1 The EIC Accelerator Project

EIC Accelerator Program Overview

The EIC Accelerator is an initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC) designed to support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups across Europe. This program targets high-risk, high-potential companies that develop breakthrough technologies and innovations. The EIC Accelerator aims to enhance the competitiveness of these companies by providing them with the necessary funding and resources to scale their operations and bring their innovations to market.

Funding Structure

The EIC Accelerator offers a blended finance approach that consists of two components: grants and equity investments.

• Up to €15 million until 2024.
• Up to €10 million from 2025 onwards.

This equity investment is aimed at helping companies secure additional funding, which can be crucial for expanding operations, increasing production capacity, and enhancing marketing efforts.

Purpose in the European DeepTech and Startup Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in the European deep tech and startup ecosystem by:

• Fostering Innovation: By providing funding and resources, the program encourages innovation in the technology sector, particularly in deep tech areas such as advanced materials, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence.
• Supporting High-Potential Startups: The program focuses on high-risk startups with potential for substantial impact, thereby driving economic growth and job creation across Europe.
• Bridging the Funding Gap: Many innovative startups face challenges in securing investment from traditional sources due to their high-risk nature. The EIC Accelerator helps bridge this funding gap by providing both grants and equity investments.
• Enhancing Collaboration: The EIC Accelerator promotes collaboration among startups, research institutions, and corporates, fostering an ecosystem that supports innovation and growth.

Role in Scaling Companies and Securing Private Funding

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

• Providing Initial Capital: The initial funding from the EIC Accelerator enables startups to achieve key milestones, making them more attractive to private investors.
• Facilitating Investor Confidence: Winning an EIC Accelerator award can enhance the credibility of a startup, increasing its appeal to private investors and venture capitalists.
• Offering Business Support: Beyond funding, the EIC Accelerator provides business coaching, mentorship, and networking opportunities, which are critical for navigating the challenges of scaling a business.

EIC Accelerator Winner: QUBEDOT GMBH and Project iSMILE

Company: QUBEDOT GMBH
Project Acronym: iSMILE
Project Description: iSMILE refers to integrated scalable microLED engines, focusing on developing advanced microLED technology for various applications, including displays and lighting.

Project Details

Website: qubedot.com
Country: Germany
Submission Date: November 8, 2023 (Step 2 proposal, Step 3 interview)

Project Objective: The iSMILE project aims to revolutionize display technology by developing scalable microLED engines that deliver superior performance, efficiency, and versatility compared to traditional display technologies like LCD and OLED.

Technology Basics and Background

MicroLED Technology: MicroLED is an emerging display technology that utilizes microscopic light-emitting diodes to create images. Unlike traditional display technologies, microLEDs are self-emissive, meaning they emit their own light without the need for backlighting. This results in several advantages:

• High Brightness and Contrast: MicroLED displays can achieve higher brightness levels and contrast ratios compared to OLED and LCD, providing better visibility in various lighting conditions.
• Energy Efficiency: MicroLEDs consume less power, making them more energy-efficient, which is crucial for mobile devices and large-scale displays.
• Longevity and Durability: MicroLED technology is less prone to burn-in and degradation over time, enhancing the lifespan of displays.
• Scalability: The iSMILE project focuses on integrating microLED engines that can be easily scaled for various applications, from small wearable devices to large screens and signage.

Market Potential: The demand for high-quality displays is growing rapidly in various sectors, including consumer electronics, automotive displays, and smart home devices. By providing a versatile and efficient solution, QUBEDOT GMBH's iSMILE project positions itself to capture significant market opportunities.

In summary, the EIC Accelerator program is instrumental in driving innovation in the European startup ecosystem, providing essential funding and support to companies like QUBEDOT GMBH and their groundbreaking iSMILE project. By focusing on cutting-edge technologies such as microLED, the EIC Accelerator is helping to shape the future of display technology and enhance the competitiveness of European startups on the global stage.

2 The Funding Rounds

As of April 16, 2025, QubeDot GmbH, a German company specializing in microLED technology, has not publicly disclosed any additional funding rounds since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on November 8, 2023. The EIC Accelerator funding was a significant milestone for QubeDot, as they were among the 42 companies selected out of over 1,000 applicants. (qubedot.com)

Prior to this, QubeDot secured support from the European Innovation Council Fund, a venture capital firm, and the German Accelerator, an accelerator/incubator program. (pitchbook.com)

The company was founded in 2019 by Heiko Brüning and Jan Gülink, who serve as the CEO and CTO, respectively. (qubedot.com)

Regarding company valuations, specific figures are not publicly available. The latest available data indicates that QubeDot is in the startup stage, having completed an accelerator/incubator deal on January 1, 2024. (pitchbook.com)

In summary, there is no new information on QubeDot's funding rounds, investor details, or company valuations beyond the EIC Accelerator funding received in November 2023.

3 The Press Releases

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on November 8, 2023, QubeDot GmbH has made several notable advancements and announcements:

1. Development of Native-InGaN Red MicroLEDs

QubeDot has successfully developed native-InGaN red microLEDs, a significant milestone in microLED technology. These red microLEDs are essential for rendering the color red on various screens, including TVs, smartphones, and smartwatches. The development process involved advanced epitaxy and chip processing techniques, demonstrating QubeDot's expertise in the field. Potential applications for these microLEDs include high-resolution displays, medical imaging systems, and augmented reality (AR) glasses. (qubedot.com)

2. Finalist in the NBank DurchSTARTer Award

QubeDot was selected as one of the top three finalists for the NBank DurchSTARTer Award, which recognizes innovative ideas and business concepts from startups and young companies in Lower Saxony. This recognition highlights QubeDot's commitment to innovation and its impact in the microLED technology sector. The award ceremony took place on December 6, 2023. (qubedot.com)

3. Participation in Industry Events

• MicroLED Connect Conference (September 25-26, 2023): QubeDot's Co-Founder and CEO, Dr.-Ing. Heiko Brüning, showcased the company's SMILE technology, emphasizing its role in shaping the future of the display industry. The SMILE platform offers versatile display solutions using InGaN-based microLEDs. (qubedot.com)
• Quantum Dots: Material Innovations and Commercial Applications Event (November 29-30, 2023): QubeDot's CTO, Jan Gülink, presented on the company's SMILE microLED platforms, discussing their versatility in display solutions. The presentation highlighted the role of InGaN microLEDs in next-generation displays and how the SMILE platform enables versatile production. (microledconnect.com)

4. Quality Management Certification

QubeDot achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification without any deviations, reaffirming its commitment to delivering reliable quality in development, products, and services. This certification ensures the highest level of process integrity for customers and demonstrates the company's dedication to continuous improvement. (qubedot.com)

5. Expansion into Global Markets

QubeDot joined the German Accelerator Life Science program, supporting its global expansion efforts. The program, operated by the Start2 Group and funded by BMWK, empowers German startups to scale globally, providing a fast-paced learning journey to understand and tap into international markets. (qubedot.com)

These developments underscore QubeDot's ongoing commitment to innovation, quality, and global expansion in the microLED technology sector.

4 The Technology Advancements

QubeDot GmbH, based in Germany, received the EIC Accelerator funding on November 8, 2023, for their "iSMILE" project—Integrated Scalable MicroLED Engines. (qubedot.com)

Technology Advancements Since November 2023:

Since securing the EIC Accelerator funding, QubeDot has made significant strides in advancing their microLED technology. They have developed and manufactured microLEDs and CMOS-integrated microLED displays tailored for high-tech applications. Additionally, QubeDot has created digital high-tech microscopes that are individual, simple, portable, and multifunctional. (eic.eismea.eu)

Scaling of Technology:

QubeDot has successfully scaled their technology by establishing their own semiconductor cleanroom facilities in Germany. This move enables them to produce approximately 1,000 wafers per year, each containing 80 to 100 million LEDs. Their long-term vision includes full automation of microLED production over the next five years to meet the growing market demand. (eic.eismea.eu)

Market Demonstrations:

QubeDot has actively demonstrated their technology in the market by engaging with over 40 potential customers during the EIC SMILE project. They have successfully converted several of these potential projects into real commercial ventures. Their microLEDs are utilized in diverse applications, including augmented reality glasses and advanced measuring solutions for machinery. (eic.eismea.eu)

Intellectual Property and Publications:

QubeDot's microLED technology is protected by a U.S. patent, ensuring their innovations are safeguarded. (optics.org) While specific details about new patents, scientific studies, clinical trials, or whitepapers published since November 2023 are not readily available, their active participation in international trade fairs and conferences suggests ongoing research and development efforts. For instance, QubeDot showcased their SMILE technology at the MicroLED Connect conference in September 2024. (qubedot.com)

In summary, QubeDot GmbH has made substantial progress in advancing, scaling, and demonstrating their microLED technology since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in November 2023.

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding on November 8, 2023, QubeDot GmbH has made significant strides in expanding its partnerships and customer base.

New Partnerships:

German Accelerator Life Science Program: QubeDot has been accepted into this program, which is operated by the Start2 Group and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). This program is designed to support German startups in scaling globally by providing access to leading innovation hubs in the U.S., Asia, and South America. Through this partnership, QubeDot aims to work closely with experienced experts and mentors from the U.S., exchange ideas, gain insights, and develop best practices for future international collaborations. (qubedot.com)

New Customers:

Diverse Clientele Across the EU and USA: QubeDot has established relationships with a wide range of customers, including both small innovative SMEs and large listed entities. These customers require QubeDot's expertise in microLED technology for various applications, such as augmented reality glasses and advanced measuring solutions for machinery. (eic.eismea.eu)

Nature and Purpose of New Relationships:

• Global Expansion and Market Penetration: The partnership with the German Accelerator Life Science Program is aimed at facilitating QubeDot's global expansion efforts. By collaborating with international experts and mentors, QubeDot seeks to understand and tap into leading innovation hubs, thereby accelerating its market penetration and scaling capabilities. (qubedot.com)
• Diversified Applications of MicroLED Technology: The new customer relationships enable QubeDot to apply its microLED technology across a diverse range of industries, from consumer electronics to industrial machinery. This diversification allows QubeDot to showcase the versatility and scalability of its technology, meeting the growing demands of various sectors. (eic.eismea.eu)

Market Positioning:

• Strengthened Global Presence: The collaboration with the German Accelerator Life Science Program positions QubeDot to enhance its global presence by leveraging international networks and expertise. This strategic positioning is expected to open new markets and opportunities for the company. (qubedot.com)
• Enhanced Credibility and Trust: By serving a diverse clientele, including both SMEs and large corporations, QubeDot demonstrates its capability to meet the needs of various market segments. This broad customer base enhances the company's credibility and trust in the industry. (eic.eismea.eu)

Technology Advancements and Scaling:

• Access to Advanced Resources: The partnership with the German Accelerator Life Science Program provides QubeDot with access to advanced resources, mentorship, and international markets. This support is crucial for accelerating technology advancements and scaling operations to meet global demand. (qubedot.com)
• Increased Production Capabilities: The diverse applications of QubeDot's microLED technology across various industries necessitate scaling production capabilities. The company's ability to serve a wide range of customers indicates its readiness to expand production and technological advancements to meet increasing demand. (eic.eismea.eu)

In summary, since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding, QubeDot GmbH has strategically expanded its partnerships and customer base, positioning itself for significant growth and technological advancement in the global market.

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

QubeDot GmbH, a German company specializing in microLED technology, received the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding on November 8, 2023, for their "iSMILE" project—Integrated Scalable MicroLED Engines. (qubedot.com)

Current Team Size and Hiring Status:

Specific details about QubeDot's current headcount or team size are not publicly disclosed. The company has not publicly announced any recent hiring activities.

Growth and Key Hires:

While exact figures on team growth are unavailable, QubeDot has been actively expanding its operations. In May 2024, the company was accepted into the German Accelerator Life Science program, aiming to support its global expansion efforts. (qubedot.com)

Impact of New Team Members:

Although specific new hires are not detailed, QubeDot's participation in the German Accelerator program suggests a strategic focus on scaling operations and enhancing international collaborations. This initiative is expected to bolster the company's capabilities in microLED technology and strengthen its position in the global market.

Management and Founding Team Changes:

There are no publicly available reports indicating major changes in QubeDot's management or founding team since the EIC Accelerator funding.

In summary, while detailed information on QubeDot's team size and recent hires is limited, the company's strategic initiatives, such as joining the German Accelerator program, reflect its commitment to growth and innovation in the microLED sector.

7 The Media Features and Publications

Since QubeDot GmbH received the EIC Accelerator funding on November 8, 2023, the company has been featured in several media outlets and has participated in various events. Below is a summary of these activities:

Media Features:

• Optica Newsroom: On November 26, 2024, Optica reported that QustomDot, a leading innovator in cadmium-free quantum dot technology for display applications, secured EUR 2.7 million in financing, including a EUR 2.5 million EIC Accelerator grant. (optica.org)
• EIC Community: On May 6, 2024, the EIC Community featured an article titled "Meet EIC beneficiary QubeDot: from idea to scaleup," highlighting the company's journey and achievements. (eic.eismea.eu)
• Optics.org: On March 21, 2024, Optics.org covered the European Innovation Council's support for photonics companies, including QubeDot, in its latest funding round. (optics.org)

Publications:

• EIC Community: The article "Meet EIC beneficiary QubeDot: from idea to scaleup" provides an in-depth look at the company's development and future plans. (eic.eismea.eu)
• Optics.org: The piece "European Innovation Council backs photonics in latest funding round" discusses the EIC's support for photonics companies, including QubeDot. (optics.org)

Podcasts or Interviews:

An interview with QubeDot's co-founder, Heiko Brüning, is available on the EIC Community website, discussing the company's journey and future plans. (eic.eismea.eu)

Conferences and Fair Visits:

• MicroLED Connect: QubeDot's Co-Founder and CEO, Dr.-Ing. Heiko Brüning, showcased the company's SMILE technology at the MicroLED Connect conference in Eindhoven, Netherlands, on September 25-26, 2024. (qubedot.com)
• SID Display Week 2024: The company participated in the SID Display Week from May 14-16, 2024, in San Jose, CA, USA, where CTO Jan Gülink spoke on the AR/VR/MR stage. (qubedot.com)
• Analytica 2024: QubeDot exhibited at Analytica, the world’s leading trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis, and biotechnology, in Munich from April 9-12, 2024. (qubedot.com)

Event Involvement:

• German Accelerator Life Science Program: QubeDot was accepted into the German Accelerator Life Science program, supporting its global expansion efforts. (qubedot.com)
• Tech Transfer Conference Stage at Hannover Messe 2024: CEO and co-founder Dr.-Ing. Heiko Brüning spoke about the company's customized microLED solutions at the Tech Transfer Conference Stage in Hannover, Germany, on April 25, 2024. (qubedot.com)

These activities highlight QubeDot GmbH's active engagement in the industry and its commitment to advancing microLED technology.