Free e-book: IEEE 802.15.4ab vs IEEE 802.15.4z
Free e-book: IEEE 802.15.4ab

Sovereign embedded R&D for defence and aerospace - engineered inside the EU

needCode is an EU-based embedded engineering partner for defence, aerospace, and dual-use programmes. Based in Kraków, ISO/IEC 27001 certified, and aligned with EU and NATO requirements, we deliver compliance-sensitive wireless and positioning systems - including GPS-denied UWB location for environments where satellite navigation is jammed, spoofed, or simply unavailable. Sovereign capacity, secure data handling, no non-allied dependencies in the development chain.
needCode IoT

We work with Industry Leaders

For defence programmes, where the work is done matters as much as how it's done

Defence and aerospace programmes increasingly carry requirements that have nothing to do with the technology and everything to do with trust: where your data lives, who touches your IP, whether your supply chain is allied, and how a partner's security posture would survive an audit. An EU/NATO-aligned partner is no longer a preference - for a growing share of programmes it is a gate.

needCode meets that gate from the engineering side. Based in Kraków, ISO/IEC 27001 certified, with secure development practices and no non-allied dependencies, we deliver the wireless and positioning capability defence systems need - most notably GPS-denied UWB location - under the data-handling and compliance terms these programmes require.

Sovereignty

Allied supply chain, EU-resident data, no non-allied dependencies in the development pipeline.

GPS-denied

Where satellite navigation is jammed, spoofed, or unavailable, UWB delivers precise positioning that doesn't depend on the sky.

Compliance

ISO/IEC 27001 information security and secure development — a posture built to survive a programme audit.

Embedded capability for compliance-sensitive programmes

The wireless and positioning systems defence and aerospace programmes rely on - delivered inside the EU, under the data-handling terms the brief demands.

GPS-Denied UWB Positioning

Precise location where satellite navigation is unavailable, jammed, or spoofed. Anchor- and tag-based UWB, NLOS-resilient, aligned to FiRa and Omlox, with centimetre-level static accuracy indoors and in contested environments. The capability defence systems need most when the sky can't be trusted.

Secure Embedded Firmware

Production firmware with secure boot, signed updates, and encrypted data handling designed in from the first generation - not retrofitted after a security review flags it. The development discipline a programme audit expects to find.

Sensor Fusion in Contested Environments

UWB fused with IMU and complementary sensors for robust positioning where any single source can be degraded or denied. Resilience built for environments designed to defeat single-sensor systems.

Sovereign R&D Capacity

A dedicated EU-based embedded team operating as an extension of your programme, under your compliance and data-handling requirements. Capacity you can place inside the allied perimeter, scaled to the work.

Need aa partner with the positioning depth?

Book a discovery call with our CEO

Why defence and aerospace programmers choose needCode

EU-based, in Kraków

A NATO-member, EU-resident engineering team. Your development, your data, and your IP stay inside the allied perimeter - a starting requirement for a growing share of programmes, not a nice-to-have.

ISO/IEC 27001 certified

Information-security management certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2022, with secure development practices - the posture a programme security review expects to find, not one assembled after the fact.

GPS-denied positioning is our core discipline

As the largest dedicated UWB team in Central Europe and a certified Qorvo partner, precise location without GPS is what we do - the capability defence systems need most in contested or indoor environments.

Standards-aligned (FiRa, Omlox)

Aligned with FiRa and Omlox interoperability and safety standards, so positioning systems integrate with an allied ecosystem rather than locking a programme into proprietary tooling.

Four ways to bring needCode in

From a compliance-aware feasibility study to a standing sovereign team.
We match the engagement to the programme's security and lifecycle requirements.

01

Capability & Compliance Assessment

  • Duration:
    2–4 weeks
  • Best for:
    Validating both technical feasibility and how the engagement meets your data-handling and compliance requirements before committing
  • Deliverable:
    Feasibility assessment, compliance/data-handling review, integration path, leadership readout

02

Secure System Design & Build

  • Duration:
    Phased
  • Best for:
    Taking positioning and firmware to working systems on target hardware, under agreed security controls
  • Deliverable:
    Positioning system, secure firmware, test results, documentation under your controls

03

Productization & Validation

  • Duration:
    Phased
  • Best for:
    Hardening and validating systems for the operational environment
  • Deliverable:
    Production-grade firmware, conformity and validation support, reliability hardening

04

Sovereign Embedded Team

  • Duration:
    Multi-year, retainer-based
  • Best for:
    Programmes that want a dedicated EU-based squad inside their compliance regime
  • Deliverable:
    An embedded engineering team in your cadence and under your controls the model behind the 30-FTE Qorvo programme

What we ship on

We pick the silicon, sensors, and stack that match the system and its environment - under your security requirements.

Positioning

UWB (IEEE 802.15.4z / 4ab)
TDOA
AoA
TWR
FiRa
Omlox
GPS-denied

Silicon

Qorvo QM33 / QM35
Nordic
NXP
STMicroelectronics
Infineon
legacy DW1000 / DW3000

Security & OTA

Secure boot
signed firmware
encrypted data handling
TF-M
PSA Crypto API
ARM TrustZone
mbedTLS

Posture & standards

ISO/IEC 27001:2022
ISO 9001:2015
FiRa
Omlox

RTOS

Zephyr
FreeRTOS
ThreadX
bare metal

Case studies

Proof from the silicon vendors we already serve.
This is the segment needCode was built for - and the deepest proof on the site.

Qorvo: RF Leadership

Context: Rapid scaling for new chipset bring-up.
  • Scale: Grew from <10 to 30 FTEs.
  • Output: Supported bring-up of 9 new hardware platforms (SDKs, Drivers, Stacks).
  • Retention: Zero-churn core team retained for 5+ years.
Dedicated Development Center for RF Solutions
Bluetooth Mesh Smart Lighting Control System

Smart Lighting: Core R&D Extension

Context: Client needed deep, specialized expertise to pivot from proprietary tech to a new global standard.
  • Service: Deployed a dedicated squad of embedded engineers to function as the client's core R&D team.
  • Output: Co-authored official Bluetooth SIG protocols and delivered the world’s first certified BLE Mesh stack.
  • Value: Enabled the client to secure Series A funding and defined the industry standard for smart buildings.

Creative Werks: Innovation rescue

Context: Hardware obsolescence threatened production shutdown.
  • Action: Full-stack takeover (PCB redesign + Firmware + Mobile App).
  • ROI: 1230% ($1.6M value generated).
  • Speed: Payback period of 2–3 months.
NeedCode-case study - IoT Solution for Boat Lift Modernization - cover2s
needcode-powerpolen-case-study-cover2s

PowerPollen: AgTech automation

Context: Lack of internal expertise stalled a critical automation project.
  • Action: Re-architected system using unified MCU and ISOBUS standards.
  • ROI: 13.8x ($2.9M value generated).
  • Impact: Enabled $1.9M increase in harvester value.

Strategic Partnership

needCode is an official business partner of Qorvo, bringing over 8 years of proven expertise and trusted service to the technology sector.
qorvo-logo-banner
UWB-Alliance-logo-banner

Members of the UWB Alliance

In 2025 we became a member of the UWB Alliance. This strategic step reinforces our commitment to pioneering Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology.

Proudly Certified for Excellence and Security

needCode is officially certified for:
ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 – Information Security
ISO certifications reflect our focus on delivering reliable IoT solutions, smart product development, and secure technology services.
ISO 9001_2015ISO - IEC 27001_2022

Testimonials

“I think the key takeaway from needCode is their ability to adapt and understand the customer's requirements. That took away probably a large portion of what could have been a lot of development time and expense for both companies.”
Bob Folkestad
Bob Folkestad
President at Creative Werks
“One aspect that truly sets needCode apart is its profound expertise in firmware development. Their proficiency in various programming languages, embedded systems and hardware architecture is truly impressive. When faced with difficult problems, their strong problem-solving skills and analytical mindset shine through, allowing them to overcome obstacles with remarkable ease.”
avatar Semeh Sarhan
Semeh Sarhan
CEO at Xtrava
“I worked with needCode while leading the NWTN-Berlin team in 2018. A big chunk for our FW development has been outsourced to them and they had proven to iterate very quickly, following specs and deliver on time. It was great working with them. I recommend working with needCode’s team on any Embedded SW development.”
avatar Marco Salvioli Mariani
Marco Salvioli Mariani
CTO at NWTN Berlin GmbH
“needCode Team proved to be one of the best engineers I have ever met. The part I like the most about the team is the more difficult an obstacle seems to be, the more motivated they were to find a solution and a way forward.”
A Testimonial picture
Szymon Słupik
CTO at Silvair
“needCode is an outstanding partner. Their quick follow-up, scalability, and extensive professional network set them apart. Their expertise in wireless technologies has been valuable, supporting us from low-level drivers to architecture discussions.”
avatar Tim Allemeersch
Tim Allemeersch
Director at Qorvo, Inc.
“needCode did a great job improving the firmware of the Vai Kai connected toys and developing new features, surpassing our expectations multiple times. I would definitely recommend hiring Bartek and needCode for the embedded software projects!”
avatar Matas Petrikas
Matas Petrikas
CEO & Co-founder
at Vai Kai UG

Insights

FAQ

Yes - needCode is based in Kraków, Poland, an EU and NATO member state, and operates as an EU-resident embedded engineering team aligned with EU and NATO requirements. Development, data, and IP stay inside the allied perimeter, with no non-allied dependencies in the development pipeline. The company is certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 for information security.

needCode is certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 for information-security management and applies secure development practices, with secure boot, signed firmware, and encrypted data handling designed into the systems it builds. Your data and IP remain inside an EU-resident, allied development environment under the controls a programme requires. The posture is built to be audit-ready rather than assembled after a security review.

Yes - GPS-denied positioning is a core needCode discipline, delivered with UWB ranging that provides precise location where satellite navigation is jammed, spoofed, or unavailable. The systems are NLOS-resilient, aligned to FiRa and Omlox, and reach sub-13cm static accuracy indoors and in contested environments. As the largest dedicated UWB team in Central Europe and a certified Qorvo partner, this is needCode's strongest technical capability.

Yes - needCode is certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 for information-security management and to ISO 9001:2015 for quality management. These certifications reflect the secure, reliable delivery posture a compliance-sensitive programme expects from an external partner. They are evidenced certifications, not claims.

needCode delivers compliance-sensitive embedded R&D and dual-use wireless and positioning systems from an EU/NATO-aligned base, under ISO/IEC 27001 controls. The specific clearance, export-control, and classification requirements of a given programme are scoped together before any engagement.

needCode aligns positioning systems with FiRa and Omlox interoperability and safety standards, and builds on IEEE 802.15.4z/4ab UWB, so systems integrate within an allied ecosystem rather than locking into proprietary tooling. The company is also certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and ISO 9001:2015.

UWB determines position by measuring time-of-flight to fixed anchors rather than receiving satellite signals, so it keeps working where GPS is jammed, spoofed, or simply unavailable, such as indoors or in contested environments. needCode designs the full system - anchor infrastructure, ranging algorithms, and NLOS handling - for resilient location independent of GNSS. Sensor fusion with IMU and complementary sensors maintains position through brief signal degradation.

Yes - needCode can operate as a dedicated EU-based embedded team integrated with your programme and under your compliance and data-handling controls. The team-extension model is proven, demonstrated by a 30-engineer centre run for Qorvo with a zero-churn core retained over five years. This places sovereign engineering capacity inside the allied perimeter, scaled to the work.

Yes - needCode builds production firmware with secure boot, signed updates, and encrypted data handling designed in from the first generation, using TF-M, PSA Crypto, ARM TrustZone, and mbedTLS. Security is part of the architecture rather than a retrofit after a review. This is the development discipline a programme audit expects.

needCode's evidenced certifications are ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and ISO 9001:2015, and it aligns positioning work with FiRa and Omlox. Defence- and aerospace-specific certifications such as DO-178C or MIL-STD are scoped per programme.

Let's work on your next project together

Book a demo and discovery call with our CEO
to get a look at:
Strategic Expertise
End-to-End Solutions
Advanced Technology
Custom Hardware Devices
Bartek Kling
Bartek Kling / CEO
© 2026 needCode. All rights reserved.

Manufacturing

Modern manufacturing machines are typically equipped with IoT sensors that capture performance data. AIoT technology analyzes this sensor data, and based on vibration patterns, the AI predicts the machine's behavior and recommends actions to maintain optimal performance. This approach is highly effective for predictive maintenance, promoting safer working environments, continuous operation, longer equipment lifespan, and less downtime. Additionally, AIoT enhances quality control on production lines.

For example, Sentinel, a monitoring system used in pharmaceutical production by IMA Pharma, employs AI to evaluate sensor data along the production line. The AI detects and improves underperforming components, ensuring efficient machine operation and maintaining high standards in drug manufacturing.

Logistics & supply chain

IoT devices - from fleet vehicles and autonomous warehouse robots to scanners and beacons - generate large amounts of data in this industry. When combined with AI, this data can be leveraged for tracking, analytics, predictive maintenance, autonomous driving, and more, offering greater visibility into logistics operations and enhancing vendor partnerships.

Example: Amazon employs over 750,000 autonomous mobile robots to assist warehouse staff with heavy lifting, delivery, and package handling tasks. Other examples include AI-powered IoT devices such as cameras, RFID sensors, and beacons that help monitor goods' movement and track products within warehouses and during transportation. AI algorithms can also estimate arrival times and forecast delays by analyzing traffic conditions.

Retail

IoT sensors monitor movement and customer flow within a building, while AI algorithms analyze this data to offer insights into traffic patterns and product preferences. This information enhances understanding of customer behavior, helps prevent stockouts, and improves customer analytics to drive sales. Furthermore, AIoT enables retailers to deliver personalized shopping experiences by leveraging geographical data and individual shopping preferences.

For instance, IoT sensors track movement and customer flow, and AI algorithms process this information to reveal insights into traffic patterns and product preferences. This ultimately leads to better customer understanding, stockout prevention, and enhanced sales analytics.

Agriculture

Recent research by Continental reveals that over 27% of surveyed farmers utilize drones for aerial land analysis. These devices capture images of crops as they are and transmit them to a dashboard for further assessment. However, AI can enhance this process even further.

For example, AIoT-powered drones can photograph crops at various growth stages, assess plant health, detect diseases, and recommend optimal harvesting strategies to maximize yield. Additionally, these drones can be employed for targeted crop treatments, irrigation monitoring and management, soil health analysis, and more.

Smart Cities

Smart cities represent another domain where AIoT applications can enhance citizens' well-being, facilitate urban infrastructure planning, and guide future city development. In addition to traffic management, IoT devices equipped with AI can monitor energy consumption patterns, forecast demand fluctuations, and dynamically optimize energy distribution. AI-powered surveillance cameras and sensors can identify suspicious activities, monitor crowd density, and alert authorities to potential security threats in real-time, improving public safety and security.

For example, an AIoT solution has been implemented in Barcelona to manage water and energy sustainably. The city has installed IoT sensors across its water supply system to gather water pressure, flow rate, and quality data. AI algorithms analyze this information to identify leaks and optimize water usage. Similarly, smart grids have been introduced to leverage AI to predict demand and distribute energy efficiently, minimizing waste and emissions. As a result, these initiatives have enabled the city to reduce water waste by 25%, increase renewable energy usage by 17%, and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 19%.

Healthcare

Integrating AI and IoT in healthcare enables hospitals to deliver remote patient care more efficiently while reducing the burden on facilities. Additionally, AI can be used in clinical trials to preprocess data collected from sensors across extensive target and control groups.

For example, intelligent wearable technologies enable doctors to monitor patients remotely. In real-time, sensors collect vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels. AI algorithms then analyze this data, assisting doctors in detecting issues early, developing personalized treatment plans, and enhancing patient outcomes.

Smart Homes

The smart home ecosystem encompasses smart thermostats, locks, security cameras, energy management systems, heating, lighting, and entertainment systems. AI algorithms analyze data from these devices to deliver context-specific recommendations tailored to each user. This enables homeowners to use utilities more efficiently, create a personalized living space, and achieve sustainability goals.

For example, LifeSmart offers a comprehensive suite of AI-powered IoT tools for smart homes, connecting new and existing intelligent appliances and allowing customers to manage them via their smartphones. Additionally, they provide an AI builder framework for deploying AI on smart devices, edge gateways, and the cloud, enabling AI algorithms to process data and user behavior autonomously.

Maintenance (Post-Release Support)

When your product is successfully launched and available on the market we provide ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure your product remains competitive and reliable. This includes prompt resolution of any reported issues through bug fixes and updates.

We continuously enhance product features based on user feedback and market insights, optimizing performance and user experience.

Our team monitors product performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and proactively addresses potential issues. This phase aims to sustain product competitiveness, ensure customer satisfaction, and support long-term success in the market.

Commercialization (From MVP to Product

Our software team focuses on completing the full product feature range, enhancing the user interface and experience, and handling all corner cases. We prepare product software across the whole lifecycle by providing all necessary procedures, such as manufacturing support and firmware upgrade.

We also finalize the product's hardware design to ensure robustness, scalability and cost-effectiveness.

This includes rigorous testing procedures to validate product performance, reliability, and security. We manage all necessary certifications and regulatory compliance requirements to ensure the product meets industry standards and legal obligations.

By the end of this phase, your product is fully prepared for mass production and commercial deployment, with all documentation and certifications in place.

Prototyping (From POC to MVP)

Our development team focuses on implementing core product features and use cases to create a functional Minimum Viable Product (MVP). We advance to refining the hardware design, moving from initial concepts to detailed PCB design allowing us to assemble first prototypes. Updated documentation from the Design phase ensures alignment with current project status. A basic test framework is established to conduct preliminary validation tests.

This prepares the product for real-world demonstrations to stakeholders, customers, and potential investors.

This phase is critical for validating market readiness and functionality before proceeding to full-scale production.

Design (From Idea to POC)

We meticulously select the optimal technology stack and hardware components based on your smart product idea with detailed use cases and feature requirements (Market Requirements Document / Business Requirements Document). Our team conducts thorough assessments of costs, performance metrics, power consumption, and resource requirements.

Deliverables include a comprehensive Product Requirements Document (PRD), detailed Software Architecture plans, an Initial Test Plan outlining validation strategies, Regulatory Compliance Analysis to ensure adherence to relevant standards, and a Proof of Concept (POC) prototype implemented on breakout boards.

This phase aims to validate the technical feasibility of your concept and establish a solid foundation for further development.

If you lack a validated idea and MRD/BRD, consider utilizing our IoT Strategic Roadmap service to gain insights into target markets, user needs, and desired functionality. Having a structured plan in the form of an IoT Strategic Roadmap before development begins is crucial to mitigate complications in subsequent product development phases.