- Resources
- Blog
- News
Kigen eSIM News: Gold Award for Private Network Innovation and Tech Scale-Up of the Year
Bee Hayes-Thakore Momentum is building around eSIM innovation, and we’re proud to share that Kigen has received global recognition for helping organisations scale their digital transformation. In the past quarter alone, we’ve celebrated two major moments:
The company was named Gold Winner in the IoT Innovation – Private Cellular Network category at the prestigious Juniper Research Smart Cities and IoT Innovation awards, following its impactful work with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) on private LTE deployment for critical water and power infrastructure in Texas.
Read Head of Sales, Jean-Louis Cararra’s exclusive interview with Juniper Research.
In parallel, Kigen was also shortlisted as Tech Scale-Up of the Year in the 35th edition of the Business Weekly Awards. a category that has previously highlighted companies such as Arm and Raspberry Pi. It’s a huge boost not just for our team, but for the customers and partners building the future with us.
Expanding eSIM Impact Across Sectors
The landscape for private cellular networks is evolving fast. More utilities, manufacturers, and smart infrastructure providers are deploying private LTE and 5G networks to improve resilience, security, and performance.
Our award-winning work with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) is a great example. Through private LTE network and Kigen’s secure eSIM technology, LCRA is delivering critical water and power services to 68 counties in Texas and across 70,000 square miles. LCRA uses the extensive system for its operations and shares the system with governmental and public safety entities, electric utilities, and schools and other public safety entities. The impact is real and tangible—modernisation that brings reliability, efficiency, and flexibility where it’s needed most.
See more about their implementation here: LCRA enhances communication capabilities with Kigen.
Policy Driving Global Demand and Investment for funding Private Cellular Networks
What’s making this wave of innovation possible? Government-led initiatives are further accelerating adoption, bringing about this shift:
In the U.S., the Department of Energy’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program is rolling out $10.5 billion in funding over five years. It’s part of the broader $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, targeting modern grid systems and broadband expansion. DOE GRIP Program
Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs) launched in 2021 with funding of around CAD 964 million over four years to support grid modernization, energy storage, and renewable technologies. Canada SREPs
Across Europe, the Clean Energy for All Europeans package under the EU Green Deal is promoting smart grid upgrades, while the UK’s smart meter rollout remains central to its Net Zero goals:
EU Smart meter deployment policy
UK Smart Meter Targets framework
Asia-Pacific governments in Singapore, India, and China are actively rolling out smart infrastructure to support sustainable growth. Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative, now in its new “Smart Nation 2.0” phase, continues to embed digital infrastructure and connectivity across sectors including energy and utilities. Launched in 2017, India’s Smart Meter National Programme (SMNP) by EESL aims to replace up to 250 million conventional meters through a model that requires zero upfront capital from state utilities:
Singapore’s IMDA (Infocomm media development authority) 5G Innovation policy
India’s smart meter national program (SMNP)
eSIM for Mobility and Campus Networks: Stadiums, airports, industrial sites
Beyond utilities, Kigen is powering next-generation connected mobility and more. We’re seeing growing demand in large campus environments and connected mobility too.
In airport environments, for example, Wi-Fi has long struggled with coverage, cost, and reliability. Private LTE is now a viable alternative, and eSIM makes it simpler to deploy secure connectivity at scale. Our case study on connected mobility outlines how systems integrators are enabling airport-wide services with embedded connectivity. See our full case study on Connected mobility and campuses.
Another standout example is Ubiik, a leading OEM bringing the first iSIM-enabled 5G LPWA edge router to market. The Pyxis 5G LPWA router offers a unique ability to connect to private networks operating in license-free 902–928 MHz bands (paired with an FCC-certified freeRAN™ Base Station), supports the upcoming Release 19 Band 111, and enables access to public networks across North America—even extending to satellite/NTN using Bands 255 and 256. Combined with the freeRAN 5G LPWA Base Station, Pyxis 5G LPWA comes with a range of affordable “Pay As You Go” plans from Monogoto, a Kigen connectivity partner, to suit specific use cases—or it can be deployed as a private network with no associated cost. With 3MHz of license-free spectrum for downlink and 12MHz for uplink, it can support everything from smart meters and sensors to high-throughput surveillance systems. Read the full press release
These examples show what’s possible when secure digital identity meets flexible network design.
What Makes Kigen Different?
For OEMs and operators scaling private networks, eSIM offers key advantages. But it’s not just about the SIM itself—it’s what we enable:
- Secure profile provisioning even without public internet (ideal for private or satellite use)
- eSIM and eIM that can be provisioned in minutes on the factory line
- Time savings of up to 40% in testing and profile loading
- Support for hybrid and disconnected networks with better assurance in the field
We’re also part of the Anterix Active Ecosystem, helping U.S. utilities accelerate 900 MHz broadband deployment.
Recognition That Builds on Momentum
Being shortlisted as Tech Scale-Up of the Year by the Business Weekly Awards is more than a milestone for Kigen—it signals where the connected world is heading. We find ourselves recognised alongside a stunning cohort of innovators from sectors like pharmaceuticals, life sciences, healthcare, education, and fintech—a group that represents the very best of Cambridge’s thriving ecosystem, and continues to capture global attention.
It’s also a privilege to contribute to Cambridge’s legacy of global innovation—walking a path charted by pioneers like Arm, and extending it into new domains for the next generation of smart products.
This quarter’s awards add to a growing list of industry recognitions:
- Recognised consecutively for leadership in IoT eSIM enablement by Counterpoint (2023-25)
- Winner of IoT Business of the Year at the Mobile Breakthrough Awards (2024)
Looking Ahead
It’s exciting to be at the heart of this transformation. From utilities to airports to smart cities, our customers show how connectivity can be more secure, scalable, and sustainable.
Thank you to everyone at Kigen, our partners, our customers, and our ecosystem. We achieved these recognitions together.
Ready to begin your eSIM journey with a trusted partner that can guide you to the path of scale? Contact us
