1 The EIC Accelerator Project

Overview of the EIC Accelerator Program

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program is a pivotal funding initiative designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in the European Union, particularly those engaged in deep tech innovations. The program aims to foster the development and scaling of groundbreaking technologies, bridging the gap between research and market introduction. With a focus on high-risk, high-potential ventures, the EIC Accelerator provides a robust framework for financing innovative projects that may struggle to secure traditional funding.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator operates under a blended finance model, offering a combination of grants and equity investments.

Purpose and Impact

The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in the European deep tech and startup ecosystem by providing essential financial resources that enable innovative companies to progress from concept to commercialization. The program not only aids in the development of cutting-edge technologies but also helps startups gain credibility in the eyes of private investors. By securing EIC funding, companies can attract additional investment, thus enhancing their growth potential and market reach.

Role in Scaling and Securing Funding

The EIC Accelerator assists companies in scaling their operations and improving their market positioning. By offering substantial financial backing, it allows startups to invest in critical areas such as research and development, marketing, and operational scaling. Furthermore, the credibility associated with EIC funding often leads to increased interest from private investors, thus facilitating access to additional funding avenues. This ecosystem of support is crucial for fostering innovation and driving economic growth within the EU.

EIC Accelerator Winner: Nowi B.V.

Company Profile:

• Name: Nowi B.V.
• Country: Netherlands
• Website: nowi-energy.com
• EIC Accelerator Project Acronym: NH-A
• Submission Date: June 15, 2022

Project Overview:
Nowi B.V. has developed a novel integrated energy harvesting and power management circuit, designated as NH-A. This project aims to enable self-sustaining low-power applications, which is a critical advancement in the field of energy management for electronic devices.

Technology Basics and Background

The NH-A project focuses on the integration of energy harvesting technologies with power management systems. The core concept revolves around capturing ambient energy—such as solar, thermal, or kinetic energy—and efficiently converting it into usable electrical power for low-energy devices.

Key Technological Features:

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program serves as a critical catalyst for innovative companies like Nowi B.V., providing necessary financial support and enhancing their ability to bring groundbreaking technologies to market. Through initiatives like the NH-A project, the EIC Accelerator is not only promoting technological advancements but also contributing to the sustainability and efficiency of the European startup ecosystem.

2 The Funding Rounds

Financing Raised and Funding Rounds

Nowi B.V., a Delft-based semiconductor company specializing in energy harvesting technology, has raised notable amounts across several funding rounds since its founding in 2015. Key financing milestones include:

• March 2018: Nowi received initial funding from Disruptive Technology Ventures (DTV), supplemented by Dutch government support. This early-stage capital enabled the company to progress toward commercialization of its patented energy harvesting integrated circuits.
• November 2019: Nowi raised an additional €8 million (approximately $8.8 million at the time) in a new investment round led by DTV. This brought their total disclosed financing to approximately $14 million as of late 2019.
• Late 2019 ("Series A" Round): Nowi announced a $10 million Series A round, with continued leadership from DTV as the primary investor. The stated purpose for these funds was team expansion and scaling up product commercialization efforts—specifically for launching their NW-A2.3 Energy Harvesting PMIC product in early 2020.

Timing and Amounts

• Initial DTV investment: March 2018; specific amount undisclosed but considered seed/early-stage.
• Additional DTV-led round: November 25, 2019; €8 million (~$8.8M).
• Series A round completion: November/December 2019; $10 million (likely overlapping or inclusive of previous announcement).

These rounds positioned Nowi to transition from startup phase toward mature commercialization by the start of major product launches in early-to-mid–2020.

Investor Information

The principal investor across all known rounds was: - Disruptive Technology Ventures (DTV) — an Amsterdam-based venture firm focusing on breakthrough technologies addressing global markets.

Key individual: - Ad Scheepbouwer, notable representative/investor with DTV, who publicly commented on their confidence and ongoing commitment to supporting Nowi’s growth trajectory through multiple investment cycles.

No other major institutional investors are explicitly mentioned within public disclosures related to these rounds.

Company Valuation

Public sources do not disclose explicit post-money valuations for any of these funding events. However:

By industry benchmarks and revenue estimates—in mid-to-late growth phase before acquisition—Nowi reported annual revenues around $4.2M with roughly two dozen employees prior to exit.

Valuation details remain private but would have been influenced substantially by both intellectual property value and forward sales projections given IoT market expansion potential.

Exit Event: Acquisition by Nexperia

A significant exit event occurred after receipt of EIC Accelerator funding: Acquisition

• In November 2022, Nowi B.V. was acquired by Nexperia B.V., itself a prominent Dutch semiconductor manufacturer owned since 2018 by Wingtech Technology Co., Ltd—a Chinese conglomerate.
• The acquisition closed amid regulatory review regarding national security implications due to foreign ownership but was ultimately approved by Dutch authorities in November 2023 after concluding that Nowi’s technology did not pose dual-use risks warranting prohibition.

No IPO or public listing has taken place for Nowi B.V.; its independent operations ceased following full integration into Nexperia as part of this buyout transaction.

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Sources

• Netherlands Energy Harvesting Semiconductor Firm Nowi Reaches $14 Million in Funding
• Nowi's energy chip harvests €8 million euros in new investment
• Netherlands Backs Chinese-Owned Nexperia's Takeover of Chip Firm
• Nowi Revenue, Competitors & Alternatives - Growjo

3 The Press Releases

Nowi B.V.: Strategic Partnerships and Energy Harvesting Innovations Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Nowi B.V., a Delft-based semiconductor firm specializing in energy harvesting solutions, has focused on advancing low-power PMIC (Power Management Integrated Circuit) technology for IoT and consumer electronics. While specific details about their EIC Accelerator application or funding outcomes in June 2022 are not publicly disclosed, their activities during this period centered around partnerships and technological advancements:

• Strategic Collaborations: Nowi partnered with Remote Solution to develop solar-powered TV remote controls using its NH2 PMIC, eliminating disposable batteries by harvesting ambient light. A similar collaboration with Remotec resulted in eco-friendly universal remotes incorporating photovoltaic panels and Nowi’s energy-harvesting chips.
• Technology Advancements: Nowi’s NH2 PMIC combines ultra-low power consumption with small PCB footprints, enabling perpetual operation for devices like smart sensors and wearables. The chip harvests energy from light, vibrations, or radio waves, reducing reliance on batteries.
• Acquisition by Nexperia: In November 2022, Nexperia acquired Nowi to integrate its PMICs into broader power management solutions. This acquisition accelerated production scalability using Nexperia’s global manufacturing infrastructure.

Patents and Core Technology: Nowi’s patented energy-harvesting architecture supports “Plug & Forget” applications by efficiently converting ambient energy sources into usable power. Their focus on reducing Bill-of-Materials (BOM) costs made the technology viable for mass-market consumer electronics.

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Sources

• Remotec and Nowi's Strategic Partnership Transforms the Industry
• Remote Solution Chooses Nowi as Partner

Press release omitted as duplicate of second source.

Datacenterknowledge article excluded due to focus on acquisition approval process.

Nexperia's investment announcement included below:

Nexperia invests in sustainable alternatives to batteries

Bits-chips coverage included below:

#### Nexperia acquires Nowi #### SiliconCanals coverage included below: ##### Dutch semiconductor company Nexperia acquires Delft-based ... ##### EU-startups funding report included below: ###### Dutch startup Nowi receives €1 million ###### Interview link retained as key source: ####### Interview Easy Engineering TV: Nowi Energy

Note: No direct press releases from nowigenyenergycom were accessible via provided sources; all citations derive from third-party announcements.

4 The Technology Advancements

Nowi B.V.: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments

Nowi B.V., a Delft-based semiconductor startup specializing in energy-harvesting power management ICs (PMICs), has focused on scaling its technology and market reach following its acquisition by Nexperia in November 2022. While specific details about its EIC Accelerator funding (assumed awarded in June 2022) are not publicly disclosed, the company’s trajectory since mid-2022 highlights advancements in production capabilities, product integration, and commercial readiness.

Key Capabilities and Advancements

• Core Technology: Nowi’s NH2 PMIC harvests ambient energy from light, vibrations, radio waves, or temperature gradients to replace batteries in low-power IoT devices like smart wearables and wireless sensors. Its competitive edge lies in combining the smallest PCB footprint with low BOM costs and high harvesting efficiency.
• Post-Acquisition Scaling: Nexperia’s global manufacturing infrastructure enabled Nowi to accelerate production volumes by late 2022/early 2023, though no explicit performance upgrades or new PMIC variants have been announced post-funding.
• Market Demonstrations: Nowi showcased its NH2 PMIC at CES 2022 as an Innovation Awards Honoree, emphasizing applications for reducing e-waste from disposable batteries. However, no recent customer pilots or clinical trials are documented since mid-2022.

Intellectual Property and Research Output

Public records do not indicate new patents or scientific publications by Nowi after June 2022. The company’s last major technical disclosure remains its NH2 chip design prior to the Nexperia acquisition.

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Sources
Nexperia welcomes confirmation of Nowi acquisition
RCL announces sale of Nowi B.V to Nexperia
Nexperia acquires Nowi for power-management portfolio expansion
Nexperias acquisition of Delft-based startup Nowi
Nowis CES Innovation Award for NH2 PMIC
Nowis company profile

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Nowi B.V. Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Nowi B.V., a Delft-based semiconductor company specializing in energy harvesting PMICs, has strategically expanded its market presence through key partnerships and acquisitions. Below is an analysis of its collaborations, customer engagements, and technological advancements based on available data up to late 2023:

Key Partnerships

• Nature: Developed perpetually powered remote controls using Nowi’s NH2 PMIC for efficient solar energy harvesting.
• Purpose: Address sustainability demands in consumer electronics by eliminating disposable batteries.

• Nature: Co-developed solar-powered TV remotes leveraging Nowi’s NH2 chip.
• Purpose: Align with CSR strategies to reduce battery waste in consumer electronics.

• Nature: Jointly created energy-autonomous IoT platforms using Murata’s LoRa modules and Nowi’s PMICs.
• Purpose: Enable “Plug & Forget” IoT solutions for industrial and smart city applications.

• New Parent Company: Nexperia acquired Nowi to integrate energy harvesting into its power management portfolio.
• Impact: Access to Nexperia’s fabrication infrastructure accelerates mass production of PMICs for wearables and autonomous sensors.

Customer Base & Market Positioning

While specific end-customer names remain undisclosed, partnerships with Remotec, Remote Solution, and Murata indicate engagement with major players in TV manufacturing, smart home automation, and industrial IoT sectors. These relationships position Nowi as a critical enabler of sustainable electronics amid tightening global regulations on battery waste.

Technological Advancements Through Collaborations

The NH2 PMIC’s ultra-compact design (<10mm²) and low BOM cost were validated through Remotec/Remote Solution remote controls, demonstrating viability in high-volume consumer applications. Murata collaboration further proved scalability for industrial-grade IoT deployments requiring decades-long autonomy[$4$]. Nexperia’s manufacturing expertise will enhance chip performance while reducing per-unit costs through economies of scale[$5$][$8$].

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Sources Used:

• Remotec Partnership Announcement
• Remote Solution Collaboration
• Murata Partnership

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Overview of Nowi B.V.

Nowi B.V., a Netherlands-based company specializing in energy harvesting and power management solutions, received EIC Accelerator funding in June 2022. This strategic investment marked a significant milestone for Nowi, which was founded in 2016.

Hiring and Team Growth

Following its acquisition by Nexperia in November 2022, Nowi's integration into Nexperia has been a key factor in its growth strategy. This acquisition has allowed Nowi to leverage Nexperia's extensive manufacturing capabilities and global infrastructure, facilitating the expansion of its energy harvesting solutions. The integration has enabled Nowi to accelerate the production and shipping of its innovative power management ICs, which combine the smallest PCB footprint with the lowest BOM cost and best harvesting performance.

Current Headcount and Team Size

As Nowi has become part of Nexperia, specific details about its independent headcount are not available. However, Nexperia as a whole employs more than 14,000 people across various locations.

Hiring Status

While specific hiring activities for Nowi are not detailed post-acquisition, Nexperia's growth strategy and expansion into new markets suggest that there could be opportunities for talent acquisition. The integration allows for synergies in production and sales, potentially leading to increased hiring across the combined entity.

Growth and Recent Hires

The acquisition by Nexperia represents a significant growth milestone for Nowi. By integrating Nowi's energy harvesting capabilities, Nexperia can offer sustainable alternatives to battery power, enhancing its portfolio of power management products. Key positions in the future might focus on energy harvesting and power management, given the strategic importance of these technologies.

Impact on Future Growth

The integration of Nowi into Nexperia enhances Nexperia's ability to scale and grow by providing sustainable energy solutions. This acquisition positions Nexperia for further innovation in power management, enabling the development of products that can operate without batteries, such as smart wearables and autonomous wireless sensor nodes.

Management and Founding Team Changes

The acquisition by Nexperia has led to Nowi becoming part of a larger organization. While specifics about changes in the founding team are not detailed, Nowi's CEO, Simon van der Jagt, has expressed enthusiasm about the synergy with Nexperia, noting that the shared Dutch heritage will bring added benefits to future activities.

Sources

• RCL announces the sale of Nowi B.V to Nexperia
• Nexperia invests in sustainable alternatives to batteries
• Nexperia welcomes confirmation of Nowi acquisition
• Nexperia invests in sustainable alternatives to batteries

7 The Media Features and Publications

Nowi B.V. Media Features and Activities

Nowi B.V., a Dutch semiconductor company, has been recognized for its innovative energy harvesting solutions. Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 15, 2022, Nowi B.V. has gained attention in various media outlets and participated in several industry events.

Media Features and Publications

Nowi B.V. has been featured in publications for its advancements in energy harvesting technology. For instance, an interview with Easy Engineering TV highlighted Nowi's novel energy harvesting power management IC, which offers top performance with a small footprint and low costs, simplifying the design process for companies developing 'Plug & Forget' products.

Podcasts or Interviews

While specific podcasts or interviews featuring Nowi B.V.'s team are not detailed in the available information, their participation in interviews like the one with Easy Engineering TV suggests engagement with media platforms to share insights on their technology.

Conference and Fair Visits, Presentations, or Participations

Details about Nowi B.V.'s participation in conferences, fairs, or presentations since receiving the EIC funding are not readily available. However, their involvement in industry events is likely to align with promoting their innovative energy harvesting solutions.

Involvement in Events

Nowi B.V.'s involvement in events likely focuses on showcasing their technology and collaborating with other industry leaders to advance energy harvesting applications. Specific details about their event participation are not currently available.

Conclusion

Nowi B.V. continues to make strides in the semiconductor industry with its cutting-edge energy harvesting solutions. Their media presence, although not extensively detailed, highlights their commitment to advancing technology and engaging with industry platforms.

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Sources: - Interview Easy Engineering TV: Nowi Energy

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