1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program: Overview

The EIC Accelerator is a flagship initiative of the European Innovation Council (EIC) that supports innovative startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high-impact projects. This program aims to bolster the European DeepTech ecosystem by providing financial assistance and facilitating access to private funding, thereby enabling companies to scale and bring groundbreaking technologies to market.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator operates on a blended finance model, which includes both grants and equity investments. The program offers a grant component of up to €2.5 million, which is designed to support various stages of development, such as prototyping, testing, and market introduction. The equity component can provide up to €15 million until 2024, aimed at helping companies scale their operations and address larger market opportunities. Starting in 2025, this equity support will be adjusted to a maximum of €10 million. This dual approach not only helps mitigate financial risks for startups but also encourages them to pursue ambitious projects that may have high upfront costs.

Purpose in the European DeepTech Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator serves as a pivotal mechanism to bridge the funding gap often faced by innovative startups in Europe, particularly in the DeepTech sector. By providing substantial funding, the program encourages the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies that may otherwise struggle to secure investment. This support is critical in fostering a vibrant ecosystem where innovative ideas can flourish and contribute to economic growth and job creation across Europe.

Role in Scaling Companies

The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in helping companies scale by providing not only financial resources but also strategic advice and networking opportunities. By connecting startups with private investors and industry leaders, the program enhances the likelihood of securing follow-on funding. This is particularly important for DeepTech companies, which often require significant investment to develop their technologies and bring them to market.

Case Study: Hybrid Lidar Systems AG and the LiSSA 3D Project

Company Overview Hybrid Lidar Systems AG, based in Germany, is a pioneering company focused on the development of advanced LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology. This innovative firm has garnered attention for its cutting-edge solutions aimed at transforming automotive and industrial applications.

Project Description: LiSSA 3D The project, titled LiSSA 3D, represents the next generation of LiDAR technology specifically designed for automotive and industrial use cases. The objective of LiSSA 3D is to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of distance measurements and environmental mapping, which are critical for autonomous driving, robotics, and various industrial applications.

Technology Background LiDAR technology utilizes laser light to measure distances and create high-resolution, three-dimensional maps of the environment. The system emits laser pulses and measures the time it takes for the light to reflect back, allowing for precise distance calculations. Hybrid Lidar Systems AG's LiSSA 3D advances this technology by integrating sophisticated algorithms and sensor fusion techniques, enhancing the system's ability to operate in diverse conditions, such as varying light and weather situations.

LiSSA 3D stands out due to its potential to provide real-time data with unparalleled accuracy, thus facilitating safer and more efficient navigation for both vehicles and industrial machinery. The technology is expected to play a vital role in the advancement of autonomous vehicles, where precise environmental perception is paramount for safety and functionality.

Submission and Funding Timeline

Hybrid Lidar Systems AG submitted its Step 2 proposal for the EIC Accelerator program on January 11, 2023. Following a successful evaluation, the company advanced to the Step 3 interview stage, ultimately securing funding to propel the LiSSA 3D project forward.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator program not only provides financial support but also fosters innovation within the European DeepTech landscape. By empowering companies like Hybrid Lidar Systems AG, the program contributes to the development of transformative technologies that have the potential to reshape industries and enhance societal well-being.

2 The Funding Rounds

Hybrid Lidar Systems AG: Financing and Funding Overview Since EIC Accelerator Award

Hybrid Lidar Systems AG, based in Germany, is a developer of advanced solid-state LiDAR sensors for automotive, industrial, and smart city applications. The company was selected as an EIC Accelerator awardee following the January 11, 2023 cut-off.

Financing Raised & Total Funding

Total disclosed funding for Hybrid Lidar Systems AG is approximately €6.5 million (about $7.2 million). This figure includes grants and other types of support.
The company received a €2.4 million grant from the EIC Accelerator in January 2023, marking one of its most significant funding milestones since that date.

Funding Rounds: Timing & Amounts

Date	Investor/Program	Type	Amount
Nov 2022	Not Disclosed	Grant/Investment	€1.0m
Jan 2023	European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator	Grant	€2.4m
Jan 2023	EIT Urban Mobility	Support Program	N/A

The most notable recent round was the EIC Accelerator grant awarded in January 2023 (€2.4 million).
Prior to this, Hybrid Lidar Systems secured a further €1 million in November 2022.
Additional non-equity support has been provided by programs like EIT Urban Mobility; however, specific monetary amounts for these are not publicly listed.

Investor Information

The investors and supporters involved with Hybrid Lidar Systems AG include:

European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund: Provided substantial non-dilutive grant funding through the Accelerator program.
Plug and Play Accelerator: Identified as an investor/accelerator partner supporting growth initiatives.
Other institutional or strategic investors are not explicitly named in public filings since early-stage fundraising details remain private.

Further Details on Funding Rounds

After receiving its first major investment/grant before January 2023 (€1M), the company’s profile rose with selection by both EU innovation bodies:

Selection as one of only two German companies to secure backing from the highly competitive EIC Accelerator program at that cut-off point.

There are no publicly available records indicating any Series A/B/C venture capital rounds or large-scale equity investments beyond these accelerator-related financings up to May 2025.

Company Valuation

No official post-money or pre-money valuation figures have been disclosed for Hybrid Lidar Systems AG after these rounds. As it remains at an early commercial stage focused on technology development and pilot deployments—primarily funded via grants—the company's valuation data is likely confidential or yet to be established through traditional equity financing rounds.

Exit Events: IPOs, Buyouts, Acquisitions

As of May 2025:

There have been no exit events such as initial public offerings (IPOs), mergers/acquisitions (M&A), or buyouts reported involving Hybrid Lidar Systems AG.

The company continues independently under strong leadership with ongoing product development and commercialization efforts linked closely to European innovation programs.

Sources

3 The Press Releases

Hybrid Lidar Systems AG: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments Hybrid Lidar Systems AG, a German innovator in LiDAR technology, secured EIC Accelerator funding in the January 11, 2023 cut-off, positioning itself as a key player in next-generation LiDAR solutions for automotive and industrial applications. While specific press releases from hybrid-lidar.com are not accessible in the provided data, external reports highlight critical advancements and milestones:

Technology Focus: Their winning proposal, LiSSA 3D, emphasizes high-resolution object detection with sub-1 cm precision at 200 meters, targeting automotive safety and industrial automation.
Funding Context: The company was among two German winners selected by the EIC Accelerator, though disbursement timelines faced EU-wide delays.
Industry Trends: Competitors like Hesai Group and Luminar Technologies are advancing compact LiDAR integration (e.g., roof/bumper placements), suggesting potential alignment for Hybrid Lidar’s roadmap.

No patents or team updates were identified in the available materials. For direct updates, monitoring hybrid-lidar.com or their social media channels would be necessary.

Sources

To locate recent press releases or blog posts directly from Hybrid Lidar Systems AG, visit their website: hybrid-lidar.com (link not verified).

4 The Technology Advancements

Hybrid Lidar Systems AG: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments Hybrid Lidar Systems AG, a German startup specializing in LiDAR sensor technology, has positioned itself as an innovator in 3D Flash LiDAR systems through its patented hybrid measurement method combining Time-of-Flight (ToF) and Phase Shifting (PV). Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in early 2023 under the Horizon Europe program, the company’s public advancements focus on industrial and automotive applications.

Current Capabilities

The company’s LiSSA 3D Flash LiDAR sensor leverages a hybrid ToF-PV method to achieve 10x higher resolution at half the cost of competing technologies. Designed for logistics, robotics, smart cities, and automotive use cases, the sensor targets precise distance measurement even in challenging environments.

Post-Funding Advancements

While explicit post-2023 technical upgrades are not publicly detailed yet, Hybrid Lidar continues emphasizing its cost-performance advantage, critical for scaling industrial adoption. The EIC funding aims to accelerate commercialization of their existing platform rather than fund new feature announcements.

Market Demonstrations

Hybrid Lidar showcased its technology at HANNOVER MESSE 2025 (Hall 17 Stand B35), highlighting applications like intelligent doors and robotic navigation. However, specific customer pilots or demonstrators post-EIC award remain undisclosed publicly.

Intellectual Property & Publications

The company’s core innovation lies in its patented hybrid ToF-PV methodology, with additional patents under development as of earlier reports. No new patent filings or scientific studies have been announced since mid-2023.

Sources
Hannover Messe Exhibitor Profile · Outsight.ai Directory Entry · EIC Media Review Mention · Startbase Company Overview

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Hybrid Lidar Systems AG: An Overview of Partnerships and Progress Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Hybrid Lidar Systems AG, a German company, received significant recognition and funding from the EIC Accelerator in January 2023. This funding marked an important milestone in the company's journey, enabling it to further develop its innovative lidar technologies and expand its market presence.

Company Overview

Hybrid Lidar Systems specializes in developing advanced lidar technologies for both automotive and industrial applications. Their focus is on creating high-resolution, cost-effective solutions that enhance the efficiency of various systems, such as logistics, robotics, smart cities, and autonomous vehicles.

Partnerships and Customers

While specific names of new partners or customers have not been detailed in recent reports, Hybrid Lidar Systems is supported by the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union. This support underscores the company's participation in broader European innovation initiatives. The company also participates in major events like the IAA Mobility, where it showcases its technologies and engages with potential partners and customers.

Nature of New Relationships

The nature of new relationships for Hybrid Lidar Systems likely revolves around strategic partnerships aimed at integrating their advanced lidar solutions into various industries. Given their focus on automotive and industrial applications, these relationships could involve collaborations with automotive manufacturers, logistics companies, or technology integrators.

Market Positioning

The EIC Accelerator funding and the company's innovative technologies position Hybrid Lidar Systems AG competitively in the lidar market. Their emphasis on high-resolution, cost-effective solutions aligns with the growing demand for efficient lidar systems in autonomous vehicles and smart city applications. This positioning can lead to increased market visibility and opportunities for partnerships with leading industry players.

Technology Advancements and Scaling

The funding and support from the EIC Accelerator are expected to enhance Hybrid Lidar Systems' ability to advance their technological offerings. Specifically, their "LiSSA" series, which includes both industrial and automotive solutions, benefits from the company's hybrid method that claims a 10x higher resolution than competitors at half the cost. This technological edge, combined with the funding, will facilitate the scaling of their operations, enabling them to meet growing demand and expand their customer base across Europe and beyond.

Conclusion

Hybrid Lidar Systems AG is poised to make significant strides in the lidar technology sector, leveraging the EIC Accelerator funding to enhance its technological capabilities and expand its market presence. Through strategic partnerships and innovative products, the company is set to play a more pivotal role in shaping the future of lidar applications in automotive and industrial sectors.

Sources: - Lidar 2023-2033: Technologies, Players, Markets & Forecasts

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Overview of Hybrid Lidar Systems AG

Hybrid Lidar Systems AG, a German company, has been making significant strides in the LiDAR technology sector, especially after receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in January 2023. This funding has likely contributed to their growth and expansion plans.

Current Team Size and Headcount

As of May 2020, Hybrid Lidar Systems AG had an employee count between 11 and 50. However, recent data on their current team size or headcount is not available. The company has a diverse team with experienced professionals in various roles, including Ingo Dietterle as CEO, Jens Gallhoff as COO, Dr. Ulrich Lages as CSO, Evgenij Bakulin as CFO, and Mehran Amiri as Senior Software Engineer.

Hiring and Team Growth

Hybrid Lidar Systems AG is actively hiring, as indicated by their careers section on their website. They are looking to expand their team by empowering employees with autonomy and responsibility, suggesting a focus on growth and development. The addition of new team members, such as software engineers and product designers, reflects their intent to enhance their technology and products.

Recent Key Positions

While specific recent hires are not detailed, the company's emphasis on technical roles like software engineering and product design suggests a focus on advancing their LiDAR sensor technologies.

Impact on Future Growth

The new team members are crucial for scaling and growing the company, particularly in developing and refining their LiSSA 3D Flash LiDAR sensors. These sensors are designed for both automotive and industrial applications, offering higher resolution and cost-effectiveness compared to competitors. The expansion of their team supports their goal of meeting diverse industrial and automotive demands, positioning them for further innovation and market presence.

Management and Founding Team Changes

There are no reported major changes in the management or founding team since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding. The current leadership includes Ingo Dietterle, Jens Gallhoff, Dr. Ulrich Lages, and Evgenij Bakulin, who continue to drive the company's strategic directions.

Growth and Expansion

Since winning the EIC Accelerator funding, Hybrid Lidar Systems AG has likely experienced significant growth in terms of technology development and market expansion. Their participation in prominent industry events, such as the Hannover Messe, further indicates their increasing presence in the LiDAR sector.

Sources: - Hybrid Lidar Systems

7 The Media Features and Publications

Hybrid Lidar Systems AG: Media Presence and Industry Engagement Since securing EIC Accelerator funding in early 2023, Hybrid Lidar Systems AG (HLS) has emerged as a key innovator in solid-state LiDAR technology. Below is a detailed overview of their media features, publications, and event engagements.

Media Features and Publications

Press Releases: HLS announced advancements in its hybrid LiDAR method, emphasizing 10x higher resolution at half the cost compared to competitors. A notable August 2023 press release highlighted support from IBEO’s founder, positioning HLS as a leader in automotive LiDAR innovation.
Industry Coverage: CES 2025 showcased HLS’s patented solid-state flash LiDAR sensors, with Segments.ai emphasizing their cost-effectiveness for autonomous vehicles and robotics. EU-Startups listed HLS among Germany’s top automotive startups.

Podcasts and Interviews

No direct mentions of podcasts or interviews were found in available sources. However, the company actively communicates through press kits and trade show demonstrations.

Conference Participation

CES 2025: Exhibited next-generation flash LiDAR sensors at Booth 50339, focusing on high-resolution data capture for autonomous systems.
IAA MOBILITY 2023: Demonstrated its LiSSA Industrial sensor (logistics/robotics) and announced plans for automotive-grade production (LiSSA Automotive) by late 2025.

Event Involvement

HLS targets industrial applications like smart cities and drones while engaging with automotive OEMs through tailored solutions. Their participation at IAA MOBILITY emphasized scalability for future mobility projects.

Sources Used

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