What Multitel does

Multitel is a non-profit applied research center (association sans but lucratif, ASBL) headquartered in Mons, Belgium, with additional offices in Tournai, Lille (France), and Charleroi (the latter at the A6K shared engineering center since 2020). Founded in 1995 at the initiative of the University of Mons, it became an officially recognized research center in 1999 and operates across five stated technical domains: IoT and Embedded Systems, Networks and Telecommunications, Applied Photonics, Artificial Intelligence, and Railway Certification. The organization serves Walloon SMEs and large enterprises as well as European and international customers, providing services from technology monitoring, feasibility studies, and prototyping through to small-series production and training.

The core technology portfolio includes Terahertz (THz) imaging and spectroscopy platforms for pharmaceutical, biomedical, and agrifood quality control; LiFi and LPWAN telecom networks for Smart City infrastructure; multimodal AI combining computer vision and IoT sensor data for traffic, environmental, and urban surveillance use cases; EMC/ETSI anechoic chamber testing for railway, space, military, and medical electronics; and railway certification test benches and emulators (EVC, Eurobalise/BTM, RBC, KMC) for ERTMS/ETCS signaling. The 73%-owned commercial subsidiary Euro-Multitel SA, created in October 2014, commercializes the railway certification product line internationally in Europe, China, and Korea.

The business model is diversified across three revenue streams: professional services (feasibility, testing, prototyping, training) for Walloon businesses, hardware sales of railway certification equipment via Euro-Multitel SA, and European and regional research project funding (FEDER, Walloon, Interreg, Horizon Europe, TEN-T). Multitel operates as either partner or coordinator in these programs, with a documented track record of 1 FP5, 19 FP6, 13 FP7, 2 H2020, 7 Interreg, and 6 TEN-T projects. Go-to-market is sales-led and direct, underpinned by ISO 9001 certification since 2003, an accredited independent laboratory status for ERTMS certification, and a presence at major industry events including InnoTrans, Mobile World Congress, and Hannover Messe.

Name

Multitel

Legal name

Multitel

Website

https://multitel.be

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Multitel is a Belgian non-profit research center (ASBL) providing applied technology services in IoT, photonics, AI, telecomms, and ERTMS railway certification, serving Walloon businesses, European research consortia, and international railway operators through its Euro-Multitel SA subsidiary.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Applied Research and Innovation Services

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334220), Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515), All Other Telecommunications (517810)

SIC

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Railroad Equipment (3743), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Connectivity & Networks (5G/LPWAN/TSN/Industrial Ethernet) (IMAIAMAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Rail Communications & Telecom Infrastructure (GSM-R/FRMCS, Fiber, Radio) (TLAJADAD), Industrial/OT Private Connectivity (Factory, Mining, Ports) (HDAIAGAD)

Keywords

• Applied research services
• Railway signaling certification
• Terahertz imaging spectroscopy
• Smart city infrastructure
• Photonics technology development

Headquarters

HQ city

Mons

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Research and Technology Services: Providing specific services to businesses including technology monitoring and guidance, technical testing, feasibility studies, prototyping and small series production, design and implementation of innovative technological solutions, technology transfer, and training
2. Railway Certification Equipment Sales: Through Euro-Multitel SA, commercializing railway certification test benches and emulators in Europe, China, and Korea. The company also participates in R&D projects with SMEs and large enterprises.
3. European Research Project Funding: Participation in regional, European and mixed funded research projects as partner or coordinator, benefiting from FEDER, Walloon, Interreg, Horizon Europe and other European funding programs

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Multitel is an accredited research and innovation center providing technology services including feasibility studies, technical testing, prototyping, design and implementation of innovative solutions, technology transfer, and training. It specializes in IoT and embedded systems, networks and telecommunications, applied photonics, artificial intelligence, and railway signaling certification (ERTMS), with commercialization of railway test benches and emulators handled through its majority-owned subsidiary Euro-Multitel SA.

Product overview

Multitel is a research and technology innovation center (Centre de recherche agréé) that provides a portfolio of specialized technology services rather than a single unified product. The core offerings include railway certification and testing services (via the Railways division and Euro-Multitel SA subsidiary), Terahertz imaging and spectroscopy testing platforms, and EMC/ETSI anechoic chamber testing services. Additionally, Multitel offers Smart City solutions encompassing mobility, environmental monitoring, and telecommunications infrastructure, along with professional training programs. The company operates primarily as a service provider to businesses, supporting innovation from feasibility studies through prototyping, rather than selling packaged software products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Railway Test Benches and Emulators EVC test benches, Eurobalise/BTM testers, RBC testers, and EVC, RBC, and KMC emulators designed for ERTMS railway signaling certification. Commercialized by Euro-Multitel SA to railway operators and manufacturers in Europe, China, and Korea.
• Railway Certification Services Independent accredited laboratory services for ERTMS (European Train Control System) railway signaling certification, offering testing and certification for European railway operators and manufacturers.
• Anechoic Chamber Testing Services EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) and ETSI testing services using anechoic chambers for electronic systems in railway, space, military, medical, industrial, and IoT sectors, including RF communication testing (GSM-R, 4G, GPS, IoT protocols).
• Terahertz Imaging and Spectroscopy Testing Services High-speed, high-resolution Terahertz imaging and spectroscopy solutions for pharmaceutical, biomedical, agrifood, and composite material applications, developed under the TERA4ALL project and supporting real-time quality control.
• Smart City Solutions Integrated smart city technology platform encompassing mobility management (traffic quantification, incident detection), environmental monitoring (air and noise pollution), and urban telecommunications infrastructure using LiFi and LPWAN networks.
• Spectroscopic Analysis Services for Pharmaceuticals Automated, non-destructive optical analysis services using Raman, infrared, and THz spectroscopy integrated into GMP environments for pharmaceutical manufacturing quality assurance.
• Professional Training Programs Technical training offerings for industry professionals in photonics, computer networks, cybersecurity, and radio frequencies.
• Research and Technology Services Technology services for businesses including technology monitoring and guidance, technical testing, feasibility studies, prototyping and small series production, design and implementation of innovative technological solutions, technology transfer, and training.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduction of CO2 emissions by 40,000 tonnes in the 10th year through modal shift from road to inland waterway transport (ST4W project)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability11 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

61 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Proximus NXTcoreTechnology or Integration · 23 January 2025Collaboration on private 5G network project for remote-controlled container handling at Novandi logistics platform in Liège, demonstrating 5G applications in multimodal logistics.
• ex9coreTechnology or IntegrationPartner in private 5G network Proof of Concept for remote-controlled crane and truck operations at Novandi logistics platform.
• SeafarcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartner in private 5G network Proof of Concept for remote-controlled container handling, contributing to multimodal logistics innovation.
• Euro-Multitel SAcoreOthersSubsidiary created in October 2014 with Multitel holding 73% and IMBC 26%. Develops export activities, particularly in railway certification, commercializing test benches and emulators in Europe, China, and Korea. Also participates in R&D projects with SMEs and large enterprises.
• Materia NovacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinator of BIOSENS project developing biop-sensors for sustainable agriculture, with Multitel contributing optical measurement instruments and bio-sensor manufacturing.
• CARAHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in BIOSENS project for biopesticide detection in agriculture.
• ULiège-Gembloux AgroBioTechminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in BIOSENS project for sustainable agriculture technology.
• Université de Lille IminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in BIOSENS cross-border biotechnology project.
• CNRSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner in BIOSENS project for biological detection technology.
• CHR de LilleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner in BIOSENS cross-border project.
• FredonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgricultural partner in BIOSENS project for crop protection.
• PCGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgricultural technology partner in BIOSENS project.
• Université de GandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in BIOSENS cross-border project.
• Eurometropolitan e-CampusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Dig-e-Lab project for digital pedagogy innovation, with Multitel coordinating Module 5 on technological tool development.
• Université ouverte de la Fédération Wallonie-BruxellesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in Dig-e-Lab cross-border digital education project.
• Université de Picardie Jules VerneminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in Dig-e-Lab digital pedagogy project.
• Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in Dig-e-Lab cross-border education project.
• Agence du NumériqueminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner supporting Dig-e-Lab digital education initiative.
• CRITT T&LminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in ST4W smart waterway tracking project for inland navigation.
• Logistics in WalloniaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLogistics industry partner in ST4W inland waterway freight tracking project.
• Technische Universiteit EindhovenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical university partner in ST4W smart tracking project.
• Stichting Bureau Telematica BinnenvaartminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch partner in ST4W river information services project.
• Institut du droit international des transportsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLegal expertise partner in ST4W inland waterway project.
• Stichting Projecten BinnenvaartminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch inland navigation project partner in ST4W.
• Port Autonome du Centre et de l'OuestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBelgian port authority partner in ST4W smart waterway tracking.
• Port de Bruxelles - Haven van BrusselminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrussels port partner in ST4W inland waterway project.
• Universität Duisburg-EssenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman university partner in ST4W smart tracking project.
• Blue Line Logistics nvminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLogistics company partner in ST4W inland waterway tracking.
• Inlecom System LtdminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK partner in ST4W smart waterway logistics project.
• Brightlands Smart Services CampusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch partner in BLOCKSTART blockchain project for SMEs.
• Christelijke Hogeschool WindesheimminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch university partner in BLOCKSTART blockchain initiative.
• Medicen Paris RegionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench healthcare innovation cluster partner in BLOCKSTART.
• Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij Oost-Nederland NVminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch development company partner in BLOCKSTART blockchain project.
• BioRegio STERN Management GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman biotech partner in BLOCKSTART project.
• The University of SurreyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK university partner in BLOCKSTART blockchain ecosystem.
• Option PublicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench public sector partner in BLOCKSTART.
• WALHUB (European Digital Innovation Hub)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean Digital Innovation Hub co-funded by the Digital Europe Programme and Wallonia. Multitel participates in workshops on AI, production optimization, and anechoic chamber demonstrations within this ecosystem.
• TRAILcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultitel is founding member of TRAIL ecosystem promoting AI research in Wallonia for businesses. 5 researchers participate in TRAIL Summer Workshop 2025 in London.
• IMBCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShareholder in Euro-Multitel SA (26% stake) alongside Multitel (73%), contributing to export development activities.
• Université du Littoral Côte d'OpaleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench university partner in SAFESIDE spectroscopic gas detection project.
• Université de Reims Champagne-ArdenneminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in SAFESIDE gas detection project.
• Universiteit GentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBelgian university partner in SAFESIDE project.
• UMONSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Mons partner in SAFESIDE spectroscopic gas detection project.
• ULiègeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Liège partner in PHARE project for pharmaceutical technology.
• SirrisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBelgian technology center partner in PHARE pharmaceutical portfolio.
• IDEAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEconomic development agency partner in DigiSTORM living lab for cultural and creative industries.
• CeticminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerICT research center partner in DigiSTORM digital innovation project.
• Ville de MonsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity of Mons partner in DigiSTORM living lab project.
• NUMEDIARTminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDigital arts institute from UMons co-leading DigiSTORM living lab.
• UCLminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversité catholique de Louvain partner in USERMEDIA multimedia and CryptoMEDIA cryptography projects.
• UCL-MonsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUCL Mons campus partner in USERMEDIA multimedia portfolio.
• CRAW - Centre wallon de Recherches agronomiquesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgricultural research center partner providing thousands of reference samples for THz technology applications in agrifood.
• CSL - Centre Spatial de LiègeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLiege Space Center partner in TERA4ALL for THz composite material imaging.
• ULiège - Université de LiègeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Liège partner in TERA4ALL biomedical THz imaging applications.
• UNamurminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Namur partner in Wal-e-Cities smart city portfolio.
• Smart City InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Wal-e-Cities smart city initiative.
• CenaerominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAerospace research center partner in Wal-e-Cities smart cities project.
• A6KminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMultidisciplinary engineering center in Charleroi where Multitel is a member since 2020.
• Eurometropolitan e-CampusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in cybersecurity workshops including ZTNA training, operating within CyberWal ecosystem.
• Exclusive NetworksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCybersecurity technology expert partner in Zero Trust Network Access workshop.
• CyberWalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCybersecurity consortium by Digital Wallonia with Walloon Recovery Plan support, in which Multitel participates.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• IMEC: Belgium's flagship microelectronics and digital technology research center, also headquartered near Mons/Brussels. Closely comparable multi-disciplinary applied research model with strong industrial partnerships and EU project participation.
• Sirris: Belgian collective research center for the technological industry, explicitly listed as a partner in Multitel's PHARE pharmaceutical project. Directly comparable applied research services and funding model.
• CETIC: Belgian ICT research center listed as a partner in Multitel's DigiSTORM project. Similar Belgian non-profit applied research profile focused on software/AI, with comparable EU project funding dynamics.
• Materia Nova: Belgian research center coordinating the BIOSENS project with Multitel as a partner. Closely comparable Wallonia-based applied research center with overlapping materials, photonics, and biosensor capabilities.
• CSEM: Swiss research and technology organization with overlapping photonics, microelectronics, and systems integration capabilities. Comparable size and multi-disciplinary applied research orientation.
• Cenaero: Belgian aerospace and mechanical engineering research center listed as a partner in Multitel's Wal-e-Cities project. Closely comparable Walloon non-profit research center collaborating on shared EU projects.

Broad incumbents

• Fraunhofer Institute: Germany's largest applied research organization, operating 75+ institutes with a comparable multi-disciplinary, industry-services-driven model. Much larger scale but the closest institutional analog in Europe.
• CEA-Leti: French CEA research institute specializing in micro/nanoelectronics, photonics, and IoT. Comparable technology stack across photonics, telecom, and embedded systems with significantly larger scale and budget.
• TNO: Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research. Comparable applied research services model with cross-border Interreg participation and a focus on industry-impact technologies.
• VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland: Nordic applied research center with a comparable multi-disciplinary industry-services model spanning photonics, telecom, AI, and industrial IoT, though operating at significantly larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/multitel_tech

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Multitel