Dutch startup eyeo has raised €15 million in Seed funding to advance its nanophotonic sensor technology. The funds will drive the development of image sensors that boast improved quality, resolution, and low-light performance without increasing size. Key partnerships and wider applications in mobile devices and industries requiring precision are also on the horizon.
In a bold move that signals a shift in imaging technology, Eindhoven-based startup eyeo has successfully secured €15 million in Seed funding. This investment will fuel its ambitions to revolutionize how machines perceive the world with their cutting-edge nanophotonic sensor technology. Aiming to enhance image quality, resolution, and low-light functionality while keeping camera sizes minimal, eyeo is set to make significant waves in the industry.
The funding round drew interest from several notable investors, including imec.xpand and Invest-NL. Other contributors to this financial boost included the QBIC fund, High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), and Brabant Development Agency (BOM). The newly acquired funds will be instrumental in developing eyeo’s evaluation kits, ramping up production for its first sensor product, and establishing commercial partnerships that can potentially shape the future of image capturing.
Jeroen Hoet, the CEO of eyeo, stated, “Eyeo is fundamentally redefining image sensing by eliminating decades-old limitations. Capturing all incoming light and drastically improving resolution is just the start—this technology paves the way for entirely new applications in imaging, from ultra-compact sensors to enhanced low-light performance, ultra-high resolution, and maximum image quality.” Hoet emphasized that they’re not just fine-tuning existing systems but are actively laying the groundwork for a new standard in imaging.
Since its establishment in 2023, eyeo has focused on overcoming the long-standing obstacles posed by traditional camera sensors. Most current sensors utilize red, green, and blue filters, which inadvertently waste a staggering 70% of incoming light. Eyeo’s breakthrough is its nanophotonic color-splitting technology, smartly ditching the filters in favor of vertical waveguides that direct light straight to the designated pixels. This means not just less light loss, but a remarkable boost in image resolution and overall fidelity.
The startup claims its technology will enable sub-0.5-micron pixels, making ultra-compact sensors that pack top-notch performance. This tech could be a game-changer for mobile devices, robotics, and XR gear, where every tiny detail counts in terms of power efficiency, size, and image quality. With eyeo’s approach, full-color information filters straight to the pixels, delivering double the resolution and three times the sensitivity of the typical alternatives on the market.
In a world where smartphone manufacturers have resorted to increasing sensor sizes to tackle low-light performance, eyeo provides a refreshing solution by boosting performance while keeping sensor sizes in check. This makes their technology particularly attractive to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who want to maintain sleek, visually appealing devices.
Beyond the realm of smartphones, eyeo’s technology has prospects in computational photography, machine vision, and spatial computing—industries where clarity and precision can’t be understated. Looking ahead, eyeo intends to roll out evaluation kits to selected customers within the next two years, using their newfound funding to refine their sensor architecture and scale up manufacturing operations.
With a strong financial backing of €15 million, eyeo is poised to redefine imaging technology through its innovative nanophotonic sensors. This funding not only supports the development of groundbreaking products but also opens doors for wide-ranging applications across various industries. Offering enhanced performance without bulky camera sizes, their technology could change the landscape for smartphones, robotics, and beyond.
Original Source: www.eu-startups.com