Scantinel will use the funding to roll out its frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) lidar devices to customers. Lidar has more accuracy and precision in detecting objects and mapping than other solutions such as radar and RGB cameras. It is also more immune to interference. This makes it ideal for enabling autonomous driving, as well as within logistics – such as conveyor belts and autonomous cranes. However, lidar devices have previously been too large or difficult to produce to be practical alternatives.

By using photonic chips, which use light instead of electrons to transfer information in microchips, Scantinel has developed its groundbreaking FMCW lidar solution which has the power, affordability and mass production scalability to enable lidar to have broad application across industry and mobility. The technology delivers a detection range beyond 300 meters with superior resolution and solid-state scanning. Scantinel has signed a number of partnerships with major global automotive, mobility and industrial companies.

The investment by PhotonDelta marks another step in its mission to build a European photonics ecosystem. In April PhotonDelta secured 1,1 billion euros in public and private investment to scale up production, build 200 startups, create new applications for photonic chips and develop infrastructure and talent.

Ewit Roos, CEO of PhotonDelta, said: “Photonic chips are a next generation chip technology which will bring new innovations like FMCW lidar on chip to life and we are excited to ride along this journey with Scantinel. We see the investment in Scantinel as a perfect fit to grow and strengthen our photonics ecosystem.”

Dr Michael Richter, managing director of Scantinel, said: “The investments from our existing investors Zeiss Ventures and Scania Growth Capital, along with our new investor PhotonDelta will accelerate our product development together with our customers and partners.”