Indraventures leads the investment in FYLA, a pioneer in ultra-fast laser wireless communications
The operation will enhance Indra Group´s standing in the strategic technologies of the future, with applications in defence and space
Through Indraventures, Indra Group is seeking to dynamize the European deep-tech ecosystem and catalyze key investments to enable Europe to secure its technological sovereignty
Wireless laser data communications are set to revolutionize connectivity in the military, space and civilian spheres
FYLA already contributes to the FCAS program with Indra, enabling secure optical links between aircraft and unmanned systems
Through Indraventures, Indra Group has formalized its holding in FYLA, the Valencian deep-tech startup specializing in ultrafast lasers and the only one of it kind in the sector in Spain, after acquiring a 24.8% stake in the company. This technology constitutes a strategic and revolutionary breakthrough for next-generation communications, particularly in defence, space, and other settings in which security and resilience are essential.
This investment in FYLA is the first of several operations to be integrated into the Indraventures I, FCR venture capital fund promoted by the multinational and recently registered with the CNMV. With a budget of up to 200 million euros, this fund will focus on driving the ecosystem of startups, SMEs and spin-offs working on key disruptive and dual-application solutions for Europe’s technological sovereignty.
The free-space optical (FSO) communications that are being developed by FYLA can provide capabilities comparable to fiber optics, without the need to install cables. The information is transmitted wirelessly through the air using beams of light, creating ultrafast, accurate and highly directional links.
FYLA has developed a laser technology capable of generating extremely short light pulses that last picoseconds or even femtoseconds, units of time respectively equivalent to one trillionth (0.000000000001) and one quadrillionth (0.000000000000001) of a second. Due to this characteristic, together with the short wavelength of light itself, resilient directional data connections that are virtually impossible to intercept and interfere with can be established. They also have long ranges and require low energy consumption, fundamental features for highly demanding defence systems.
The FYLA laser is therefore ideal for aircraft, drones and temporary links that require high bandwidth, especially in environments in which physical infrastructures cannot be deployed and in adverse meteorological conditions.
FYLA already works with Indra on initiatives such as the FCAS, the sixth-generation air combat system whose Spanish participation is led by Indra. This relationship is a sign of the interest in this technological development and its strategic value as a critical supplier of advanced photonics solutions.
With Indra Group’s support, FYLA will be able to accelerate the industrialization of these systems, relying on the group’s global experience, its industrial network and its capacity for integration in major European defence and advanced telecommunications programs.
“FYLA is a clear example of the deep-tech talent that’s being developed in Spain, allowing us to play a leading role in European industry. Cooperating with a business ecosystem that drives technologies at the frontier of knowledge will be vital for Indra as it continues to add innovation with flexibility and develop proprietary and sovereign technologies that are capable of meeting the needs of the defence sector”, declared Manuel Ausaverri, general director of Strategy and M&A at Indra Group.
Pere Pérez-Millán, FYLA’s founder and CEO, highlighted that “the operation will lead to significant financial backing for the implementation of our growth plan and the consolidation of FYLA’s technological relationship with Indra Group. Relying on an industrial and technological player such as Indra will enable us to harness the synergies between our development plans and benefit from the dual applications of laser communications. This partnership will provide us with the opportunity to enter the defence sector while furthering the advancement of the use of lasers in civilian communications”.
Talent with a Spanish seal and a driver of industrialization
Founded in 2014 as a spin‑off of the Optical Fibers Group of the University of Valencia, FYLA has developed a comprehensive innovation model based on cutting-edge research and in-house production. Since 2018, the company hasbeen financially and strategically backed by Bullnet Capital, a Spanish venture capital fund specializing in deep-tech and technology transfer.
The versatility of its technology allows for applications beyond the military sphere. The company currently boasts mature and well-established products for scientific and civilian applications. Its ultrafast lasers can be used in advanced microscopy, spectroscopy, bioscience, metrology, industrial inspection, and materials processing. They can also be applied to fields such as astrophysics, in which they function as an optical ruler to accurately measure and calibrate stellar spectra.
These solutions in the civilian sphere also open up new possibilities for connectivity and telecommunications, replacing fiber optics in complex areas, connecting remote regions, restoring communications following emergencies and creating temporary high bandwidth links.
A boost for European technological sovereignty
At a time when Europe is firmly committed to technological autonomy through the development of its own advanced and sovereign capabilities, this operation is in keeping with the efforts to strengthen the photonics supply chain on the continent. Furthermore, it will help promote the international reach of domestic technologies with high strategic value and generate skilled employment in Spain.
With this operation, Indra Group will reaffirm its role as a technological driver of innovation and one of the most advanced players when it comes to technological solutions in the fields of defence and communications. It will also contribute to consolidating a more robust and competitive national and European ecosystem, one which is ready to lead future technological developments in defence, science, industry and next-generation communications.