA SAS-SM, SAS-UP, and eSA accreditations across UK and India sites form the compliance backbone of the offering.
Kigen's customers span silicon vendors (Qualcomm, Sequans, Nordic, Murata, Telit), module makers and OEMs (Robustel, Quectel, SIMCom), mobile network operators and connectivity providers (AT&T, Vodafone, Orange, KORE, Onomondo, floLIVE, Skylo), utility and smart-meter enterprises (Evergy, LCRA, Itron, Kamstrup), and consumer electronics manufacturers. The go-to-market blends OEM-embedded licensing through the Secure with Kigen certification program, direct enterprise sales targeting large utilities and IoT service providers, channel relationships with 200+ connectivity providers, and active participation in GSMA, GlobalPlatform, and Trusted Connectivity Alliance standards bodies.
Revenue is generated through a mix of mechanisms: per-SIM licensing royalties on the SIM OS, subscription-based eSIM and iSIM solutions sold to module makers and OEMs, GSMA-accredited Data Generation services, In-Factory Profile Provisioning as a managed service, and Professional Services for deployment, customization, RSP roll-out, and 24/7 tiered support. Pricing is quote-based for enterprise deals, with iSIM evaluation kits available starting at approximately $50 for prototyping.
Kigen firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Kigen
- Legal name
- Kigen UK Limited
- Website
- https://kigen.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Kigen develops SIM, eSIM, and iSIM operating systems plus Remote SIM Provisioning platforms that secure cellular IoT device identity. It serves chipset vendors, module makers, OEMs, MNOs, and utilities across utility, smart metering, and industrial IoT deployments.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Kigen industry classification
Industry- Product category
- IoT Connectivity Software (eSIM/iSIM OS and Provisioning)
- NAICS
- Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518), Computer Systems Design Services (541512)
- SIC
- Telephone & Telegraph Apparatus (3661), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Secure ICs, Smart Cards & Trusted Hardware (HDAHAAAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Security & Trusted Hardware ICs (Secure Element/TPM/Crypto) (HDAHABAF), Embedded & Industrial Network Interfaces (PCIe/M.2/SOM/SoC NICs) (HDAFAEAI)
Keywords
Where Kigen is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cambridge
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
Kigen business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- SIM OS Licensing: Kigen licenses its SIM operating system to regional SIM vendors. The company states 65% of regional SIM vendors license Kigen OS and Kigen is #5 in SIM cards by volume worldwide. This generates licensing royalties from semiconductor and SIM card manufacturers.
- eSIM and iSIM Solutions: Revenue from providing eSIM OS and iSIM solutions to module makers, OEMs, and device manufacturers. Solutions include certified eSIM operating systems, remote provisioning services, and professional services for integration and deployment.
- Professional Services: Comprehensive professional services including guided and managed setup, onboarding, profile development, RSP deployment, Kigen OS customization, validation, tools and applets, and 24/7 global tiered support.
- Data Generation Services: GSMA SAS accredited data generation services for smart card chip manufacturers (personalization-on-wafer), SoC vendors (iSIM blob generation), and MNOs (RSP profile provisioning).
- In-Factory Profile Provisioning (IFPP): Factory provisioning solutions enabling OEMs to provision profiles during manufacturing. Supports offline, hybrid, and online factory setups with secure profile loading.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | One time/ perpetual license | iSIM Evaluation Kit starting at $50 |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Kigen product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Kigen develops and licenses SIM, eSIM, and iSIM operating systems together with a GSMA SAS-accredited Remote SIM Provisioning platform and the SGP.32-compliant eSIM IoT Manager (eIM). Its products provide secure device identity, over-the-air profile provisioning, in-factory profile loading, and SIM personalization for chipset makers, module makers, device OEMs, MNOs, and enterprises deploying cellular IoT. The technology is delivered as embedded software into silicon and modules, with additional professional services for integration, deployment, and 24/7 support.
Product overview
Kigen offers a comprehensive SIM technology portfolio centered on security-enabled eSIM and iSIM solutions for IoT at scale. The core product family comprises Kigen SIM OS (enabling SIM functionality across all form factors), Kigen eSIM OS (GSMA-certified for remote operator profile provisioning), and Kigen iSIM OS (integrated SIM consolidated onto system-on-chip). These OS products are complemented by Kigen Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) - a GSMA SAS Accredited platform for managing operator profiles across M2M, Consumer, and IoT devices - and Kigen eIM (eSIM IoT Manager), the first SGP.32-compliant IoT Manager for automated profile management. Supporting modules include In-Factory Profile Provisioning (IFPP, GSMA SGP.41/42 compliant) for manufacturing-time profile loading, Data Generation services for SIM personalization, and Professional Services for deployment and onboarding. The Secure with Kigen Program provides a certified module/chipset ecosystem. This modular architecture allows OEMs to combine SIM OS products with RSP services and factory provisioning to create customized connectivity solutions ranging from consumer devices to industrial IoT deployments.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Kigen SIM OS World's most optimized Java SIM operating system enabling SIM functionality across removable, WLCSP, eSIM, and iSIM form factors, supporting 2G through 5G including NB-IoT and LTE-M with hardware-agnostic security. Licensed to regional SIM vendors and OEMs.
- Kigen eSIM OS GSMA-certified embedded SIM operating system enabling remote downloading of operator profiles to IoT devices, supporting global connectivity across 2G through 5G with multi-network switching and energy efficiency for battery-powered devices.
- Kigen iSIM OS Integrated SIM technology that consolidates SIM functionality into a secure enclave on the system-on-chip alongside the application processor and cellular radio, offering 98% smaller footprint, up to 50% cost reduction, and up to 70% less power consumption compared to discrete solutions.
- Kigen Remote SIM Provisioning (RSP) GSMA SAS Accredited remote provisioning platform enabling seamless generation, management, and hosting of operator profiles on eSIM devices across M2M, Consumer, and IoT deployments, supporting multiple network technologies and provisioning points.
- Kigen eIM (eSIM IoT Manager) First market-ready GSMA SAS-SM accredited eSIM IoT Manager meeting SGP.32 specifications, enabling secure automated management, faster profile downloads, and seamless network switching for IoT eSIM deployments at scale.
- In-Factory Profile Provisioning (IFPP) GSMA SGP.41/42 compliant solution enabling secure loading of MNO subscription profiles during device manufacturing, reducing SKU complexity, enabling out-of-the-box connectivity, and saving critical battery power for LPWAN devices by avoiding over-the-air profile downloads.
- Kigen Data Generation GSMA SAS accredited service providing secure data generation for personalization of SIM products, including eSIM personalization-on-wafer, iSIM card image/BLOB generation for SoC vendors, and RSP profile provisioning services for MNOs.
- Kigen Professional Services End-to-end support including Kigen OS customization and validation, profile development and testing, tools and applets, RSP platform deployment, 24/7 global tiered support, and onboarding services for operators, eSIM owners, and eUICC manufacturers.
- Kigen Pulse Unified console for eSIM profile operations providing real-time device and profile visibility with developer-ready APIs for managing profile lifecycles across connected fleets, including downloading, enabling, switching, and management functions.
- eSA-certified eSIMs GSMA SGP.32 compliant eSIMs certified under the eSA scheme for enhanced security and Cybersecurity Resilience Act readiness, enabling OEMs to build globally connected, secure, and interoperable IoT eSIM products.
- iSIM Evaluation Kit Evaluation kit starting at $50 including Kigen iSIM OS, Murata 1SC module, Sony Altair 1250 with NTN connectivity, and Monogoto connectivity for prototyping and testing cellular IoT solutions.
- SGP.32 Evaluation Kit Prototyping environment to test next-generation cellular IoT solutions with the SGP.32-compliant Kigen eIM, supporting developer integration of automated eSIM profile management.
Quantifiable outcome
- 98% smaller circuit board footprint with iSIM compared to eSIM
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Kigen
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Kigen technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
Feature7 records
Kigen partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.
- OnomondocoreDenmark-based IoT connectivity infrastructure provider partnered with Kigen to offer SGP.32 standard embedded SIM cards with preloaded connectivity. Early customers testing and deploying devices in Europe and North America on Kigen's certified eUICC SIMs.
- OneLayercoreOneLayer's Technology Alliance Program (TAP) includes Kigen as a certified partner for SIM technology, enabling enterprises deploying private LTE and 5G networks with full-stack visibility and Zero Trust enforcement.
- KORE Group HoldingscorePartnership to develop SGP.32-compliant connectivity solutions for IoT deployments with commercial availability planned for late 2026. Enables remote provisioning, switching, and optimization of connectivity without on-site visits.
- TrasnasecondaryTrasna expanded IoT connectivity solutions ecosystem based on SGP.32, allowing over-the-air profile management and operator flexibility, deepening strategic collaboration with Kigen.
- TrasnacoreExpanded strategic collaboration to offer combined eSIM managed service with geo-redundancy featuring secure servers in Dublin and Dubai and 24x7 customer support. Joint offering combines both companies' eSIM server expertise for mass-scale IoT deployments.
- floLIVEcorefloLIVE launched operational support for GSMA SGP.32 across its global IoT infrastructure through partnership with Kigen. Integration of Kigen's SGP.32-compliant eSIM IoT Remote Manager and In-Factory Profile Provisioning capabilities.
- RobustelcoreGlobal industrial IoT and M2M wireless solutions leader adopted Kigen's eSIM operating system, eIM, and LPA developer tools for industrial IoT edge gateway and 4G/5G router portfolio.
- NuvoLinQsecondaryCollaboration to adapt SGP.32 eSIM standard for legacy IoT devices without hardware modifications. Project involved testing and validation demonstrating existing devices could be made SGP.32 compatible.
- EvergycoreMajor U.S. Midwest utility selected Kigen's secure eSIM OS and eIM to enhance grid resilience by automating failover between private LTE and public networks, supporting thousands of IoT devices across Kansas and Missouri infrastructure.
- GSMAcoreKigen is an active member of GSMA standards body. Products achieve certification under GSMA eSA and SAS schemes. Kigen contributed to shaping the SGP.32 standard.
- VodafonecoreLong-standing partnership including world's first multi-carrier iSIM for IoT announcement at MWC 2019. Vodafone Business IoT partnership for iSIM secure package with extensive LPWAN connectivity.
- SkylosecondaryPartnership bringing Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) satellite connectivity to eSIM and iSIM solutions for coverage in remote areas.
- SequanscoreLeading cellular IoT chipset maker with Kigen iSIM OS integration. Partnership for eSIM and iSIM solutions in IoT modules.
- QualcommcoreSilicon partner integrating Kigen SIM OS into Qualcomm chipsets for secure cellular IoT connectivity.
- ArmcoreKigen originated as Arm's Kigen product group in 2017. Arm continues as ecosystem partner with Kigen providing SIM OS for Arm-based secure enclaves.
- AT&TcoreIoT eSIM partnership with simplified SIM transfer capabilities for North American market. AT&T IoT eSIM solutions enabled by Kigen technology.
- Google/AndroidcoreKigen endorsed for security solutions in Android OEM ecosystem. Participant in Android Ready SE Alliance for eSIM standards.
- GlobalPlatformsecondaryKigen is an active member of GlobalPlatform standards organization for secure element specifications.
- Trusted Connectivity AlliancesecondaryKigen is a member of Trusted Connectivity Alliance working on trusted element standards for IoT security.
- Energy WebsecondaryPartnership for blockchain-based smart grid solutions. Kigen IoT SAFE enables trusted ID exchange for energy players with decentralized blockchain services.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights9 records
Kigen competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Thales (Thales DIS, formerly Gemalto): Thales' Digital Identity & Security (DIS) business — built on Gemalto — is the global market leader in SIM, eSIM, and iSIM, offering competing secure operating systems, remote provisioning platforms, and certified connectivity for IoT, M2M, and consumer devices. Kigen competes head-on with Thales for the same chipset vendor, MNO, and OEM relationships.
- IDEMIA: IDEMIA is a leading provider of SIM OS, eSIM, and secure element technology for telecom and IoT customers worldwide, with GSMA-accredited RSP services and embedded secure element IP. It competes with Kigen on SIM OS licensing to regional vendors and on iSIM enablement for module and chipset makers.
- Giesecke+Devrient (G+D): G+D operates a substantial SIM, eSIM, and iSIM business (including the Trusted Connectivity Alliance contributions) with its own GSMA-accredited data generation and RSP infrastructure. It directly competes with Kigen in serving MNOs, OEMs, and chipset integrators across consumer and IoT segments.
- Valid (formerly Valid USA / eDatamate): Valid is a SIM card, eSIM OS, and trusted service manager provider serving MNOs and OEMs globally, with strong presence in Latin America and emerging markets. It competes with Kigen in regional SIM OS licensing and in consumer and IoT eSIM deployments.
- Workz (now part of TracFone/1GLOBAL): Workz is an eSIM management and SIM OS provider offering remote provisioning and data generation services to MNOs and IoT customers. It competes with Kigen across eSIM OS, profile management, and IoT connectivity enablement for global enterprise customers.
Broad incumbents
- NXP Semiconductors: NXP is a leading provider of secure element ICs (eSE, SmartMX, SN100) widely integrated into cellular and IoT devices, and is a strategic counterpart and competitor to Kigen's iSIM approach. While not a SIM OS vendor itself, NXP controls silicon roadmaps that determine which secure SIM OS (Kigen or alternatives) gets embedded.
- STMicroelectronics: STMicroelectronics supplies secure microcontrollers and SIM/secure element ICs used in cellular and IoT modules, overlapping with Kigen's deployment footprint. As a major European semiconductor incumbent with secure-element heritage, ST is both a potential silicon partner and competitive alternative to Kigen's iSIM.
- Infineon Technologies: Infineon is a global leader in SIM card ICs and secure elements used in cellular modules and devices, with its own embedded SIM hardware offerings. It overlaps with Kigen on hardware roots of trust and competes with iSIM-based secure enclaves for cellular IoT designs.
Emerging players
- floLIVE: floLIVE is a global IoT connectivity infrastructure provider that recently launched SGP.32 operational support in partnership with Kigen. While complementary on current deals, floLIVE could compete with Kigen's eIM/eSIM stack over time as it expands into managed eSIM services for enterprise IoT customers.
- KORE Group Holdings: KORE is an IoT connectivity and eSIM management provider partnered with Kigen on SGP.32-compliant IoT deployments. It is a complementary partner for Kigen today but, as a managed IoT connectivity platform, it represents a channel and potentially a competing end-to-end offering to enterprise customers in the IoT space.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Kigen social profiles
Digital presenceKigen compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Kigen financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Kigen leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Kigen funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors4 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Kigen M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Kigen
What does Kigen do?
Kigen develops and licenses SIM, eSIM, and iSIM operating systems together with a GSMA SAS-accredited Remote SIM Provisioning platform and the SGP.32-compliant eSIM IoT Manager (eIM). Its products provide secure device identity, over-the-air profile provisioning, in-factory profile loading, and SIM personalization for chipset makers, module makers, device OEMs, MNOs, and enterprises deploying cellular IoT. The technology is delivered as embedded software into silicon and modules, with additional professional services for integration, deployment, and 24/7 support.
Is Kigen a public or private company?
Kigen is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Kigen founded?
Kigen was founded in 2020. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Kigen based?
Kigen is headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Kigen make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. SIM OS Licensing is the primary driver. The others are eSIM and iSIM Solutions, professional Services, data Generation Services and in-Factory Profile Provisioning (IFPP).
Who are Kigen's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Thales (Thales DIS, formerly Gemalto), IDEMIA, Giesecke+Devrient (G+D), Valid (formerly Valid USA / eDatamate) and Workz (now part of TracFone/1GLOBAL). Broad incumbents are NXP Semiconductors, STMicroelectronics and Infineon Technologies. Emerging players are floLIVE and KORE Group Holdings.
Does Kigen have an API?
No public API is recorded for Kigen.
What industry is Kigen in?
Kigen's product category is IoT Connectivity Software (eSIM/iSIM OS and Provisioning). Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAHAAAJ, Secure ICs, Smart Cards & Trusted Hardware, with a secondary code of HDAHABAF, Security & Trusted Hardware ICs (Secure Element/TPM/Crypto). Its NAICS code is 541511 and its SIC code is 3661.