News: Optoelectronics
30 October 2023
SuperLight Photonics of Enschede, the Netherlands — a spin-off from the University of Twente that is developing a wideband laser light source for measurement and detection applications — has completed a seed investment round led by DeepTechXL in collaboration with regional development agency Oost NL (operating on behalf of the Province of Gelderland, the Province of Overijssel, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs & Climate). SuperLight Photonics reckons that it will hence be able to further develop its platform technology into unique products and (sub)systems.
The wideband laser is based on the patented platform technology of founder Haider Zia, who was previously a researcher at the University of Twente, specializing in integrated and nonlinear optics. The firm says that, by using colors in light to transmit information, the technology has numerous potential applications, such as creating 3D images of eyes for opticians or aiding dermatologists in detecting skin cancer. Beyond the medical sector, laser technology can be used, for example, to detect small cracks in oil or gas pipelines or to enhance optical safety sensors in smart cars.
“We aim for a swift market entry, relying on the robust photonics ecosystem in the Netherlands and Twente,” says CEO Cees Links. “In the coming years, SuperLight Photonics is poised for significant growth, market establishment, and further scaling. We eagerly anticipate market responses to our upcoming product launches at the PIC Summit Europe photonics event on 7–8 November in Eindhoven,” he adds.
“We are delighted with our two new investors, both active within the Dutch photonics ecosystem. Their deep knowledge and extensive networks, both nationally and internationally, are an invaluable addition,” comments chief technology officer Dr Haider Zia. “They support the continued development of new knowledge within our photonics applications, emphasizing our commitment to technological advancement,” he adds.
“The unique technology aligns with our goals of achieving societal objectives such as faster, more cost-effective data generation and disease detection. In the long run, it could also contribute to more energy-efficient data exchange,” says DeepTechXL partner Ron Maurer.
“Through Innovatiefonds Overijssel, a fund of the Province of Overijssel managed by Oost NL, we can contribute to the solid establishment and growth of a unique photonics company,” reckons Jacob Issa, investment manager Tech at Oost NL. “Ultimately, this technology can make a substantial contribution to critical challenges of our time in various sectors. Through further connections and collaborations with photonics companies in Twente, the Netherlands, and beyond, SuperLight Photonics can rapidly evolve in the coming years.”
Source: https://www.semiconductor-today.com/news_items/2023/oct/superlight-photonics-301023.shtml
