Centum Digital

What Centum Digital does

Centum Digital, legally CENTUM Research & Technology S.L., is a Spain-based aerospace and defense technology company that designs and commercializes airborne mission-critical systems for Emergency, Security, Defense, and Aerospace markets. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Vigo with a secondary office in Madrid, the company sells three core products: Lifeseeker, an airborne mobile phone geolocation system that locates missing persons by detecting their handset signals even in areas without network coverage; Cellair, an aeronautical cellular communications system that deploys, controls, and manages a private network for voice and data exchange; and Nojamzone, a GNSS interference detection and geolocation system designed to protect critical infrastructure such as airports. The product portfolio is built on more than 15 years of proprietary expertise in Digital Signal Processing, Software Defined Radio, and mobile communications, implemented on RFSoC-based radio platforms and qualified under DO-160 aeronautical standards.

The company serves a heterogeneous customer base spanning civil Search and Rescue organizations (e.g., REGA, Sasemar, Italian Vigili del Fuoco), defense and security forces (Spanish Air Force, security and border agencies), and aerospace OEMs (Airbus as a certified supplier). Centum holds UNE-EN 9100:2018, ISO 9001:2015, and ISO 14001:2015 certifications and is an Airbus Helicopters Official Supplier, with Lifeseeker offered as a factory-fit option on the C-295 platform. The business model combines direct enterprise/government sales, OEM linefit agreements, and a structured partner program targeting OEMs, integrators, distributors, and resellers. Pricing is quote-based and tailored to platform integration complexity, with multi-year contracts typical for B2B and B2G deployments.

Reported commercial scale includes over €20 million in 2024 revenue with management guidance of approximately 50% growth in 2025, a headcount of 80+ following 23 new hires in 2025, and deployment to 35+ organizations across more than 50 countries spanning Europe, LATAM, North America, and Asia. The company cites over 1,000 documented successful SAR missions as proof of operational effectiveness, and participated in more than 30 international trade fairs in 2025 as a primary go-to-market channel. Distribution leverages multiple drone integration partners (e.g., Event 38, Marine Instruments, HATtec) and helicopter integrators (e.g., Avincis) to expand platform reach beyond direct sales.

Name

Centum Digital

Legal name

CENTUM Research & Technology S.L.

Website

https://centum.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Centum Digital designs and commercializes airborne mission-critical systems for Search and Rescue, defense, security, and aerospace markets. Its Lifeseeker, Cellair, and Nojamzone products leverage software-defined radio and digital signal processing for helicopters, UAVs, and fixed-wing aircraft.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aeronautical Mission Systems

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Military Avionics, Mission Computers & Flight Controls (IMABAMAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Avionics Software, Certification & Safety-Critical Systems (DO-178/DO-254) (IMABAFAK), Avionics Communication Systems (VHF/UHF/SATCOM/Data Link) (IMABAFAG)

Keywords

• Airborne mission systems
• Search and rescue technology
• GNSS interference detection
• Private cellular networks
• Aeronautical communications

Headquarters

HQ city

Getafe

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Aeronautical Systems Sales: Sale of mission-critical hardware and software systems (Lifeseeker, Cellair, Nojamzone) to government agencies, military organizations, and search and rescue teams. Includes integration services and aftermarket support.
2. System Integration Services: Engineering services for integration of CENTUM systems into customer platforms (helicopters, UAVs, fixed-wing aircraft). Includes qualification, certification, and lifecycle support.
3. OEM/Linefit Agreements: Factory-fit installation of CENTUM systems as standard options on aircraft platforms, such as the Airbus C-295 agreement where Lifeseeker becomes a factory option.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Centum Digital designs, develops, and commercializes airborne mission-critical aeronautical systems for Emergency, Security, Defense, and Aerospace markets. Its portfolio centers on three core products: Lifeseeker (airborne mobile phone geolocation for search and rescue), Cellair (private aeronautical cellular communications network), and Nojamzone (GNSS interference detection and geolocation). The systems are built on 15+ years of expertise in digital signal processing, software-defined radio, and mobile communications, and are designed for integration into helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and unmanned aerial platforms.

Product overview

Centum designs, develops, and commercializes airborne mission systems for Emergency, Security, Defense, and Aerospace markets. The product portfolio consists of three core offerings: Lifeseeker (airborne mobile phone geolocation for search and rescue), Cellair (private cellular communications network deployment), and Nojamzone (GNSS interference detection and location). Products are based on over 15 years of expertise in Digital Signal Processing, Software Defined Radio, and mobile communications, designed for integration into helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and unmanned platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lifeseeker: Airborne phone location system for search and rescue missions that can find missing people through their mobile phone geolocation, even in areas with no network coverage. Turns mobile phones into emergency beacons that guide rescue teams to exact location.
• Cellair
• Nojamzone

Products and services

• Lifeseeker Airborne mobile phone geolocation system that enables search and rescue teams to locate missing persons by detecting signals from their mobile phones, even in areas with no network coverage. Turns any mobile phone into an emergency beacon that guides rescue teams to exact locations. Designed for installation on helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and UAVs.
• Cellair Aeronautical cellular communications equipment that deploys, controls, and manages a private cellular network for voice and data exchange between connected devices. Enables connection to external networks through a gateway for emergency situations, natural disasters, and tactical operations. Compact, lightweight system suitable for UAVs, vehicles, helicopters, boats, or backpacks.
• Nojamzone GNSS interference detection and geolocation system that identifies and locates sources of jamming and spoofing attacks. Deployed as a network of beacons around protected areas to provide immediate alerts and coordinates when interference is detected. Provides 24/7 autonomous operation to protect critical infrastructure such as airports.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1000+ successful SAR missions documented
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Event 38coreTechnology or Integration · 1 December 2025Integration partnership to integrate Lifeseeker Mini on Event 38's E455 UAV platform, expanding deployment options for SAR missions.
• AirbuscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 12 May 2025Strategic partnership where Airbus certified CENTUM as official supplier for implementing Lifeseeker system in different helicopter models. Lifeseeker was integrated into new Air Force C-295s and became a factory-fit option for Airbus aircraft.
• Marine InstrumentscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 May 2025Collaboration agreement for integration of CENTUM systems in Marine Instruments' M5D-Airfox drone. Consolidation of alliance with another Galician company sharing similar values, boosting mutual growth.
• AvinciscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 May 2025Strategic agreement to supply Avincis AW139 helicopters to Sasemar (Spanish Maritime Rescue) with Lifeseeker system, strengthening partnership for enhanced SAR capabilities.
• Alpha UnmannedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsortium partner in DRONELINKPLUS project (budget 1,739,278.95 EUR, subsidized by CDTI) within the Aeronautical Technological Plan. Project aims to research new connectivity technologies for safe collaborative air operations.
• AnteralcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsortium partner in DRONELINKPLUS project focused on research of new connectivity technologies for safe collaborative air operations.
• Fuvex CivilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsortium partner in DRONELINKPLUS project for researching connectivity technologies enabling safe collaborative air operations.
• REGA (Swiss Air Rescue)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEarly adopter and design partner for Lifeseeker. REGA participated in design and improvement processes, testing the system in operational environments and providing requirements that shaped product development.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Regional players

• Indra: Indra is a major Spanish defense and technology company with deep involvement in Spanish Air Force, NATO, and EU defense programs. It is a natural Spanish-headquartered regional peer to Centum, often competing for the same Spanish government and defense-electronics budgets.

Broad incumbents

• Thales: Thales supplies avionics, mission systems, and secure communications for helicopters, fixed-wing, and UAV platforms worldwide. It is a broad incumbent peer to Centum in aeronautical mission electronics and a likely competitor on future defense tenders.
• Elbit Systems: Elbit Systems is a large Israeli defense electronics prime offering airborne mission systems, electronic warfare, and tactical communications. It overlaps with Centum's mission-system portfolio at the platform level and competes for similar defense and homeland-security budgets.
• Collins Aerospace: Collins Aerospace (RTX) is a leading supplier of avionics, communications, navigation, and mission electronics across commercial and military aircraft. Comparable to Centum as a full-spectrum avionics incumbent that Centum must position against on aircraft-integration programs.
• Hensoldt: Hensoldt provides sensor solutions, electronic warfare, and avionics subsystems across airborne and ground platforms. It is a broad incumbent comparable to Centum in mission-critical aeronautical electronics, with overlap in GNSS-related capabilities.
• Leonardo: Leonardo designs helicopters and integrated mission systems for SAR, defense, and security markets, including AW139 platforms used by Sasemar (a Centum customer). It is a broad incumbent that competes with and is also a platform provider for Centum's Lifeseeker integrations.

Direct peers

• Bittium: Bittium provides tactical communications, secure wireless links, and SDR-based products for defense, security, and public-safety customers. It is a direct peer to Centum in mission-critical tactical radio and communications equipment for government end users.
• Persistent Systems: Persistent Systems provides tactical mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) radios for defense, federal, and public safety markets, with strong adoption on UAVs and helicopters. Comparable to Centum in delivering mission-critical communications payloads integrated onto airborne platforms.
• Silvus Technologies: Silvus builds tactical mesh networking radios and SDR systems used on unmanned and airborne platforms. It is a direct peer to Centum's Cellair and broader SDR/mission-system stack, serving defense, security, and public-safety customers with mission-critical wireless links.

Emerging players

• uAvionix: uAvionix develops avionics, ADS-B, and identification/surveillance subsystems for unmanned aircraft and drones. It is comparable to Centum in building SWaP-optimized mission and surveillance electronics that integrate into UAVs, though it is not a direct competitor in SAR geolocation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/wearecentum
• Xx.com/centumdigital

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

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 Centum Digital