1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The EIC Accelerator Program: An Overview

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation within the European Union. It focuses on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those in the DeepTech sector, by providing substantial funding options aimed at scaling groundbreaking technologies and innovative ideas. The program operates on a blended finance model, combining grants and equity investments to enhance the financial viability of startups and scale-ups.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers two main types of funding: grants and equity investments.

Purpose of the EIC Accelerator

The primary aim of the EIC Accelerator is to bridge the funding gap for innovative companies in Europe, particularly in the DeepTech sector. By doing so, it enhances the competitiveness of European businesses on a global scale. The program not only provides financial support but also offers mentoring, networking opportunities, and access to a wide range of resources that can aid in the commercialization of innovative products. In this way, the EIC Accelerator strengthens the overall startup ecosystem, enabling companies to attract further private sector investment.

Role in Scaling Companies

The EIC Accelerator is instrumental in helping companies scale by providing a combination of financial and strategic resources. Through its funding, the program allows startups to accelerate their research and development efforts, refine their products, and prepare for market entry. Additionally, the EIC Accelerator connects companies with potential investors, industry partners, and mentors, facilitating growth opportunities that may have otherwise been inaccessible. This support ultimately enhances the startups' chances of attracting sufficient funding from private sectors, fostering a more robust and innovative European economy.

EIC Accelerator Winner: LIGHTNTEC GMBH

Project Acronym: LED-foil-display
Website: lightntec.com
Country: Germany
Submission Date: October 5, 2022

Project Overview

LIGHTNTEC GMBH emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator with its innovative project, LED-foil-display. This project centers on the development of an ultra-thin, flexible, lightweight, and endlessly scalable video foil that serves multiple purposes, including dynamic ambient lighting and outdoor displays.

Technology Basics and Background

The LED-foil-display technology represents a significant advancement in display solutions. Traditional display technologies, such as LCD and OLED, often come with limitations concerning flexibility, weight, and scalability. In contrast, LIGHTNTEC's offering utilizes innovative materials and design principles to create a display that is not only lightweight but also flexible enough to conform to various surfaces.

The core technology behind the LED-foil-display involves the integration of micro-LED technology within a thin, flexible substrate. This allows for high-resolution imagery while maintaining low power consumption and improved durability. The scalability aspect means that the video foil can be easily produced in various sizes and configurations, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from advertising displays to architectural lighting.

The development of this technology is particularly relevant in today's market, where there is a growing demand for customizable and adaptable display solutions. The ability to create dynamic ambient lighting opens up new possibilities for enhancing user experience in various environments, from retail spaces to public installations.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program serves as a crucial catalyst for innovation within the European startup ecosystem, exemplified by LIGHTNTEC GMBH's success with the LED-foil-display project. Through a combination of grant funding and equity investment, the program empowers companies to develop and scale innovative solutions. As the landscape of technology continues to evolve, initiatives like the EIC Accelerator are essential in fostering the growth of pioneering ideas that can redefine industries and improve everyday experiences.

2 The Funding Rounds

LIGHTNTEC GMBH: Financing and Funding Overview Since EIC Accelerator Win

Company: LIGHTNTEC GMBH
Country: Germany
EIC Accelerator Cut-off Date: October 5, 2022

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Financing Raised and Funding Rounds

• Early Stage (Pre-EIC)
• In February 2018, LightnTec closed a seven-figure financing round (amount between €1 million and €9.9 million) led by Born2Grow Seedfonds—a subsidiary of ZFHN Zukunftsfonds Heilbronn—and High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF).
• These investors are prominent German seed-stage backers with public-private partnerships that include substantial industry players.
• EIC Accelerator Funding
• LightnTec won funding via the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator after submitting its Step 2 proposal in October 2022.
• The most recent EIC Accelerator rounds offer up to €2.5 million in grant funding and up to €15 million in equity per company, often via blended finance packages (grant plus equity). Most companies receive their grants within three months of selection; investment tranches depend on company needs.
• As one of the selected startups from Germany, LightnTec is part of a cohort sharing up to €161 million in grants and approximately €226 million in equity investments managed through the EIC Fund.
• Current Status
• As of early/mid-2025, LightnTec is actively fundraising. Public listings indicate ongoing fundraising efforts but do not specify additional closed rounds since the EIC award.

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Timing & Amounts of Notable Rounds

Date	Type	Amount	Investors
Feb. 2018	Seed/Series A	Seven figures (€1M–€9.9M)	Born2Grow Seedfonds, HTGF
Oct. 2024–Feb 2025	Grant/Equity Blended	Up to ~€17.5M possible†	European Innovation Council / EIC Fund

</em> Based on typical timelines for disbursement post-EIC selection; actual closure may vary based on company urgency. † Maximum potential based on current EIC grant/equity caps; exact split or drawdown for LightnTec not publicly disclosed.

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Investor Information

• Seed Investors:
• Born2Grow Seedfonds (ZFHN Zukunftsfonds Heilbronn)
• High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), with backing from major German corporates as well as government initiatives.
• Public/European Backers:
• The European Innovation Council’s dedicated investment arm—the EIC Fund—is Europe’s largest deep-tech investor and typically leads or co-invests alongside other institutional investors when providing equity tranches as part of its blended finance model.

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Company Valuation Data

There is no explicit public disclosure regarding valuation changes for LightnTec following either its private fundraising rounds or after receiving the EIC Accelerator award. However:

• Participation in high-profile EU programs such as the SME Instrument/EIC Accelerator generally signals significant validation at a valuation likely commensurate with late-seed or Series A/B status.
• The strong investor lineup—including both credible early-stage VCs/funds and now pan-European institutional capital—supports an upward trajectory commonly seen among deep-tech hardware startups post-EU funding wins.

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Exit Events: IPOs, Buyouts & Acquisitions

No exit events—such as initial public offerings (IPOs), acquisitions/buyouts—have been reported for LightnTec GmbH since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding cut-off in October 2022 through May 1st, 2025. All available data point to continued independent operations focused on growth and further innovation/commercialization cycles.

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Summary Table: Key Financial Milestones Since Founding

Event	Year	Details
Major Seed Round	Feb 2018	Seven figures (€1M–€9.9M); Born2Grow & HTGF
Horizon SME Instrument Award	pre‑2019	EU-backed project launch support
Active Fundraising	Ongoing ’24‑’25	Seeking further private/institutional capital
Selected – EIC Accelerator	Oct 2024	Up to ~€17.5M blended finance via grant/equity

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Conclusion

Since winning its first significant external investments—including from German seed funds—in early development stages, LightnTec has steadily attracted both national/EU support culminating most recently with a high-profile win under Horizon Europe’s competitive flagship program for breakthrough technology companies—the EIC Accelerator—with access to substantial non-dilutive grants plus venture-style follow-on capital managed by Europe's largest deep-tech funder network.

There are no records indicating exits or public market debuts as of this writing; instead, all information points toward active scaling efforts leveraging both private venture partners and strategic EU innovation resources.

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Sources: - LightnTec concludes additional financing round

• LightnTec Closes Seven Figure Financing Round
• LightnTec company information at startups.one
• 15 German startups selected in EIC Accelerator's competitive round
• EURA AG – Lightnttec receives SME Instrument funding

3 The Press Releases

LightnTec GmbH: Post-EIC Accelerator Developments Since securing EU funding through the EIC Accelerator in late 2022, LightnTec has focused on advancing its ultra-thin LED display technology. The company’s ledTec.flex product line—featuring modular, flexible displays as thin as wallpaper—has been deployed across 115+ projects in 16+ countries, totaling over 1,200 square meters installed[^lightntec]. Recent milestones include:

• Large-Scale Outdoor Display Deployment: In December 2024, LightnTec installed a 70-square-meter outdoor LED display on a German high-rise using its proprietary SMD-on-flexible-substrate technology. The system employs commercial-grade velcro for mounting and emphasizes lightweight design[^lightntec20].
• EU-Funded Innovation: A November 2022 CORDIS press release highlighted LightnTec’s breakthrough in creating "digital wallpaper" capable of transforming walls or ceilings into dynamic video surfaces under the EU-funded LED-foil-display project[^cordis].
• Industry Engagement: The company will exhibit at ISE 2025 Barcelona (February) to showcase its ledTec.flex solutions, emphasizing applications for immersive environments and real-time content delivery[^ise2025].

While no new patents or team changes are explicitly mentioned post-EIC funding, LightnTec continues to prioritize scalability and energy efficiency in its AI-controlled LED systems.

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Sources

• The ultra thin, flexible, lightweight and endless scalable video foil
• SIXTEEN.NINE RELEASE: One Of The Bigger Outdoor LED Displays In Germany Just Went Up
• SAVE THE DATE: ISE 2025 BARCELONA

4 The Technology Advancements

LightnTec GmbH: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments

Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in 2022, LightnTec GmbH has focused on scaling its proprietary LED-foil technology while advancing energy efficiency and integration capabilities. While specific updates directly tied to the October 2022 funding are not explicitly detailed in public records, recent milestones include:

Technological Advancements

• Energy Efficiency: The company has prioritized reducing power consumption through patented micro-optical structures, aiming for a 50% reduction in energy use. This builds on earlier innovations that already achieved a 30% reduction compared to conventional outdoor LED displays.
• Manufacturing Scalability: Collaboration with Essemtec enabled streamlined production processes for its ledTec.flex displays, ensuring cost-effective, high-quality manufacturing in Karlsruhe.
• AI-Driven Analytics: Integration of motionTec.sens, which combines tracking sensors and AI-powered analytics (e.g., dwell time, demographic analysis), enhances dynamic content delivery for retail and public spaces.

Market Demonstration & Commercialization

LightnTec’s ultra-thin LED foils are positioned as alternatives to traditional printed banners and rigid displays. Key applications include:

• Construction Site Hoardings: Deployed as lightweight, dynamic coverings requiring minimal structural support.
• Retail & Hospitality: Used for immersive advertising and interactive experiences (e.g., sensor-triggered content).

The company emphasizes its ability to deliver "any size, any shape" displays with luminance exceeding 5,000 cd/m², though newer models may feature further refinements.

Intellectual Property & Publications

While no new patents or whitepapers are explicitly cited since 2022, LightnTec holds existing patents covering its micro-optical light-guiding structures and flexible LED-foil manufacturing processes. Public technical disclosures remain limited beyond marketing materials emphasizing sustainability advantages like reduced material use (-90%) and transport emissions.

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Sources

• LightnTec Gets EU's Financial Backing For Its Foil-Based LED Displays (January 2023)
• LIGHTNTEC AND ESSEMTEC: ONE-OF-A-KIND LED FOIL (February 2021)

– LightnTec's EIC-Funded Expansion (October 2019 update referencing EU Horizon 2020 grants)

5 The Partnerships and Customers

LightnTec GmbH: A Leader in LED Technology

LightnTec GmbH, a German company based in Karlsruhe, has been making significant strides in the field of LED technology. Known for its ultra-thin, flexible LED foil displays, the company has become a prominent player in creating immersive spaces for various industries, including commerce, retail, and events.

Partnerships and Customers

While specific customer names are not detailed in the available information, LightnTec has been involved in several strategic partnerships. Notably, it is part of a large industrial alliance involving companies like Diehl Aerospace, where LightnTec contributes as a subcontractor. This alliance focuses on innovative projects in the aerospace sector.

New Partners

There is no specific information available on new partners for LightnTec GmbH. However, the company's involvement in collaborative projects suggests an ongoing effort to build strategic relationships within the industry.

New Customers

Details on new customers are not provided in the current data. However, the company's innovative products are likely to attract a variety of customers across different sectors.

Nature of New Relationships

The nature of LightnTec's new relationships is centered around technology collaboration and innovation. These partnerships aim to enhance the company's position in the market by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and expanding its reach into new sectors such as aerospace.

Market Positioning

LightnTec's involvement in partnerships and its receipt of the EIC Accelerator funding position the company as a leader in LED technology innovation. This funding supports the development of energy-efficient LED displays and their integration into various industries, further solidifying LightnTec's market presence.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

The EIC Accelerator funding is crucial for LightnTec's technology advancements, enabling the company to develop micro-optical structures that reduce power consumption and scale manufacturing of its innovative LED-foil-displays. This support also helps in making the technology available to other industries, such as automotive and aviation, thereby facilitating scaling and growth.

Sources:

• LightnTec | Smarter LED-Walls. Lighter, Brighter, AI-Controlled
• LightnTec | Global Lighting Forum
• Smart cabin receives a link to the ground | Diehl Aviation
• LightnTec Gets EU's Financial Backing For Its Foil-Based LED Displays

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

LightnTec GmbH, a Karlsruhe-based developer of ultra-thin LED foil displays, has demonstrated steady growth since its 2016 founding but maintains a lean operational structure. The company’s current headcount remains small, with conflicting reports indicating between 4–9 employees based on recent data. Despite its compact team size, LightnTec has secured significant milestones, including a seven-figure Horizon 2020 grant in 2019 and partnerships with industry leaders like Traxon e:cue (Osram) for architectural applications.

While specific details about recent hiring activity or open positions are not publicly disclosed in available records, the company’s expansion trajectory suggests strategic scaling. The 2025 launch of next-gen P5 displays and partnership with US-based i5LED (marketing products as Illumiwrap) imply growing technical and commercial demands that could drive future recruitment. LightnTec’s management team includes founder Florian Kall (30+ years in lighting), Lutz Nehrhoff von Holderberg as CSO/CTO (ex-BARCO R&D lead), Manuel Hübner (digital signage specialist), and Peter Wöschler overseeing projects.

The absence of public announcements about major managerial changes suggests continuity within the founding leadership. LightnTec’s growth appears focused on technological innovation rather than team expansion – exemplified by their five patents filed since 2022 covering light control systems and microoptical structures. Their €886k+ 2018 financing round from HTGF and Born2Grow enabled manufacturing scalability, while EU funding accelerated R&D for sensor-controlled flexible displays compatible with human-centric lighting systems.

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Sources

• About LightnTec | Innovators in Flexible LED Displays
• LightnTec concludes additional financing round
• LightnTec Germany Information - RocketReach
• LightnTec - CB Insights Profile

7 The Media Features and Publications

Overview of LightnTec GmbH

LightnTec GmbH, based in Karlsruhe, Germany, is a pioneering developer and manufacturer of ultra-thin, flexible LED foil displays. The company received significant funding from the European Union's EIC Accelerator program in October 2022, marking a significant milestone in its growth and innovation journey.

Media Features and Publications

LightnTec GmbH has been featured in several publications for its innovative LED-foil displays. Notable mentions include articles highlighting their super-thin, flexible, and energy-efficient displays, which have been supported by EU funding. The company's unique technology allows for reduced material consumption and lower electricity usage compared to traditional LED displays.

Content from Publications

Publications have focused on LightnTec's advancements in developing micro-optical structures to enhance energy efficiency and its plans to scale manufacturing within Europe. The company's products are noted for their versatility, suitable for various applications, including dynamic ambient lighting and outdoor video walls. The EU's backing is also aiding in expanding their technology to industries like automotive and aviation.

Podcasts and Interviews

There is no available information about specific podcasts or interviews featuring the team from LightnTec GmbH. However, the company's innovative approach to LED technology often draws attention in industry reports and news articles.

Conference and Fair Visits

LightnTec GmbH actively participates in industry events and conferences. For instance, they were scheduled to appear at the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2025 in Barcelona, where they showcased their revolutionary ledTec.flex technology. This event highlights their focus on connecting with customers and showcasing their latest innovations.

Involvement in Events

The company's involvement in events like ISE 2025 underscores its commitment to innovation and customer interaction. These events allow LightnTec to demonstrate its cutting-edge LED solutions, which are transforming how spaces are illuminated and engaged with.

Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments

Following the EIC Accelerator funding, LightnTec has continued to expand its product line and partnerships. For example, in 2025, they officially launched the ledTec.flex P5 Display and partnered with a U.S.-based company to expand their market reach in the United States. This strategic growth has positioned LightnTec as a leader in the digital-out-of-home (DOOH) sector.

Sources

• LightnTec | Smarter LED-Walls
• LightnTec Germany Information - RocketReach
• LightnTec GmbH Asset Profile | Preqin
• LightnTec GmbH - F6S
• About LightnTec
• LightnTec Gets EU's Financial Backing For Its Foil-Based LED Displays