How CSignum’s EM-2 Technology and Fresh Funding Are Transforming Real-Time Data Transmission for Global IoT and Environmental Monitoring
A Major Leap for Underwater Wireless Communication
Edinburgh-based technology company CSignum has secured over €6.9 million (£6 million) in Series A funding to accelerate the development and global rollout of its pioneering underwater wireless communication technology. This investment marks a significant milestone in the evolution of real-time data transmission for environments previously considered unreachable, such as underwater, underground, and even beneath layers of ice or concrete.
Who Is CSignum?
Founded in 2020 and headquartered near Edinburgh, CSignum specializes in wireless communication systems that use patented electromagnetic field signalling (EMFS) technology. Unlike traditional methods that rely on acoustic or optical signals, CSignum’s EM-2 platform can transmit data through water, ice, soil, rock, and concrete-opening up new frontiers for the Internet of Things (IoT) and critical infrastructure monitoring.
Why This Funding Matters
The recent €6.9 million funding round was led by Archangels, Par Equity, and Scottish Enterprise, with additional backing from British Business Investment (BBI), Raptor Group, Deep Future, SeaAhead’s Blue Angel Network, and several notable US investors. This capital injection will allow CSignum to:
- Expand its engineering team for faster research and development
- Advance its EM-2 product family to support more use cases and environments
- Strengthen its market presence in the UK, EU, US, and beyond
- Address the growing demand for real-time, reliable data transmission in underwater and underground settings
Jonathan Reeves, CEO of CSignum, emphasized,
“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.”
The Technology: EM-2 and Electromagnetic Field Signalling
CSignum’s EM-2 platform is a breakthrough in wireless data transmission. Using low-frequency electromagnetic fields, it can reliably send and receive data between submerged or buried sensors and surface networks. This capability is unique-no other wireless method has successfully achieved such multi-environment communication.
Key Applications
- Water Quality and Environmental Monitoring: Real-time tracking of river, lake, and ocean health for regulatory compliance and research
- Infrastructure Security: Monitoring the integrity of underwater assets like offshore wind turbines, oil and gas platforms, and under-ship diagnostics
- Disaster Prevention: Early detection and warning systems for floods, leaks, or structural failures in submerged environments
- Smart Urban Water Management: Enhancing efficiency and safety in municipal water networks and disaster response
CSignum also provides cloud-based analytics and dashboards, enabling users to visualize and act on critical data from remote locations.
Market Impact and Industry Growth
The underwater communication market is experiencing rapid expansion, driven by the need for advanced monitoring, environmental protection, and industrial digitalization. Recent estimates show:
- The underwater communications market is expected to double from $5.1 billion in 2024 to $10.2 billion by 2032.
- The global IoT underwater market was valued at $4.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $12.3 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.8%.
- Broader underwater communication system markets are forecasted to reach over $21 billion by 2032, reflecting surging demand for real-time data in marine and industrial environments.
Comparing Traditional and CSignum’s Wireless Data Transmission
| Feature | Traditional Acoustic/Optical | CSignum EMFS Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Medium | Water only | Water, ice, soil, rock, concrete |
| Real-Time Data | Limited | Yes |
| Range | Short to moderate | Extended, multi-environment |
| Power Consumption | High | Low |
| Data Reliability | Susceptible to interference | Highly reliable |
| Use Cases | Limited | Broad, including critical infrastructure and environmental monitoring |
Values are industry estimates and may vary by deployment.
The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
With this new funding, CSignum is poised to:
- Create high-tech jobs in Edinburgh and internationally
- Accelerate research and development in wireless IoT and environmental sensing
- Enable industries and governments to meet stricter environmental regulations and sustainability goals
- Attract further investment as underwater IoT becomes a critical differentiator for smart infrastructure and environmental stewardship
However, the sector still faces challenges, including the high costs of research, specialized equipment, and underwater installations. Continued innovation and investment will be vital to overcoming these barriers and unlocking the full potential of underwater wireless communication.
Transforming Connectivity Beneath the Surface
CSignum’s €6.9 million funding round is more than just a financial milestone-it marks a turning point in how the world connects with its most challenging environments. By enabling secure, real-time, and cost-effective data transmission underwater and underground, CSignum is helping industries, researchers, and governments build a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future.
If you’re interested in the future of IoT, environmental monitoring, or smart infrastructure, keep an eye on CSignum and the growing wave of innovation from Edinburgh’s tech ecosystem.
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