1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator program, part of the European Innovation Council (EIC), aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly startups and scale-ups, that are developing innovative technologies with high growth potential. This initiative is especially focused on DeepTech sectors, which encompass advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced materials, and space technologies. The program is designed to address the challenges faced by these companies in securing funding and scaling their operations, providing both grant funding and equity investments.

Funding Structure

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

Purpose and Role in the Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in the European startup ecosystem by acting as a catalyst for innovation and growth. By providing access to substantial funding, the program helps companies overcome the funding gap that often exists in early-stage innovation. This is especially vital in the DeepTech sector, where the development cycles can be lengthy and capital-intensive.

Additionally, the EIC Accelerator fosters collaboration between startups and private investors, enhancing the ability of companies to secure further funding from the private sector. By demonstrating the credibility and viability of their innovations, EIC-funded companies are better positioned to attract venture capital and other forms of private investment.

EIC Accelerator Winner: Lumi Space Ltd and the Lumi SLR Project

Company Overview: Lumi Space Ltd, based in the United Kingdom, has been awarded funding under the EIC Accelerator for its innovative project, Lumi SLR. The company focuses on revolutionizing space sustainability through advanced technologies.

Project Acronym: Lumi SLR

Project Description: Lumi SLR aims to transform satellite operations and enhance sustainability in space. The project centers on the development of precise and scalable Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) technology, which is crucial for improving satellite positioning, tracking, and data accuracy. This innovation promises to address significant challenges in space debris management and satellite coordination, essential components for sustainable space exploration and operations.

Technology Basics and Background: Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) is a technology that utilizes laser beams to measure distances between ground stations and satellites. This precision measurement enables highly accurate tracking of satellite positions, which is essential for various applications, including Earth observation, telecommunications, and navigation.

The need for advanced SLR technology arises from the increasing congestion in Earth’s orbits due to the proliferation of satellites and space debris. Lumi Space's innovative approach aims to enhance the scalability and precision of SLR, making it more accessible and effective for a broader range of applications in the space industry. By improving the accuracy of satellite tracking, Lumi SLR will contribute to better management of satellite constellations and mitigate the risks associated with space debris.

The funding obtained through the EIC Accelerator will enable Lumi Space to refine its technology, conduct necessary research and development, and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable future in space exploration. The project highlights the importance of innovation in the DeepTech sector, showcasing how cutting-edge technology can address pressing global challenges.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator serves as a vital support mechanism for innovative companies like Lumi Space Ltd, enabling them to access funding and scale their operations while contributing to advancements in space sustainability and technology.

2 The Funding Rounds

# Lumi Space Ltd: Funding Journey Since EIC Accelerator Award

Lumi Space Ltd, a UK-based deep tech startup revolutionizing space sustainability through precise and scalable Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR), secured significant funding through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in March 2023. Since then, the company has continued to develop its innovative space technology solutions.

EIC Accelerator Funding

Lumi Space was among 51 companies selected from 551 applicants in the March 22, 2023 EIC Accelerator cut-off. The company received grant-only funding for its "Lumi SLR" project, which focuses on revolutionizing space sustainability through precise and scalable Satellite Laser Ranging. This funding round was part of a larger €261 million allocation to European deep tech startups in that particular call.

The EIC Accelerator typically offers grants of up to €2.5 million, though the exact amount awarded specifically to Lumi Space was not disclosed in the search results. The company was awarded the "grant-only" funding option rather than the blended finance (grant + equity) that 45% of winners in that round received.

Company Background

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in London, Lumi Space specializes in satellite laser ranging within the space industry. The company offers critical services including:

• Orbit determination
• Collision avoidance
• Constellation management
• Space situational awareness calibration

These services are designed to improve space surveillance and tracking, addressing growing concerns about orbital sustainability and satellite management.

Investment History

Prior to the EIC Accelerator funding, Lumi Space participated in multiple accelerator programs:

• Incubator/Accelerator Programs: The company has gone through at least two accelerator programs, including Creative Destruction Lab and The Catalyst Accelerator Colorado Springs.
• SoCal-UK Space Collaboration: Lumi Space has received investment from this initiative, though details on the timing and amount are not specified in the search results.

Market Position

Lumi Space operates in the growing space situational awareness (SSA) market, where several startups are offering innovative solutions to address the challenges of tracking and managing objects in orbit. The company is positioned among notable startups in this domain, including Vyoma GmbH and Share My Space, which have recently secured partnerships with established aerospace companies like Airbus SE and EnduroSat.

Intellectual Property

The company has filed at least one patent application dated December 8, 2021, for a "Ground to space laser power delivery method and system," which appears to be still in the application status. This indicates ongoing innovation and potential for developing proprietary technology in the space sustainability sector.

Current Status

As of May 2025, Lumi Space continues to operate as an active company, developing its satellite laser ranging technology for the space industry. While there is no information in the search results about any exit events such as IPOs, buyouts, or acquisitions, the company appears to be progressing in its mission to improve space sustainability through innovative tracking and management solutions.

The company should not be confused with Lumi AI, which recently raised a $3.7 million seed round for enterprise analytics, or with Lumi Gruppen, a Norwegian education provider.

Sources: - EIC Accelerator 22 March Cut-Off - European Innovation Council

• EIC Accelerator winners and statistics March 2023 - Strata.team
• European Innovation Council Accelerator: 51 deep tech start-ups selected to get funding and investments
• Lumi Space - CB Insights
• new group of deep tech start-ups selected to get funding and ...

3 The Press Releases

Lumi Space Ltd: Advancing Space Sustainability Through Precision Satellite Tracking

Lumi Space Ltd, a UK-based deep-tech company, secured EIC Accelerator funding in March 2023 to advance its satellite laser ranging (SLR) technology aimed at improving space traffic management and collision avoidance. The company received grant support under the EIC Accelerator program, which funds high-impact innovations in the European Union’s Horizon Europe framework.

Technology and Mission

Lumi Space specializes in ground-based laser tracking systems capable of detecting objects in low Earth orbit (LEO) with centimeter-level precision. This innovation addresses growing congestion in space by reducing false collision warnings to below 5%, a critical improvement over existing methods. Their SLR technology enables applications such as active debris removal, satellite servicing, and safer satellite operations.

Partnerships and Milestones

• Space Forge Collaboration: In 2022, Lumi partnered with Welsh startup Space Forge to track its ForgeStar-0 satellite during re-entry using their SLR system. This collaboration demonstrated Lumi’s capability to monitor small satellites moving at ~8 km/s.
• Innovate UK and NSTP Support: Prior to the EIC award, Lumi developed its hardware through grants from Innovate UK and the UK Space Agency’s National Space Technology Programme (NSTP), enabling long-range laser testing with assistance from Satellite Applications Catapult.

Post-Funding Developments

While specific press releases or blog posts directly from Lumi’s website (lumi.space) are not publicly visible based on available data, their EIC Accelerator win highlights their role in advancing Europe’s space sustainability goals. The funding likely supports scaling their SLR infrastructure and commercial deployment efforts.

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Sources

• EIC Accelerator winners March 2023
• EIC Accelerator March 22 Cut-off List
• Space Forge-Lumi Partnership
• Satellite Applications Catapult Case Study

4 The Technology Advancements

Lumi Space Ltd: Post-EIC Accelerator Advancements in Precision Space Surveillance Based on available information up to mid-2025, Lumi Space Ltd has solidified its position as a leader in satellite laser ranging (SLR) technology, offering centimeter-level precision for space situational awareness. While post-March 2023 EIC Accelerator-related developments are not explicitly detailed in public records, the company’s trajectory highlights key advancements and collaborations:

Core Capabilities

Lumi Space specializes in ground-based laser tracking systems that provide 1,000x greater accuracy than traditional radar methods, enabling operators to avoid collisions and optimize satellite positioning. Their technology focuses on retroreflector-equipped satellites but also tracks debris using passive optical methods.

Recent Advancements

• Technology Validation: Collaborations with the Satellite Applications Catapult elevated their SLR system from TRL 4 (lab testing) to TRL 6 (environmental demonstration), including vibration testing of lightweight retroreflectors at Harwell’s DISC facility.
• Product Development: Launched the world’s first low-cost, space-grade retroreflector, designed for scalability and compatibility with existing satellites.
• Strategic Partnerships: Partnered with Space Forge for precision tracking during its inaugural satellite launch and participated in BAE Systems-led innovation days alongside quantum and AI firms.

Market Engagement & Demonstrations

• Operational Deployments: Supported missions requiring high-precision orbital data, including debris monitoring under ESA/UKSA initiatives.
• Industry Collaboration: Engaged with defense stakeholders through events like the BAE Systems Innovation Day (June 2023), showcasing SLR applications for military space domain awareness.

Intellectual Property & Publications

While no recent patents or whitepapers are publicly disclosed, Lumi’s work under the UKSA National Space Technology Programme emphasized proprietary laser-ranging hardware development. The absence of clinical trial mentions aligns with their focus on non-medical aerospace applications.

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Sources

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Lumi Space Ltd: Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in March 2023, Lumi Space Ltd—a UK-based satellite laser ranging specialist—has focused on advancing its precision orbit determination services for collision avoidance and space sustainability. While specific post-funding customer announcements are not publicly detailed in available records, the company's collaborations and market positioning highlight strategic growth areas.

Key Partnerships and Collaborations

• Catapult Support: Validated space sustainability solutions through collaboration with Catapult, a UK innovation agency.
• ESA Contract: Part of a consortium awarded an ESA Scylight Optical Feeder Link Demonstration contract to advance optical communication technologies.
• Catalyst Accelerator: Joined the International Space Domain Awareness Cohort in 2022 alongside peers to enhance space traffic management solutions.

Market Positioning and Technology Advancements

Lumi Space’s partnerships emphasize precision tracking (1,000x more accurate than traditional methods) to address satellite congestion risks. These relationships bolster its role in:

• Collision Avoidance: Reducing fuel waste for satellites through precise orbital data.
• Constellation Management: Supporting mega-constellations like SpaceX Starlink by improving coordination efficiency.

Scaling Impact

Collaborations with entities like ESA and Catapult provide access to R&D resources, testing environments, and industry networks critical for scaling operations globally. The company’s technology advancements position it as a leader in next-generation space situational awareness (SSA) markets.

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Sources

• Validating unique space sustainability solutions with Catapult support
• Consortium Awarded ESA Scylight Optical Feeder Link Demonstration Contract
• Eight Companies Join Catalyst Accelerator’s International Space Domain Awareness Cohort
• Lumi Space - Satellite Laser Ranging Services

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Lumi Space: Team Growth and Development

Lumi Space, a UK-based company specializing in satellite laser ranging and space situational awareness, has been making significant strides since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2023. However, specific details about their current headcount, team size, or recent hiring activities are not readily available.

Team Structure and Expertise

Lumi Space boasts a team of experts in astrodynamics, optics, and photonics, which is crucial for delivering state-of-the-art space domain awareness products. Key positions include Dr. Hira Virdee as CEO, Ewan Schafer as CTO, and Dave Gooding as COO.

Hiring and Growth

While there is no explicit information about Lumi Space currently hiring or their exact team size, their involvement in cutting-edge projects and partnerships suggests a need for skilled personnel to support their growth. The company's innovative approach to satellite laser ranging and power delivery through lasers indicates a focus on expanding their capabilities.

Recent Developments and Partnerships

Lumi Space has partnered with organizations like Open Cosmos and ESA, winning the Business Applications Call to Orbit program. This collaboration provides valuable expertise and resources to expedite their research and mission testing. Such partnerships are vital for scaling and growing the company's operations.

Impact of New Team Members

New team members would likely contribute to enhancing Lumi Space's technology and services, particularly in areas like laser-based satellite power and advanced orbit determination. This expertise would be crucial for expanding their offerings and improving space situational awareness, which is essential for the future of space operations.

Changes in Management

There is no reported change in Lumi Space's founding team or management since their EIC Accelerator win. The current leadership continues to drive the company's vision and growth in the aerospace industry.

Future Prospects

Lumi Space's innovative solutions, such as using lasers to charge satellites, position the company for significant growth in the space industry. Their participation in programs like the ESA's Business Applications Call to Orbit highlights their potential to scale and make impactful contributions to space technology.

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Sources: - Team | Lumi Space

• Lumi Space - CB Insights
• Lumi Space - ADS Group
• Lumi Space company information, funding & investors | Dealroom.co
• Lumi Space becomes the first Open Cosmos and ESA Business Applications Call to Orbit winner

7 The Media Features and Publications

Lumi Space Ltd: Media Features and Public Engagements

Lumi Space Ltd, a UK-based company specializing in centimeter-precise satellite laser ranging (SLR) technology, has garnered significant media attention and industry participation. Below is an overview of their public engagements, media coverage, and event involvement.

Media Features & Publications

• Satellite Today: Highlighted Lumi’s partnership with Space Forge to track the ForgeStar-0 satellite during Virgin Orbit’s UK launch using SLR technology.
• The Times: Featured Lumi’s laser tracking advancements to prevent satellite collisions, emphasizing its role in sustainable space operations.
• ESA News: Detailed Lumi’s collaboration with ESA and the UK Space Agency on debris-tracking lasers to enhance space situational awareness (SSA).
• UK Government Announcements: Recognized Lumi in funding announcements for developing sustainable space technologies.

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Podcasts & Interviews

No direct podcasts or interviews featuring Lumi Space’s leadership were identified in available sources. However, the company frequently engages through press releases and technical collaborations (e.g., Open Cosmos Call to Orbit program). Note: A 2025 podcast titled No Substitutes features a guest named Lumi Ray, but this appears unrelated to Lumi Space Ltd.

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Conference & Event Participation

• ESA Partnerships: Collaborated on projects under ESA Business Applications programs, including validation of SLR systems at Harwell Campus facilities.
• Catalyst Accelerator: Joined the 2022 International Space Domain Awareness Cohort to advance collision avoidance solutions (Note: Exact presentation details unspecified).
• Innovate UK Grants: Supported by NSTP grants for SSA technology development alongside Satellite Applications Catapult⇗⇗.

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Recent Engagements Post-EIC Accelerator Submission (March 2023)

While specific post-March 2023 activities are not detailed in available sources, earlier collaborations include:

Open Cosmos Call to Orbit Win (Precise date unspecified): Awarded mission support for orbit-ready SLR payload development alongside ESA Business Applications⇗ (Program announcement pre-dates March 2023).

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Sources Used ({company}: Lumi Space Ltd)

```markdown 7.Unrelated Content: No Substitutes Podcast Episode w/Lumin Ray ```

(Note: Specific EIC Accelerator-related announcements were not found in indexed sources.)*