Groningen-based deep-tech company QDI Systems has received a €2.5 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC). The total funding available to QDI Systems through the grant and associated equity funding is up to €7.5 million.
QDI Systems develops X-ray and SWIR image sensors by applying advanced quantum dot nanomaterials in imaging technologies, such as X-ray imaging. This provides higher image quality and lower exposure to harmful radiation. QDISystems is the first company worldwide to apply quantum dots in medical X-ray imaging.
New funding
With new funding of up to €7.5 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC), QDI Systems will continue to scale up its pioneering quantum dot technology for X-ray and SWIR applications. Last year QDI raised a €5 million Series A funding and this new investment highlights the company's rapid growth and product development. In the past year, QDI Systems' customer base has grown tenfold.
Imaging Technology
Imaging technology is indispensable in modern life, from medical diagnostics to smartphones, making it possible to make the invisible visible. Yet current X-ray and shortwave infrared (SWIR) detection technologies have significant limitations. Outdated X-ray detectors in medical imaging produce images of inadequate quality, which can lead to a high number of false positives in mammography and unnecessary radiation exposure. Existing sensors do not have the sensitivity needed for safe and accurate imaging. Although SWIR sensors have great potential for medical and consumer applications, it is limited by high cost and low resolution. These technological limitations impact both medical outcomes and industrial efficiency.
QDI Systems is addressing these challenges by developing revolutionary image sensors with nanometer-scale quantum dot semiconductor particles that efficiently convert photons into electronic signals. The technology also offers opportunities for industrial sorting and consumer applications, such as facial recognition.
Expanding production capacity
With the investment from the European Innovation Council (EIC), QDI Systems will expand its production capacity and become a European leader in imaging hardware. The scalable solution has the potential to transform global markets worth billions of euros and redefine industry standards for image quality and efficiency.
"This is a critical time to accelerate our industrial prototyping capabilities as our customers in both consumer technology and medical imaging prepare to launch products with our technology. This investment will not only allow us to meet their immediate needs, but also scale up our production capacity," said Artem Shulga, CEO and founder of QDI Systems.
"By developing and manufacturing this breakthrough technology within Europe, we are strengthening the European semiconductor ecosystem and ensuring that our continent remains at the forefront of imaging technology development."
About QDI Systems
QDI Systems is a pioneering deep-tech company developing imaging devices for medical applications, using advanced quantum dot nanomaterials. The company was founded in 2019 as a spin-off from the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials at the University of Groningen by physicist and PhD Artem Shulga. QDI Systems' team consists of 17 experts, many of whom have PhDs in chemistry or nanoscience. The company has previously raised a total of €6.6 million in funding from investors such as NOM , Carduso Capital, RuG Ventures and Maki.vc.