Viasat,  a global communications company,  announced ELEVATE partners MinFarm Tech Ltd and Global Beam Telecom LLC are opening a new facility in Business Bay, Dubai, UAE for IoT-over-satellite innovation.

Announced at Viasat’s ELEVATE partner event on 11-12 October in London, the hub, scheduled to open in November, is the first of its kind in the region. It will offer customers the chance to trial a range of end-to-end IoT solutions in person, discuss their business needs and develop a turnkey solution to purchase. By combining Viasat’s global satellite connectivity with MinFarm and Global Beam Telecom’s technological expertise, the offering will allow customers to access bespoke solutions – including hardware and connectivity packages – designed for their specific requirements and use cases.

The hub aims to remove the challenges of selecting the right business-enhancing satellite-enabled IoT solutions: making the technology more accessible by providing choice and consultation throughout the procurement process. The offering will benefit customers in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region from a range of industries including oil & gas, utilities and water management companies and provide a space for customers and IoT-industry experts to work together to deploy IoT-over-satellite solutions.

Through ELEVATE, Viasat attracts world-leading solutions and distribution partners and provides a network for business collaboration that facilitates innovation and growth. By joining the program, MinFarm and Global Beam Telecom could utilise Viasat’s global satellite network and exchange expertise ahead of launching the new hub.

Andy Kessler, Vice President, Enterprise and Land Mobile at Viasat said: “This partnership is a clear example of how Viasat ELEVATE can support innovation and new business development, bringing together experts from across the globe to expand satellite-powered offerings to a growing customer base.

“We identified MinFarm Tech and Global Beam Telecom as two strong partners with complimentary offerings and keenly supported the collaboration in Dubai. We’re looking forward to seeing the hub facilitate a surge in IoT adoption across MENA-based customers that require the clear oversight of their operations and efficiencies in the field.”

Stephen Lynam, CEO of MinFarm said: “MinFarm is excited to be part of this world leading innovation space – alongside Global Beam Telecom and Viasat – for customers and industry to meet and work together in the deployment of IoT over satellite use cases in the Middle East”.

Shabeer Mohammad, Founder and Managing Director of Global Beam Telecom echoed this: “GBT’s partnership with MinFarm, together with Viasat, will bring great opportunities to the customers in the Middle Eastern region, by providing bespoke solutions to the Energy, Utilities, Mining & Agriculture industries”.