LioniX International’s Leading Microsystems Technology Attracts €3.5 Million Investment

LioniX International’s Leading Microsystems Technology Attracts €3.5 Million Investment

(PRESS RELEASE) ENSCHEDE, 9-Jan-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — University of Twente, a Enschede, NL based public technical university, has announced that a Dutch consortium consisting of Invest-NL, FORWARD.one, Universiteit Twente Holding, Oost NL, and PhotonDelta has invested €3.5 million in LioniX International, a global leader in customized microsystem solutions based in Enschede, Netherlands. The consortium views this investment as an opportunity to further strengthen the Dutch Deep Tech ecosystem and ChipTech Twente specifically. LioniX International is a company that designs and produces innovative customized microsystems, photonics, sensing, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and has developed the leading integrated photonics technology platform called TriPleX® which enables the development of applications ranging from AR/VR, (bio)sensing, telecom, to photonic quantum computing. These cutting-edge solutions are important for the advancement of technology in various industries including healthcare, aerospace, defense, and telecommunications.

As a vertically integrated key player within the Dutch Deep Tech ecosystem, the company offers full module development and production for its OEM customers with services like microfabrication, packaging and assembly, prototyping, testing and characterization, and engineering design. This module development is based on an extensive library of validated building blocks from which customized modules are built.

“We are extremely happy to announce this investment in LioniX International together with these leading Dutch shareholders,” said LioniX International CEO Arne Leinse. “This set of investors enables further growth for LioniX International towards the future. We are excited to continue developing and delivering cutting-edge microsystem solutions to our current, and new clients around the globe.”

“This investment is an exciting step forward for both LioniX International and the Dutch tech industry as a whole. It fits perfectly with the ambitions of our Deep Tech Fund which aims to invest in knowledge-intensive start- and scaleups that have the potential to bring innovation in the Netherlands to the next level,” added Leo Holwerda, director Capital at Invest-NL.

Paul Pruijmboom, General Partner at FORWARD.one, said, “LioniX has developed a technology that is a leader in the field of Photonics with numerous potential applications. As a high-quality Dutch deep tech company, LioniX exemplifies the innovative potential of the Netherlands, and we are delighted to be a part of the company’s future success.”

Chimwemwe de Gaay Fortman, Director Capital at Oost NL: “With this investment in LioniX we strengthen our position in chip technology in East Netherlands. Together we built a strong Dutch photonics cluster with global impact.”

Ellen Velthuis, CFO at University of Twente Holding, commented, “This investment in LioniX International is a further enhancement of the tech ecosystem in Twente, and will help to further establish Twente as one of the key photonics and quantum technology hubs in Europe. We are excited to do this investment together with Dutch partners and thereby strengthen not only LioniX, but also the Dutch ecosystem.”

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy of the Netherlands and Invest-NL launched their Deep Tech Fund (DTF) earlier in 2022. The DTF wants to invest in companies with innovative, complex technologies like LioniX. These investments are crucial for the future of the Dutch economy and more specifically contribute to the aim to strengthen knowledge and innovation within the Netherlands and European Union. In a very competitive global market it is more important than ever before to build a strong and leading Deep Tech ecosystem.

About LioniX International

LioniX International is a technology company that specializes in the design and production of customized microsystem solutions for OEMs and system integrators. From design to fully assembled modules, by vertical integration and in scalable production volumes. The core technology is in integrated photonics with the proprietary TriPleX® platform. The company provides custom solutions, product development services and production for a range of industries, including healthcare, aerospace, defence, and telecommunications.

About Invest-NL

Invest-NL is the National Financing and Development Institution of the Netherlands that, as an impact investor, focuses on making financeable what doesn’t seem to be financeable. Together with other financers, investors and development specialists – both private and public – Invest-NL’s primary attention is on the larger societal challenges like the transition to a carbon-neutral and circular economy, affordable and accessible healthcare, and deep tech. https://www.invest-nl.nl

About FORWARD.one

FORWARD.one is a venture capital fund focused on high-tech hardware start-ups and scale-ups. FORWARD.one manages 200 million euros across multiple funds, with investments in robotics, semiconductors, photonics, sensors, virtual/augmented reality, biomanufacturing and other hardware technologies. With a team of financial professionals and technology entrepreneurs, FORWARD.one actively supports their portfolio companies to achieve their goals and ambitions. https://www.forward.one/

About Oost NL

Oost NL (East Netherlands Development Agency) is an agency that focuses its activities and projects on strengthening and stimulating the economy of the provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel, the Netherlands. With our investments, we support starting and growth-phase SMEs. We do this partly with risk capital from various revolving innovation funds, and partly through our knowledge, networks and personal contacts. Through the revolving funds, we provide for direct as well as indirect investment and take care of the fund management. In addition, we stimulate and support public and private investors. https://oostnl.nl

About University of Twente Holding

University of Twente Holding is a 100% subsidiary of the University of Twente and is with regard to its valorisation activities an extension of this University. UTH is driven by impact, with a focus on participations (IP-related), early-stage investment funds and real estate. University of Twente is a top-ranked research University located in Enschede, the Netherlands. Founded in 1961, the university is known for its strong focus on science and technology, with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

About PhotonDelta

PhotonDelta is an ecosystem that researches, designs, develops, and manufactures solutions with integrated photonics technology. Connecting pioneers in the field with investors, and viable markets, PhotonDelta helps to take the industry forward with funding, investments and R&D roadmaps. PhotonDelta is located in the Netherlands but connects and collaborates around the world.

Media contact:

L.P.W. VAN DER VELDE MSC (LAURENS)
Spokesperson / press officer (available Mon, Wed-Fri)
+31 6 1609 6245
l.vandervelde@utwente.nl

SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF TWENTE