Ken Grant: President Director, SatNetCom

Ken Grant, founder of SatNetCom—also known as SNCTechnologies—has had a remarkable career and life journey. From studying computer science at the University of California, Berkeley, to driving technological advancements in the United States and Indonesia, his story exemplifies resilience, innovation, and an insatiable passion for discovery.

From IT Foundations to Early Tech Ventures

Ken began his career as a Senior Vice President overseeing the IT division at the Federal Reserve Bank in San Francisco. There, he played a pivotal role in developing the bank’s early technology infrastructure. In the early 1980s, Ken left the Fed to pursue entrepreneurial ventures near Silicon Valley, California. His endeavors began in the emerging video gaming market and later transitioned to business solutions.

A Life-Altering Diagnosis

In 1992, Ken’s life took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. His doctor informed him that surviving five years post-surgery would signify a complete recovery. Following the removal of his kidney, Ken and his wife, Sherry, made a life-changing resolution: if he reached the five-year milestone, they would travel the world with their children.

A Global Journey

In November 1998, Ken, having fully recovered, set off with Sherry and their children—12-year-old Piper and 10-year-old Skyler—on a world tour. With a single ticket to Belize and a paper world map, their adventure began. They decided their destinations spontaneously, traveling by train, plane, and automobile. Their journey spanned Central and South America, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

In Europe, the family rented a caravan to explore the continent before venturing to Kenya, Nigeria, Seychelles, and beyond. Early in 1998, they arrived in Bali for a planned two-week stay before heading to New Zealand. Those two weeks, however, turned into 25 years. To this day, they’ve yet to make it to New Zealand.

Building a Life in Bali

Ken and his family settled in Sanur, Bali, where his children attended the Bali International School. Ken became an active member of the school community, embracing Bali’s diverse international environment. Meanwhile, Sherry co-founded a dog rescue program with a Balinese veterinarian, saving thousands of street dogs and transforming local attitudes toward pets.

Venturing into Mining Technology

In 2004, a friend’s suggestion led Ken to start an internet business in Balikpapan, Indonesia. Positioned on a hilltop to maximize antenna range, this business evolved into SNCTechnologies—a software development, electronics, and communications company serving the mining sector. The timing was fortuitous, as Indonesia’s thriving mining industry provided fertile ground for growth.

Balikpapan, a hub for Indonesian mining, became the company’s base of operations. Today, SNCTechnologies employs over 200 people, with offices in Balikpapan, Jakarta, and Bandung, as well as projects across Indonesia. The company is now expanding into Australia and Africa.

Technological Achievements

Under Ken’s leadership, SNCTechnologies developed a world-class mining fleet management system that competes globally. The system optimizes mining operations, reduces costs, and boosts productivity. Ken envisions a future dominated by autonomous mining equipment—self-driving trucks and excavators—and believes SNCTechnologies is well-positioned to lead this transformation.

SNCTechnologies takes pride in creating innovative, cost-effective products that showcase Indonesia’s technological prowess on the global stage.

Overcoming Challenges

Operating across Indonesia’s diverse and remote regions has been one of SNCTechnologies’ greatest challenges. Teams often travel to client sites via planes, boats, helicopters, buses, and trucks, navigating logistical complexities to deliver exceptional service.

Future Aspirations

Ken still dreams of visiting New Zealand with his family and exploring more of Europe. Reflecting on his life in Bali, he cherishes its vibrant international community, saying, “It’s like living in the world. You meet people from all over with diverse backgrounds and experiences. It’s never boring.”

A Life of Resilience and Innovation

Ken Grant’s life journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and embracing life’s unexpected paths. From a banking and IT career to leading a cutting-edge technology company, his story inspires others to persevere. As Ken puts it, “If I hadn’t gotten kidney cancer, I would never have discovered Bali or started SatNetCom. It’s proof that something seemingly bad can turn out to be a life-changing event for good. You just have to stay positive and never give up.”

To connect with SNCTechnologies’ team of mining communication experts, visit our contact page