1 The EIC Accelerator Project
EIC Accelerator Program Overview
The EIC Accelerator is a prestigious funding program under the European Innovation Council (EIC) designed to support high-risk, high-potential startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European Union. It aims to drive innovation by providing both financial support and strategic guidance to groundbreaking projects, particularly within the DeepTech sector.
Grant and Equity Funding
The EIC Accelerator offers a unique funding model known as blended finance, which combines:
- Grant Funding: Up to €2.5 million to cover innovation activities, such as R&D and validation.
- Equity Investment: Up to €15 million until 2024, reducing to €10 million starting in 2025. This equity component is designed to support scale-up activities and market entry.
The combination of grant and equity provides comprehensive support throughout the innovation lifecycle, enabling companies to scale efficiently and effectively.
Purpose in the European DeepTech and Startup Ecosystem
The EIC Accelerator plays a pivotal role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by:
- Supporting Breakthrough Technologies: Focusing on transformative projects that might otherwise struggle to secure funding.
- Fostering Innovation: Encouraging a culture of innovation by reducing financial risk and enabling faster commercialization of new technologies.
- Enhancing Competitiveness: Strengthening the EU's position in the global technology market through strategic investments in high-potential companies.
Scaling and Private Sector Funding
The EIC Accelerator is instrumental in helping companies scale by:
- Providing Validation and Credibility: Winning the EIC Accelerator acts as a stamp of approval, making it easier for companies to attract additional private sector investment.
- Facilitating Growth: By offering substantial funding and strategic support, it allows companies to focus on scaling operations, developing new markets, and increasing revenue.
- Encouraging Private Investment: The program's equity component often serves as a catalyst for further private investment, bridging the gap between public funding and private sector support.
COMPTEK SOLUTIONS OY and Project ENLIGHT
COMPTEK SOLUTIONS OY, based in Finland, is a distinguished winner of the EIC Accelerator. Their project, ENLIGHT, focuses on a novel passivation technique for compound semiconductor devices.
ENLIGHT Project Overview
- Objective: The project aims to enhance the performance and reliability of semiconductor devices through innovative passivation techniques.
- Technology: ENLIGHT introduces a groundbreaking approach to semiconductor passivation—crucial for improving efficiency, reducing energy loss, and enhancing device longevity.
Technology Basics and Background
Passivation in semiconductors refers to the process of coating the surface of semiconductor material to protect it from environmental factors, such as oxidation and contamination, which can degrade performance.
- Compound Semiconductors: Unlike traditional silicon-based semiconductors, compound semiconductors (like GaN or InP) offer superior performance in terms of speed, power, and efficiency, making them essential for advanced applications like high-frequency and high-power devices.
- Innovative Approach: COMPTEK SOLUTIONS OY's novel technique addresses common issues in compound semiconductors by providing a more effective passivation layer. This enhances the electronic properties and operational stability of devices, paving the way for more efficient and reliable semiconductor applications.
By securing funding through the EIC Accelerator, COMPTEK SOLUTIONS OY is well-positioned to revolutionize the semiconductor industry, driving advancements in technology that align with the broader goals of the EIC to foster innovation and competitiveness within the EU.
2 The Funding Rounds
Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on October 6, 2021, Comptek Solutions Oy has secured additional funding as follows:Series A Funding Round:
- Date: August 15, 2023
- Amount: €8 million
- Investors:
- A key strategic partner in the consumer electronics industry
- Horizon Europe EIC Fund
- LIFTT S.p.A., an Italian venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in startups and SMEs with high growth impact and ESG
This funding complements a €2.45 million grant awarded in 2022 by the EIC Accelerator. The combined support is intended to accelerate Comptek's growth, technological advancements, and the industrialization of its passivation technology for applications in optoelectronics and power electronics. (comptek-solutions.com)
Specific company valuations related to this funding round or any exit events have not been publicly disclosed.
3 The Press Releases
Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on October 6, 2021, Comptek Solutions Oy has published several press releases detailing their advancements and milestones. Below is a summary of these press releases:1. Comptek Solutions Secures €8 Million in Series A Funding to Drive Growth in Customized Passivation for Opto and Power Electronics
- Date: August 15, 2023
- Summary: Comptek Solutions announced the successful closure of its Series A funding round, securing €8 million in equity investment. The funding round included participation from a key strategic partner in the consumer electronics industry, the Horizon Europe EIC Fund, and LIFTT S.p.A., an Italian venture capital firm. This investment aims to support Comptek's growth, technological innovation, and the industrialization of its passivation technology for next-generation optoelectronics and power electronics applications. (comptek-solutions.com)
2. Comptek Solutions Showcases Turnkey Innovations at Photonics West 2024
- Date: December 4, 2023
- Summary: Comptek Solutions announced its participation in the SPIE Photonics West 2024 exhibition, scheduled from January 30 to February 1, 2024, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The company planned to showcase its breakthrough innovation, Kontrox LASE 16, a turnkey machinery designed and optimized for the passivation of laser bar facets. Additionally, CTO Jouko Lång was scheduled to present at the SPIE Photonics West LASE technical conference on advancements in facet passivation for high-power edge-emitting laser diodes. (comptek-solutions.com)
3. Comptek Solutions Completes Installation of Kontrox-powered 200mm Wafer Pilot Line
- Date: October 22, 2024
- Summary: Comptek Solutions announced the successful launch of its EIC-funded pilot line, integrating Kontrox passivation and Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) for power and optoelectronics. This installation marks a significant step towards scalable semiconductor passivation technology. (comptek-solutions.com)
4. Comptek Solutions Showcases Pilot Line and Passivation Breakthroughs at SEMICON Europa 2024
- Date: October 31, 2024
- Summary: Comptek Solutions participated in SEMICON Europa 2024, held in Munich, to showcase their EIC-backed advances in sustainable semiconductor technology. The company highlighted its pilot line and passivation breakthroughs at Booth EWE126. (comptek-solutions.com)
5. Comptek Solutions Presents Turnkey Passivation Advancements at SEMICON Japan 2024
- Date: November 28, 2024
- Summary: Comptek Solutions announced its participation in SEMICON Japan 2024 to present their turnkey laser passivation machine and pilot line for next-generation semiconductors. (comptek-solutions.com)
6. Comptek Solutions Launches Kontrox LASE 16 for Industrial-Scale Edge-Emitting Laser Facet Passivation
- Date: March 11, 2025
- Summary: Comptek Solutions launched Kontrox LASE 16, a game-changing solution for premium laser facet passivation, designed for industrial-scale production. (comptek-solutions.com)
These press releases highlight Comptek Solutions' significant progress in securing funding, technological advancements, and active participation in key industry events since receiving EIC Accelerator funding in October 2021.
4 The Technology Advancements
Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on October 6, 2021, Comptek Solutions Oy has achieved several significant milestones:Technology Advancements:
- Kontrox LASE 16 Launch: In March 2025, Comptek introduced the Kontrox LASE 16, a turnkey machine optimized for the passivation of laser bar facets. This innovation integrates advanced characterization, cleaning, and passivation techniques, marking a substantial advancement in laser facet passivation technology. (comptek-solutions.com)
- 200mm Wafer Pilot Line Installation: By October 2024, the company completed the installation of a pilot line incorporating their proprietary Kontrox passivation technology and Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). This pilot line is designed to enhance the manufacturing of power electronics and optoelectronics chips. (comptek-solutions.com)
Scaling and Market Demonstration:
- Series A Funding: In August 2023, Comptek secured €8 million in Series A funding, with contributions from a strategic partner in the consumer electronics industry, the Horizon Europe EIC Fund, and LIFTT S.p.A. This investment is intended to support the company's growth and the industrialization of its passivation solutions. (comptek-solutions.com)
- Industry Exhibitions: Comptek has actively showcased its technologies at major industry events, including:
- Photonics West 2024:
- SEMICON Europa 2024:
- SEMICON Japan 2024:
These participations demonstrate the company's commitment to engaging with industry stakeholders and potential customers. (comptek-solutions.com)
Patents and Publications:
While specific details on new patents, scientific studies, clinical trials, or whitepapers published since October 6, 2021, are not readily available in the provided sources, Comptek's ongoing technological developments and industry engagements suggest a continuous commitment to innovation and research.
In summary, Comptek Solutions Oy has made notable progress in advancing and scaling its passivation technologies since receiving EIC Accelerator funding, with significant steps toward industrialization and market integration.
5 The Partnerships and Customers
Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on October 6, 2021, Comptek Solutions Oy has established several significant partnerships and customer relationships:New Partnerships:
New Customers:
Comptek Solutions has reported significant interest from major manufacturers in its Kontrox™ technology. Several key European manufacturers have committed to collaborating with Comptek, particularly in the field of power electronics. Additionally, the company's pilot line for 200mm wafer passivation has attracted substantial interest, with several major manufacturers scheduling trial runs to explore its capabilities. The capacity for 2025 is already fully booked, indicating strong customer engagement. (semiconductor-today.com)
Nature and Purpose of Relationships:
- Riber S.A.: The partnership focuses on customizing and optimizing equipment specifications to deploy Kontrox™ technology according to user needs, enhancing industrialization with process control developed specifically for Kontrox™. (marketscreener.com)
- Strategic Partner in Consumer Electronics Industry: This relationship aims to support Comptek's scale-up growth, technological innovation, and accelerate the industrialization and implementation of its technology for next-generation applications in optoelectronics and power electronics. (semiconductor-today.com)
- Major Manufacturers: Collaborations with key European manufacturers in power electronics and other sectors are intended to integrate Kontrox™ technology into their production lines, enhancing device performance and manufacturing efficiency. (semiconductor-today.com)
Market Positioning:
These relationships position Comptek Solutions as a leading innovator in compound semiconductor device passivation. The partnership with Riber enhances Comptek's ability to deliver customized solutions, while the strategic investment from a consumer electronics partner provides resources and industry connections to expand market reach. Collaborations with major manufacturers validate the demand for Comptek's technology and establish the company as a key player in the semiconductor industry.
Technology Advancements and Scaling:
The partnership with Riber facilitates the development of tailored equipment, optimizing the deployment of Kontrox™ technology. The strategic investment supports scaling operations and accelerating technological innovation. Collaborations with major manufacturers enable real-world application and refinement of Comptek's technology, driving further advancements and facilitating large-scale implementation.
These developments collectively strengthen Comptek Solutions' market position and technological capabilities, paving the way for future growth and innovation in the semiconductor industry.
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on October 6, 2021, Comptek Solutions Oy has demonstrated significant growth and development.Current Headcount and Team Size: Specific figures regarding the current headcount and team size are not publicly disclosed. However, the company has emphasized plans to "accelerate the growth of our team and technology portfolio" following their recent funding rounds. (photonics.fi)
Hiring Status: While there are no explicit public announcements about current hiring activities, the company's stated intentions to expand their team suggest potential recruitment efforts.
Growth Since October 2021: In August 2023, Comptek Solutions secured an €8 million Series A funding round, with participation from the Horizon Europe EIC Fund and LIFTT S.p.A. This funding aims to support scale-up growth, technological innovation, and the industrialization of their passivation technology for next-generation applications in optoelectronics and power electronics. (photonics.fi)
Key Positions Recently Hired: Specific details about recent hires are not publicly available.
Impact of New Team Members: The planned team expansion is intended to enhance Comptek Solutions' capacity to deliver efficient passivation solutions, particularly in power electronics, where collaborations with key European manufacturers are already underway. (photonics.fi)
Changes in Management or Founding Team: As of the latest available information, the founding team remains unchanged, with CEO and Co-founder Vicente Calvo Alonso and CTO and Co-founder Jouko Lång continuing to lead the company. (photonics.fi)
In summary, since October 2021, Comptek Solutions Oy has secured significant funding to support its growth and technological advancements. While specific details about team size, hiring, and recent appointments are not publicly disclosed, the company's strategic initiatives indicate a strong commitment to scaling operations and enhancing its market presence.
7 The Media Features and Publications
Since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on October 6, 2021, Comptek Solutions Oy has been featured in several media outlets and has actively participated in various industry events. Below is a comprehensive overview of their media features, publications, interviews, and event participations:Media Features and Publications:
Company Publications:
Comptek Solutions has published several press releases and news articles on their official website:
- August 15, 2023: Press release announcing the successful closure of an €8 million Series A funding round to drive growth in customized passivation for optoelectronic and power applications. (comptek-solutions.com)
- October 22, 2024: Press release detailing the completion of the installation of a Kontrox-powered 200mm wafer pilot line, paving the way for scalable semiconductor passivation technology. (comptek-solutions.com)
- March 11, 2025: Press release announcing the launch of Kontrox LASE 16, a solution for industrial-scale edge-emitting laser facet passivation. (comptek-solutions.com)
Podcasts and Interviews:
As of the current information available, there are no specific records of podcasts or interviews featuring the Comptek Solutions team since October 6, 2021.
Conferences, Fairs, and Event Participations:
This overview encapsulates Comptek Solutions Oy's media presence and active participation in industry events since receiving EIC Accelerator funding on October 6, 2021.