Conventional wireless technologies, including radio frequency, acoustic, and optical methods, struggle to transmit data effectively through barriers such as the water-air interface, dense soils, or rock formations. This has forced organisations to rely on wired solutions that are expensive, difficult to deploy, prone to damage, and often unsuitable for remote or sensitive environments.
CSignum’s technology directly addresses these limitations. Using patented electromagnetic field signalling (EMFS), CSignum enables wireless data transmission across water, air, soil, ice, and even through concrete or rock, effectively overcoming the significant physical barriers that have limited prior wireless solutions. The underwater communications market is projected to grow from $5.1 billion in 2024 to $10.2 billion by 2032, underscoring the significant opportunity for innovation.
CSignum’s technology tackles these challenges head-on. Through its patented electromagnetic field signalling (EMFS), CSignum enables wireless data transmission across water, air, soil, ice, and even through concrete or rock, overcoming the physical barriers that have historically limited wireless solutions. The underwater communications market is projected to grow from $5.1 billion in 2024 to $10.2 billion by 2032, underscoring the substantial opportunity for innovation.
CSignum, a leading provider of wireless technology for subsurface IoT communications, has secured £6 million in Series A funding. This investment will accelerate the development of its EM-2 product line, transforming how critical sensor data moves from submerged environments to above-surface networks.
The funding round drew investment from Archangels, Par Equity, and Scottish Enterprise, alongside contributions from British Business Investment (BBI), Raptor Group, Deep Future, SeaAhead’s Blue Angel Network, and several prominent US-based individual investors. The funds will support the expansion of the company’s engineering team, advancement of its product portfolio, and strengthening of its market presence to meet the growing demand for efficient, real-time monitoring solutions.
Jonathan Reeves, CEO at CSignum, said: “This investment reflects the growing recognition of the critical need for innovative communication solutions in the underwater IoT sector. The support from our investors will allow us to scale our operations, enhance our product offerings and help industries worldwide manage their resources more effectively. We are grateful for their trust and excited to shape the future of underwater communication.”
Pioneering wireless communication across physical barriers
CSignum was founded in 2020 in Bathgate, Scotland, by a team including Jonathan Reeves, a pioneering electronics engineer and original inventor of digital through-water radio communications, alongside experienced entrepreneurs and investors Rob Soni, Graeme Boyce, and Fraser Galloway.
The founders combined their expertise in wireless technology, venture capital, and engineering to address a crucial challenge: ensuring reliable wireless data transmission across the water-air boundary for industries such as aquaculture, environmental monitoring, and offshore energy. They aimed to enable real-time, cable-free connectivity for underwater and remote sensors, supporting digital transformation and sustainability in challenging environments.
CSignum works with customers across the UK, EU, and US markets to meet growing environmental regulatory requirements. With approaching compliance deadlines, including large-scale real-time monitoring mandates under the UK’s AMP8 initiatives and the Environment Act 2021, the demand for innovative wireless solutions presents a significant growth opportunity for CSignum and its EM-2 technology.
These regulations require utilities and industries to implement thousands of real-time water quality monitoring points. This task proves prohibitively expensive and logistically challenging with traditional cabled or manual data collection methods.
CSignum aims to set the standard for underwater and underground wireless connectivity, enabling industries to achieve sustainability goals, mitigate operational risks, and unlock new capabilities in challenging environments. With its innovative technology, experienced leadership, and firm investor backing, CSignum is well-positioned to lead the digital transformation of the underwater IoT sector as the market doubles in size over the next decade.
CSignum flagship EM-2 technology: breaking barriers in underwater communication
CSignum leads the field in wireless IoT communication solutions for submerged environments, revolutionising critical data transmission in challenging conditions. Its cutting-edge technology eliminates the need for traditional cables, enabling reliable, real-time data transfer and reducing operational costs for utilities, maritime, offshore energy, and environmental monitoring industries.
CSignum’s EM-2 solutions mark a breakthrough in wireless communication technology, reliably transmitting data through water, ice, soil, rock, and concrete to above-surface networks via patented electromagnetic field signalling (EMFS — an achievement unique in the industry. Key applications include water quality and environmental monitoring, wireless underwater ship tracking, and security systems for critical underwater infrastructure, such as offshore wind turbines and oil and gas platforms.
The company also provides CSignum Cloud, offering data services that complement its wireless systems. Its dashboard and analytics are already successfully operating on several river water quality monitoring projects.
Dan McKiddie, Investment Manager at Archangels, said: “CSignum has developed a truly unique technological breakthrough which could be a game-changer for those industries reliant on securing reliable data from their underwater operations. We’re looking forward to supporting the management team in their efforts to scale the business and disrupt the global market for underwater communication.”
Claire Cramm, Investment Manager at Par Equity, said: “CSignum’s ability to deliver reliable and cost-effective communication solutions for challenging environments sets them apart in the market. This funding will accelerate their journey to becoming a global leader in underwater data transmission. We are excited to partner with them as they expand their reach and capabilities.”
