Washington Manufacturing Awards 2014: Emerging Manufacturer (Midsize Firms)

WINNER

Kymeta Corp.

Redmond | kymetacorp.com

Satellite telecommunications can be a wonderful thing, provided you can make and keep the connection. Designing and producing a compact antenna to accomplish that is Kymetas mission. The companys approach is a flat-panel satellite antenna that uses metamaterials that can steer an antenna toward the satellite without physically repositioning it. The most likely application: broadband connections on planes, trains, boats, cars and other moving conveyances. Kymeta is making the shift from an R&D company to a manufacturer, with an eye toward commercial introduction in 2015. The company says all initial production will be done in the Seattle-Redmond area, which will add to its employment base (now at 95). Kymeta, formed in 2012, has already attracted considerable high-powered support. Tech industry veteran entrepreneur Vern Fotheringham is CEO. Serving on the board and providing financial backing is none other than Bill Gates.