1 The EIC Accelerator Project
The EIC Accelerator program is a cornerstone initiative under the European Innovation Council (EIC), aimed at supporting innovative startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high growth potential. This program provides funding through a combination of grants and equity investments, specifically designed to facilitate the scale-up of groundbreaking technologies and business models.Funding Structure
The EIC Accelerator offers two main types of funding: grants and equity investments.
Purpose and Role in the Ecosystem
The primary objective of the EIC Accelerator is to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem. By providing financial support tailored to the unique challenges faced by high-tech and innovative companies, the program aims to bridge the gap between research and market introduction.
The EIC Accelerator plays a crucial role in helping companies scale by:
- Facilitating Access to Funding: By providing substantial funding, the program enables startups to develop their technologies further and prepare for market entry, thereby mitigating the financial risks associated with innovation.
- Encouraging Private Investment: The backing from the EIC often acts as a signal of credibility and potential success, attracting additional private sector investments. This can create a multiplier effect, where the initial funding enables companies to secure further investment from venture capitalists and angel investors.
- Providing Business Development Support: Beyond financial assistance, the EIC Accelerator also offers advisory services and mentorship, helping companies refine their business models, enhance their market strategies, and build valuable networks within the industry.
Overview of Zero Point Motion Ltd and the ZPM IMU Project
Zero Point Motion Ltd, a UK-based company, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator for its innovative project, ZPM IMU. The proposal was submitted on March 22, 2023, as part of the Step 2 application process, which subsequently led to success in the Step 3 interview stage.
Project Description: ZPM IMU
The ZPM IMU (Zero Point Motion Inertial Measurement Unit) represents a groundbreaking advancement in inertial sensing technology. This project focuses on developing an IMU that leverages novel techniques to enhance precision and reduce the overall size and weight of the device.
Technology Basics and Background
Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) are critical components used in various applications, including aerospace, automotive, robotics, and consumer electronics. They typically consist of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and sometimes magnetometers to provide data on motion and orientation. Traditional IMUs, however, often face limitations in terms of accuracy, drift, and size, which restrict their application in more demanding environments.
Zero Point Motion Ltd's ZPM IMU aims to address these challenges by employing innovative technology to achieve higher performance metrics. The IMU is designed to leverage advancements in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and quantum sensing principles, focusing on minimizing errors and improving responsiveness. This can lead to significant enhancements in applications such as autonomous vehicles, drone navigation, and augmented reality systems, where precision and reliability are paramount.
The ZPM IMU project not only illustrates the potential for technological innovation in the field of inertial sensing but also aligns with the EIC Accelerator's mission to support transformative ideas that can reshape industries. By securing funding through the EIC Accelerator, Zero Point Motion Ltd is well-positioned to bring its pioneering technology to market, thereby contributing to the advancement of the European DeepTech ecosystem.
2 The Funding Rounds
# Zero Point Motion: Funding Journey and Financial OverviewZero Point Motion, a Bristol-based sensor technology startup founded by Dr. Ying Lia Li, has secured significant funding through various rounds to develop its revolutionary motion sensing technology. The company specializes in developing ultra-sensitive, low-cost, miniaturized accelerometers and gyroscopes that are 100 times more sensitive than conventional MEMS sensors.
Funding Rounds and Timeline
Zero Point Motion has raised approximately $6.1 million across multiple funding rounds:
Pre-Seed and Early Grants (Before 2022) The company received initial funding through undisclosed pre-seed investments and early grants, helping establish its foundation in sensor technology development.
Seed Round (March 2022) Zero Point Motion raised a seed round in March 2022, with u-blox AG participating as a key investor. This investor has remained a strategic partner and customer in subsequent rounds.
Government and EU Funding (2023)
- £1.3 million ($1.7 million) from the UK's Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) in 2023
- €2.4 million ($2.6 million) grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program, awarded in September 2023
Pre-Series A (March 2025) The company recently closed a £4 million ($5.2 million) pre-Series A funding round in March 2025. This represents the company's latest major funding milestone as it emerges from "stealth mode".
Key Investors
Zero Point Motion's investor base includes:
- SCVC: The official funding arm of Science Creates, led the pre-Series A round
- Foresight Group: A key investor that initially backed Zero Point Motion in 2021 and participated in the pre-Series A round
- Verve Ventures: Participated in the pre-Series A funding round
- u-blox AG: Seed round investor that remains a strategic partner and customer
Use of Funds
The pre-Series A investment is fueling Zero Point Motion's:
Dr. Lia Li, founder and CEO, mentioned: "We're working with two of the world's leading foundries to push MEMS performance beyond its limits. With top-tier investors and partners behind us, we're laser-focused on delivering our inertial sensors to customers who demand the highest precision and reliability."
Company Valuation and Exit Events
The current valuation of Zero Point Motion is not publicly disclosed in the available information. There is no information regarding exit events such as IPOs, buyouts, or acquisitions involving the company.
Market Position and Recognition
Zero Point Motion has gained notable recognition in the industry: - Named as one of Sifted's "16 Bristol-based Startups to Watch"
The company is targeting high-growth markets including defense, agritech, autonomous vehicles, consumer electronics, and industrial logistics with its innovative sensor technology.
Sources: - Zero Point Motion closes £4million funding round to revolutionise motion sensing
- Zero Point Motion launches with £4 million funding targeting motion sensing
- Zero Point Motion announces £4M Pre-Series A funding round
- Zero Point Motion Emerges from Stealth - Photonics Spectra
- Zero Point Motion - Founder Lodge
- Zero Point Motion Raises £4M in Pre-Series A Funding - FinSMEs
- Zero Point Motion Stock Price, Funding, Valuation
- Zero Point Motion company information, funding & investors
- Bristol quantum start-up developing next generation motion sensing technology secures £4m funding
3 The Press Releases
Zero Point Motion Ltd: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Developments Bristol-based Zero Point Motion Ltd, a 2023 EIC Accelerator grant recipient, has advanced its ultra-precise motion-sensing technology through strategic partnerships and funding milestones. The company secured a €2.4 million grant under the March 2023 EIC Accelerator call, followed by a £4 million pre-Series A round in March 2025 to scale production and expand its team.Technology Advancements
Zero Point Motion’s sensors combine silicon photonics and MEMS, inspired by gravitational wave detection principles, to deliver accelerometers and gyroscopes 100x more sensitive than conventional MEMS devices. These sensors target GPS-denied environments for defense, space exploration, and autonomous systems. The company has accelerated R&D by bringing integration and packaging processes in-house, reducing iteration cycles from eight weeks to one day.Strategic Partnerships & Investors
- u-blox AG: A key investor and customer providing positioning technology expertise.
- SCVC (Science Creates Ventures), Foresight Group, and Verve Ventures: Led the £4 million funding round to support commercialization.
- UK Government & EU Grants: Received £1.3 million from the UK’s Centre for Connected Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) alongside the EIC Accelerator grant.
Team & Patents
CEO Dr. Lia Li emphasized advancements in patent filings during the March 2025 funding announcement, highlighting “newly granted patents” critical for maintaining technological leadership in inertial sensing. The team is expanding rapidly post-stealth mode to meet product qualification targets later in 2025.Sources
- EIC Accelerator Winners March 2023
- Zero Point Motion Launches with £4M Funding
- Pre-Series A Announcement
- Photonics Spectra Feature
4 The Technology Advancements
Zero Point Motion Ltd: Post-EIC Accelerator Funding AdvancementsSince securing a €2.4 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in 2023, Bristol-based Zero Point Motion has accelerated its development of next-generation inertial sensors. The company’s progress includes technological refinements, strategic partnerships, and market-focused demonstrations.
Core Technological Advancements
Zero Point Motion has refined its fusion of silicon photonics and MEMS, inspired by Nobel Prize-winning gravitational wave detection principles[^1^][^3^]. This integration enables miniaturized accelerometers and gyroscopes with 100x greater sensitivity than conventional MEMS sensors, targeting GPS-denied environments[^4^][^7^]. The company has brought critical integration and packaging R&D processes in-house, reducing iteration cycles from eight weeks to one day[^5^][^6^].Market Demonstrations
The company has partnered with u-blox AG, a leader in positioning technologies, to integrate its sensors into u-blox’s product offerings for urban navigation resilience[^3>][4>]. Additionally, Zero Point Motion collaborated with the University of the West of England (UWE) on the Digibeat project, funded by MyWorld (£144k), to demonstrate motion-sensing applications in virtual reality (VR) and healthcare[8>]. While specific customer deployments remain under wraps, CEO Dr. Lia Li confirmed their focus on product qualification and deployment as the next milestone[6>][7>].Intellectual Property Expansion
Zero Point Motion reports an expanding patent portfolio alongside multiple newly granted patents, though specifics are undisclosed publicly. The company emphasizes its agility in IP development as part of maintaining a competitive edge[6>][7>]. No peer-reviewed scientific studies or whitepapers were identified in public domains post-EIC funding.Sources
- Zero Point Motion closes £4million funding round
- Optics.org coverage
- Photonics Spectra article
- UKTech News report
- EU Startups coverage
-
Sources
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Sources
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Zero Point Motion Ltd.: Post-EIC Accelerator Progress Report
Following its EU Innovation Council Accelerator grant award (€2.4M) referenced indirectly through post-March'23 announcements¹⁻³، the UK-based sensor developer achieved measurable advancements across three fronts:
Technical Refinements & Manufacturing Readiness
The core innovation—a hybrid silicon photonics/MEMS architecture—now demonstrates improved scalability via partnerships with two undisclosed global foundries⁴ ‧ Iteration cycles shortened dramatically through internalized packaging R&D(eight weeks → one day)⁵‧Market Validation Efforts
Collaborations include: ▸ Strategic investment/client u-blox AG integrating sensors into urban navigation systems³⁶‧ ▸ A creative-sector pilot (Digibeat VR/heartbeat monitoring) via UWE partnership(£144k MyWorld grant)⁸‧IP & Regulatory Positioning
Multiple new patents granted alongside portfolio expansion claims,though specifics remain confidential⁵⁻⁷‧ No peer-reviewed publications identified post-EIC award.¹European Commission EIC Work Programme context (Reference PDF §IV);²Funding milestones aggregated across [BusinessCloud](#)、[UKTechNews](#)、[EUSTARTUPS](#);³Client pipeline per [u‑blox commentary via OpticsOrg](#);④Foundry claims per [CEO statement EUSTARTUPS/FORESIGHT];⑤R&D acceleration claims replicated across six sources¹⁻⁷;⑥Defense/Space focus reiterated post-funding¹⁻²;⑦IP assertions unverified outside corporate statements.
[Working Source Links From Search Results List]:
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5 The Partnerships and Customers
Zero Point Motion Ltd: Partnerships, Customers, and Market Positioning
Zero Point Motion Ltd, based in the United Kingdom, received significant funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program in March 2023. Since then, the company has continued to evolve its partnerships and customer base, particularly after securing additional funding in 2025.
Partnerships and Customers
Zero Point Motion is backed by several prominent investors and partners:
- SCVC (Science Creates Ventures): Acts as a key funding partner, supporting the company's innovative motion sensing technology.
- Foresight Group: Another major investor that has been involved with Zero Point Motion since 2021.
- Verve Ventures: Provides additional investment support.
- u-blox AG: Continues as a strategic partner and customer after investing in the seed round. They are known for their advanced positioning and wireless communication technologies.
New Partners and Customers
As of the latest updates, there are no specific mentions of new partners or customers beyond the continued involvement of existing investors and u-blox AG.
Nature of Relationships and Market Positioning
The partnerships with SCVC, Foresight Group, and Verve Ventures are crucial for Zero Point Motion's growth. These investors bring not only financial resources but also strategic guidance, helping the company scale up its operations and technology development. u-blox AG's continued partnership is significant as it integrates Zero Point Motion's sensors into their own product offerings, enhancing their market position and technological capabilities.
Technology Advancements and Scaling
The relationships with these partners enable Zero Point Motion to advance its technology by leveraging the expertise and resources provided. The company's focus on silicon photonics and MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology, inspired by gravitational wave detection principles, allows for the development of ultra-sensitive accelerometers and gyroscopes. This technology is critical for applications in defense, space exploration, autonomous vehicles, and industrial logistics, where high precision and reliability are essential.
The partnerships also facilitate rapid scaling by supporting the company's emergence from stealth mode and expanding its team and infrastructure. Zero Point Motion is working with leading foundries to push MEMS performance beyond current limits, accelerating product development and deployment.
Impact on Market Positioning
These partnerships and advancements position Zero Point Motion as a leader in motion sensing technology, particularly in environments where GPS is not available. The company's ability to deliver high-precision sensors will enhance its market presence in critical sectors such as defense, aerospace, and autonomous systems. By integrating cutting-edge technology into its products, Zero Point Motion is poised to become a key player in the global sensor technology market.
Sources
- Zero Point Motion closes £4million funding round
- Zero Point Motion launches with £4 million funding
- Zero Point Motion announces £4M Pre-Series A funding round
- Bristol quantum start-up developing next generation motion sensing technology secures £4m funding
- Zero Point Motion Emerges from Stealth
6 The Hiring and Company Growth
Zero Point Motion Ltd: Team Growth and Development
Zero Point Motion Ltd, a pioneering sensor technology company based in Bristol, UK, has been experiencing significant growth and team expansion since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2023. Here's an overview of the company's developments:
Current Headcount and Team Size
Currently, the exact headcount or team size of Zero Point Motion is not publicly disclosed. However, the company is actively hiring and expanding its team, especially after emerging from stealth mode following a substantial funding round.Hiring and Growth
Zero Point Motion is indeed hiring, as indicated by their job postings and the need for talent to support their rapid scale-up and technology development. The company's mission to harness light for advanced sensing technologies requires specialized skills, particularly in areas like silicon photonics and MEMS technology.Growth and Expansion
The company has grown significantly since its seed funding in January 2022. The recent £4 million pre-Series A funding round in March 2025 highlights its progress and expansion plans. This investment is crucial for scaling up the production of their innovative inertial sensors, which promise 100 times more sensitivity than conventional MEMS sensors.Key Positions and Recent Hires
While specific details on recent key hires are not available, the company's focus on developing cutting-edge sensor technology suggests that they are likely looking for experts in fields such as photonics, MEMS engineering, and software development. The appointment of Mr. John Martin Williams as a director in December 2024 indicates strategic leadership additions.Impact of New Team Members
The influx of new talent will be instrumental in helping Zero Point Motion scale and grow. By integrating experts in relevant fields, the company can accelerate the development and commercialization of its revolutionary sensor technology. This will enable them to meet the growing demand for high-precision navigation solutions across sectors like autonomous vehicles and robotics.Management and Founding Team Changes
The founding team is led by Dr. Lia Li, who continues to drive the company's vision and innovation. There have been no major changes reported in the founding team, but strategic additions to the leadership, such as Mr. John Williams, enhance the company's capabilities and strategic direction.Future Outlook
Zero Point Motion's future looks promising with its cutting-edge technology poised to redefine the motion sensing industry. The company's commitment to delivering aerospace-grade performance in commercial markets positions it for significant growth and impact in sectors where precise navigation is crucial.Sources
- Zero Point Motion launches with £4 million funding targeting motion sensing
- About Us - Zero Point Motion
- Zero Point Motion closes £4million funding round to revolutionise motion sensing
- Zero Point Motion
- Zero Point Motion - Founder Lodge
- Zero Point Motion Ltd - Company Profile - Endole
- Zero Point Motion announces £4M Pre-Series A funding round to revolutionise motion sensing
- April: Zero Point Motion funding
7 The Media Features and Publications
Overview of Zero Point Motion Ltd
Zero Point Motion Ltd, a UK-based company, has been gaining recognition for its innovative photonics-based sensing technology. Since receiving funding from the European Innovation Council Accelerator program in March 2023, the company has continued to advance its technology and market presence.
Media Features and Publications
Zero Point Motion Ltd has been featured in several publications for its groundbreaking work in photonics and MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology. Notably, Photonics Spectra reported on the company's emergence from stealth mode, highlighting its £4 million pre-series A funding round supported by SCVC, Foresight Group, Verve Ventures, and u-blox AG. This funding has enabled the company to scale up its operations and develop next-generation positioning and navigation sensors.
Content from Publications
Publications have emphasized Zero Point Motion's unique approach to combining silicon photonics and MEMS, inspired by Nobel Prize-winning gravitational wave detection principles. This technology offers 100 times greater sensitivity than conventional MEMS sensors, making it suitable for defense, space exploration, and autonomous systems.
Podcasts or Interviews
There is currently no publicly available information regarding specific podcasts or interviews featuring the Zero Point Motion team. However, their involvement in conferences and events suggests they are active in promoting their technology through various platforms.
Conference and Fair Visits
While specific details about Zero Point Motion's participation in conferences and fairs are not widely documented, their innovative technology and funding success suggest they are likely to engage with industry events related to photonics and autonomous systems.
Involvement in Events
Zero Point Motion's achievements have led to several notable recognitions, including being named a TechTour Top Presenting Company in 2022 and receiving the Sensors Converge Woman of the Year award in 2023. Additionally, their CEO, Dr. Lia Li, was recognized as one of ElectroOptics Top Photonics100 in 2024.
Since winning the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2023, Zero Point Motion Ltd has continued to grow and enhance its technological capabilities, positioning itself as a leader in photonics-based sensing solutions.
Sources
- ZERO POINT MOTION LTD overview - Companies House
- Zero Point Motion
- ZERO POINT MOTION LTD filing history - Companies House
- About Us - Zero Point Motion
- Zero Point Motion Ltd - Company Profile - Endole
- Zero Point Motion Emerges from Stealth - Photonics Spectra
- Zero Point Motion - CB Insights
- Related Content: Zero Point Motion Emerges from Stealth
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