1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator (formerly known as the SME Instrument) is a flagship initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC). Designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, the program focuses on fostering innovation and scaling up high-impact technologies in Europe. The EIC Accelerator is particularly aimed at companies developing disruptive technologies, contributing to the EU's strategic objectives of sustainability and economic growth.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers two primary funding mechanisms: grants and equity investments.

Companies can receive grants of up to €2.5 million. This funding is designed to support the development and scaling of innovative projects, helping startups and SMEs to bridge the gap between research and market entry. The grant covers various expenses, including R&D, prototyping, and initial commercialization efforts.

In addition to grants, the EIC Accelerator provides equity funding up to €15 million until 2024, and this amount will decrease to €10 million starting in 2025. This funding is intended to support the scaling and commercialization phases of innovations, allowing companies to leverage private sector investments. The equity investment often comes in the form of convertible notes or direct equity stakes, which can help enhance the company's financial position and attract additional private funding.

Purpose of the EIC Accelerator

The EIC Accelerator serves several critical purposes within the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem:

• Innovation Support: By providing financial resources, the program enables companies to transform innovative ideas into market-ready products and services.
• Market Entry: The funding helps startups navigate the complexities of market entry, reducing the time and resources needed to achieve commercialization.
• Sustainability and Growth: The initiative aligns with the EU's broader goals of promoting sustainable growth and technological advancement, particularly in key sectors such as green technology, health, and digitalization.
• Fostering Entrepreneurship: The EIC Accelerator encourages a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation across Europe, positioning European startups as global leaders in technology.

Role in Scaling and Private Sector Funding

The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in helping companies scale by:

• Providing Capital: The blend of grants and equity allows startups to access capital that may otherwise be unavailable, especially in the early stages of development.
• Attracting Private Investment: By demonstrating EIC support, companies can attract additional investments from private investors, as EIC funding acts as a stamp of approval and reduces perceived risks.
• Networking Opportunities: The program provides valuable networking opportunities, connecting startups with potential partners, investors, and mentors who can further aid in their growth.

EIC Accelerator Winner: OLEDCOMM SAS and Project SATELLIFE

Company Overview: OLEDCOMM SAS is a French company specializing in LiFi technology—a wireless communication technology that uses light to transmit data. Founded with the vision of transforming data communication, OLEDCOMM stands out in the realm of optical wireless communication and is positioned as a leader in the development of innovative solutions.

Project Overview - SATELLIFE:

Description: The SATELLIFE project aims to develop a disruptive communication system based on LiFi technology specifically designed for spacecraft and aerospace infrastructure. This innovation leverages high-speed optical communication to enhance data transmission capabilities in space environments, where traditional radio frequency communication can be limited by bandwidth and interference issues.

Technology Basics and Background

LiFi Technology:

LiFi (Light Fidelity) is a wireless communication technology that uses visible light, ultraviolet, and infrared light to transmit data. Unlike WiFi, which relies on radio waves, LiFi transmits data using light emitted from LED bulbs. This allows for significantly higher data rates and improved security, as light does not penetrate walls, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Key Advantages of LiFi:

• High Data Rates: LiFi can achieve data transmission speeds that are much faster than traditional WiFi, making it suitable for applications requiring high bandwidth.
• Security: Since light cannot penetrate walls, LiFi offers a level of security that is not achievable with radio frequency communications.
• Energy Efficiency: LiFi can make use of existing lighting infrastructure, leading to energy savings compared to conventional communication systems.

Application in Space: In the context of aerospace applications, SATELLIFE aims to utilize LiFi to overcome the limitations of existing communication systems in space, such as latency and bandwidth constraints. By deploying LiFi systems on spacecraft, OLEDCOMM SAS seeks to enable high-speed data transfer for scientific research, telemetry, and communication between spacecraft and ground stations.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator provides critical support to innovative companies like OLEDCOMM SAS. Through funding mechanisms such as grants and equity investments, the program not only facilitates technological advancement but also strengthens the European startup ecosystem. The SATELLIFE project exemplifies the potential of LiFi technology in transforming communication in the aerospace sector, highlighting the intersection of innovation and real-world application.

2 The Funding Rounds

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding of €3.04 million on June 16, 2021, Oledcomm SAS, a French company specializing in LiFi (Light Fidelity) technology, has engaged in several funding activities:

• Amount Raised: $4.3 million
• Details: This funding round was completed on October 28, 2022, bringing the total funding raised by Oledcomm to $4.3 million. (leadiq.com)

• Amount Received: €3.04 million
• Details: Prior to the Series A round, Oledcomm received a grant of €3.04 million on June 16, 2021, as part of the EIC Accelerator program. (pitchbook.com)

Investor Information: Oledcomm's investors include:

• European Innovation Council Fund: A venture capital firm.
• Business Angels: Individual investors.
• Bee Family Office: A family office.
• Starquest Capital: A venture capital firm.
• SaaS Lander: An accelerator/incubator. (pitchbook.com)

Company Valuation: Specific valuation figures for Oledcomm are not publicly disclosed. However, as of November 2024, the company reported an estimated annual revenue of $10 million. (leadiq.com)

Additional Information: Oledcomm has established a strong market presence, particularly in the space and defense sectors, with clients such as the US Department of Defense, French Ministry of Defense, Thales, the European Space Agency, NASA, Axiom Space, Dassault, Naval Group, ST Engineering, Cambium Networks, and Eutelsat-OneWeb. (euroquity.com)

As of November 2024, Oledcomm employed approximately 51 people across three continents, including Europe, Asia, and North America. (leadiq.com)

In summary, since June 16, 2021, Oledcomm has secured a total of $4.3 million in funding, with key investors including the European Innovation Council Fund, Business Angels, Bee Family Office, Starquest Capital, and SaaS Lander. While specific valuation details are not publicly available, the company's estimated annual revenue as of November 2024 is $10 million.

3 The Press Releases

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Oledcomm SAS has made several significant announcements:

1. Appointment of Co-CEO Pierre-Jean Beylier (September 12, 2022): Oledcomm appointed Pierre-Jean Beylier as Co-CEO alongside Benjamin Azoulay. Beylier, an experienced entrepreneur in the space and defense industry, focuses on strategy, business development, and marketing. (lifitn.com)

2. Integration of LiFi Module into INSPIRE-SAT 7 Nanosatellite (April 3, 2023): Oledcomm integrated its LiFi module, SatelLife®, into the LATMOS Laboratoire Atmosphères, Observations Spatiales INSPIRE-SAT 7 nanosatellite, launched on April 9, 2023, with SpaceX. This integration aims to provide ultra-secure, interference-free wireless communication in space missions. (lifitechnews.squarespace.com)

3. Introduction of LiFiMAX2G System at CES 2023 (January 10, 2023): Oledcomm unveiled LiFiMAX2G®, a system doubling the speed of its previous LiFiMAX range to 2 Gbps. This advancement targets applications in transportation and industrial settings, offering high-speed, secure, and interference-free wireless communication. (buildings.com)

4. Membership in HomeGrid Forum (October 5, 2022): Oledcomm joined the HomeGrid Forum to contribute to the interoperability of LiFi using the G.hn backbone. This membership aims to accelerate the market adoption of LiFi technology. (homegridforum.org)

5. Awarded "Scaling Up" Prize at EURONAVAL Exhibition 2022 (October 20, 2022): Oledcomm received the "Scaling Up" prize at the EURONAVAL Exhibition 2022, recognizing its innovative contributions to the naval industry. (lifitn.com)

These developments highlight Oledcomm's ongoing commitment to advancing LiFi technology and expanding its applications across various sectors.

4 The Technology Advancements

Oledcomm SAS, based in Paris, France, specializes in LiFi (Light Fidelity) technology, offering high-speed wireless data communication solutions that utilize light instead of radio frequencies. Their product portfolio includes hubs, routers, switches, adapters, drivers, and power supplies, catering to sectors such as defense, aerospace, industrial, and education. (lifitn2.com)

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding (June 16, 2021):

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in June 2021, Oledcomm has achieved several significant milestones:

• Integration into Aerospace Missions: In April 2023, Oledcomm's LiFi module, SatelLife®, was integrated into the INSPIRE-SAT 7 nanosatellite, launched on April 9, 2023, with SpaceX. This integration demonstrates the viability of LiFi technology in space applications, offering benefits like ultra-secure, interference-free wireless connections and weight savings by reducing the need for radiation-resistant cables. (lifitechnews.squarespace.com)
• Demonstration at International Air Shows: In June 2023, Oledcomm showcased its LiFi solutions at the International Paris Air Show. Their booth attracted significant attention, including visits from the French Defense Innovation Agency and the OneWeb team, highlighting the growing interest in LiFi technology within the aerospace sector. (lifitn2.com)
• Successful Launch of Ariane 6 with LiFi Integration: In July 2024, the Ariane 6 rocket, the first to integrate LiFi technology, was successfully launched. This collaboration with the European Space Agency and Arianegroup underscores the potential of LiFi in enhancing space communication systems. (lifitn2.com)

Technological Improvements and New Features:

Oledcomm has focused on enhancing the performance and applicability of its LiFi technology:

• Shift to Infrared LiFi: The company has transitioned from visible light to infrared LiFi, aiming to improve data transmission speeds and security. Infrared LiFi offers faster data rates and is less susceptible to interference, making it suitable for applications in defense and aerospace sectors. (ledsmagazine.com)
• Development of Integrated Circuits (ASICs): At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in 2021, Oledcomm announced an integrated circuit (ASIC) that enables native LiFi integration in tablets, PCs, or smartphones. This development aims to facilitate the adoption of LiFi technology in consumer electronics. (lifitn2.com)

Market Demonstrations and Collaborations:

Oledcomm has actively demonstrated its technology in various market settings:

• Educational Sector Deployment: In October 2020, Oledcomm, in partnership with SPIE ICS, deployed LiFi technology in a secondary school in the Centre-Val de Loire region. This pilot project aimed to provide students with secure and environmentally friendly internet access using light. (spie.com)
• Military Applications: During NATO's Noble Jump exercise, Oledcomm's LiFi solutions were tested to replace wired connections, showcasing faster setup times and enhanced flexibility. The military explored LiFi to address challenges related to complex, insecure networks and long setup times for command posts. (lifitn2.com)

Intellectual Property and Publications:

Oledcomm has a strong focus on innovation, holding over 33 patents related to LiFi technology. Their integrated circuit (ASIC) development, announced in 2021, reflects their commitment to advancing LiFi integration in consumer electronics. (lifitn2.com) Additionally, their participation in the International Paris Air Show 2023 and the successful launch of Ariane 6 with LiFi integration highlight their ongoing contributions to the field. (lifitn2.com)

These developments underscore Oledcomm's dedication to advancing LiFi technology and expanding its applications across various sectors.

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, OLEDCOMM SAS has not publicly disclosed any new partnerships or customers. The company's existing collaborations, such as those with Samsung Display Co., Ltd., LG Display Co., Ltd., BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd., Tianma Micro-electronics Co., Ltd., Visionox Technology, Inc., and Wuhan China Star Optoelectronics Semiconductor Display Technology Co., Ltd., remain in effect. These partnerships involve licensing agreements and material supply arrangements for OLED display products. (sec.gov)

The EIC Accelerator funding was intended to support OLEDCOMM SAS's development of a disruptive communication system based on LiFi technology for spacecraft and aerospace infrastructure. However, there is no publicly available information indicating that this funding has led to new partnerships or customers in the aerospace sector.

The existing partnerships primarily focus on the supply of phosphorescent OLED materials and licensing of OLED display technologies. These collaborations position OLEDCOMM SAS as a key supplier in the OLED display industry, leveraging its expertise in OLED materials and technologies. While these relationships contribute to the company's market presence, they do not directly pertain to advancements in LiFi technology or its application in aerospace communications.

In summary, since the EIC Accelerator funding, OLEDCOMM SAS has not announced new partnerships or customers, and the existing collaborations do not appear to be directly related to the development of LiFi communication systems for aerospace applications.

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

As of April 16, 2025, detailed information about OLEDCOMM SAS's hiring activities, team growth, and organizational changes since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, is not readily available in the provided sources. The latest available data indicates that as of March 31, 2021, OLEDCOMM SAS had over 250 full-time equivalent employees. (sec.gov) However, there is no specific information regarding their current headcount, recent hiring initiatives, or any major changes in management or the founding team.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to visit OLEDCOMM SAS's official website or contact them directly.

7 The Media Features and Publications

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on June 16, 2021, Oledcomm SAS has been featured in various media outlets, participated in industry events, and engaged in strategic partnerships. Below is a summary of their activities and media coverage during this period:

Media Features:

• April 5, 2023: Oledcomm announced the launch of the first satellite incorporating LiFi technology aboard the Inspire-SAT 7 nanosatellite, set to launch with SpaceX. (oledcomm.net)
• January 4, 2023: The company unveiled a breakthrough in wireless optical communication, doubling its LiFi speed to 2 Gbps, enabling future industries to connect through invisible light. (oledcomm.net)
• February 6, 2022: Oledcomm showcased LiFiMAXTab®, the first tablet integrating LiFi technology, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. (oledcomm.net)
• October 12, 2022: An article in Buildings magazine highlighted Oledcomm's strategic shift from illumination to strengthening data communications, focusing on infrared LED technology for sectors like defense and aerospace. (buildings.com)

Publications Mentioning Oledcomm SAS:

Buildings magazine featured Oledcomm in its October 12, 2022 issue, discussing the company's transition towards data communications and infrared LED technology. (buildings.com)

Podcasts or Interviews:

As of the available information, there are no specific podcasts or interviews featuring Oledcomm's team since June 16, 2021.

Conference and Fair Participation:

January 17-19, 2016: Oledcomm, in partnership with Basic6, showcased their proximity marketing and data analytics solutions through LED lighting at the National Retail Federation's BIG Show in New York City. (prnewswire.com)

Event Involvement:

Specific details about Oledcomm's involvement in events since June 16, 2021, are not readily available in the provided sources.

Please note that the information provided is based on the available sources and may not encompass all of Oledcomm's activities and media features since June 16, 2021.