MAPS Messaging is described as a protocol-agnostic data-in-motion routing layer built for environments where connectivity is degraded, intermittent or contested. Put simply, it ensures that different systems can exchange data reliably, even in difficult network conditions. Rather than replacing existing infrastructure, it allows heterogeneous systems, both legacy and modern, to exchange data reliably. It connects older infrastructure and newer technologies so they can share data without breaking compatibility.
Alex Kritikos leads MAPS Messaging as its co-founder and chief executive, bringing a background rooted in distributed systems, messaging middleware* and real-world interoperability challenges.
How was the startup idea born?
The idea grew from repeatedly encountering the same failure pattern. Complex systems performed well in laboratories and simulations but collapsed operationally once connectivity became unreliable or data became trapped in separate, disconnected systems.
In maritime and defence environments in particular, the introduction of additional autonomous systems often increased human workload rather than reducing it, largely due to fragmented data. MAPS was created to address this underlying issue, focusing on how data moves, adapts and survives in motion, rather than how it is stored after arrival.
How did the team behind MAPS come together?
Before developing MAPS Messaging, members of the team built Nirvana, an ultra-low-latency messaging middleware capable of tunnelling through firewalls for investment banking and foreign exchange markets. In practical terms, it enabled financial trading systems to exchange data extremely quickly and securely, even across tightly restricted networks.
Their professional paths have included enterprise messaging** and deployments in real operational environments where theoretical models often fail, particularly at the edge – meaning in remote or field environments rather than central data centres. They have also been directly involved in standards bodies such as OASIS, contributing to large-scale integration projects using established data-exchange standards including MQTT and AMQP
Through this work, they reached a shared conclusion: interoperability cannot be enforced by standards alone. Network realities and human factors mean it must be engineered into the data flows themselves. MAPS emerged from that practical experience and the frustration of seeing persistent gaps in how systems communicate.
What differentiates your company from the competition?
As data travels from source to destination, it typically passes through multiple silos, some imposed by communications links and others by vendor lock-in strategies. Some barriers are caused by network limitations, while others result from suppliers designing systems that are difficult to integrate with competitors’ technologies. The prevailing approach is to copy, translate and re-inject data through integration bridges***.
MAPS takes a different path. It does not rely on external bridges, protocol gateways or duplicated data pathways. Instead, transformation, filtering and routing occur within the data path itself while the data is in motion. In practical terms, this means the system processes and directs data as it moves, rather than copying it into separate tools to modify it. This reduces duplication, lowers latency and energy use, and improves resilience when connectivity is degraded.
Equally important is its ability to coexist with legacy systems**** rather than replace them, an essential requirement in defence and critical infrastructure environments.
What makes your technology dual-use?
Operating at the edge, at sea or in the cloud, MAPS enables in-transit filtering, aggregation, transformation and store-and-forward delivery across multiple protocols and transports, including cellular, satellite, tactical, mesh and local networks. This means MAPS can process and manage data as it travels, whether over mobile networks, satellites or local systems, and ensure it is delivered reliably even if connections drop temporarily.
This positioning makes the technology inherently dual-use. It supports commercial applications across maritime, ports, energy and industrial IoT*****, while also addressing defence scenarios such as multi-domain operations, autonomous systems and missions conducted under denied or degraded communications.
Why did you apply to the NATO DIANA accelerator?
NATO DIANA stands out as one of the few programmes that fully understands dual-use, deep-tech infrastructure challenges and the operational realities of defence settings. The Estonian accelerator, in particular, offers expertise in distributed systems, cyber-physical infrastructure and operational testing, making it a natural fit for MAPS.
It also provides direct exposure to end users and real exercises where interoperability challenges are practical rather than theoretical.
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
A key challenge has been explaining the value of an infrastructure-level solution in a market that frequently expects visible end-user applications or dashboards. MAPS is deliberately positioned beneath applications. It is not intended as a replacement platform but as an enabling layer, which requires a more systems-level conversation with partners and customers.
What has been the biggest win so far?
The most significant milestone has been proving MAPS outside the laboratory. The team has field-tested the technology on small maritime vessels using real sensor data, cellular and satellite links, and scenarios involving complete connectivity loss. Operational data remained accessible locally and synchronised intelligently once connections were restored.
At the same time, national and coalition fleets within NATO face similar challenges while pursuing different missions. Mentors within the DIANA programme have affirmed that MAPS is addressing a recognised operational gap.
Where do you see your company in 12 months?
Within the next 12 months, MAPS aims to be operating in multiple live pilots across maritime and defence-adjacent environments, with validated TRL-7 capabilities and repeatable deployment patterns.
Who will be the next unicorn in Estonia or in your home country of the Netherlands?
Estonia and the Netherlands are well positioned to produce infrastructure-level companies tackling systemic challenges in security, interoperability and resilience rather than consumer applications.
Those building foundational capabilities for Europe’s digital and defence sovereignty are likely to be the ones to watch.
Which book would you recommend to other startup founders?
Zero to One by Peter Thiel.
The book draws a clear distinction between horizontal innovation, doing existing things slightly better, and vertical innovation, which creates something fundamentally new. For founders working on deep-tech or infrastructure-level challenges, that distinction is particularly relevant. MAPS itself is rooted in this idea of vertical innovation, not incrementally improving existing brokers or gateways, but rethinking how data is handled while it is in motion.
The Estonian accelerator is implemented by Tehnopol Startup Incubator together with Sparkup Tartu Science Park.
Cover photo: Alex Kritikos, founder and CEO of MAPS Messaging and Guido Branca, MAPS Messaging Strategic Adviser. Photos by Enriko Pedaksalu
*software that lets different systems exchange data without being directly connected
** communication systems used to connect large-scale corporate IT systems
*** intermediary connectors that translate data between otherwise incompatible systems
**** older but still operational systems that organisations continue to depend on
***** connected sensors and systems used in industrial operations
