Dutch-based SuperLight Photonics secures funding to accelerate expansion of its laser technologies

Overijssel-based SuperLight Photonics, a Dutch innovator in laser technology, has announced a strategic investment from Hamamatsu Ventures.

Hamamatsu Ventures, a global corporate VC firm, seeks to invest in photonics companies that address future societal needs through disruptive technologies.

This partnership is expected to accelerate the development of SuperLight Photonics’ next-generation photonic technologies and enhance its presence in the global market.

Katsuhiro Kobayashi, CEO of Hamamatsu Ventures, says, “As a strategic investor, we provide business expertise in areas where we have deep experience and we seek to create synergies which might lead to collaborative R&D and joint developments. It is our ambition to build a long-term, supportive partnership with our portfolio companies.”

“We recognise SuperLight Photonics’ groundbreaking technology as a game-changer with vast potential to transform a wide range of industries, they align perfectly with our investment focus on technologies shaping the future.”

David Castrillo, EU-CVC Business Development Manager at Hamamatsu, will join the Advisory Board of SuperLight Photonics as part of a strategic investment. With 30+ years of experience in the optical industry, Castrillo will offer expertise and insights to support the company’s vision and direction.

Capital utilisation

SuperLight Photonics plans to use the funds to expand its team, increase production capacity, and enhance innovation across its product portfolio. 

The company also aims to enter new geographic markets and strengthen partnerships with global distributors, OEMs, and key industry players.

Cees Links, CEO of SuperLight Photonics, says, “Our partnership with Hamamatsu Ventures marks a pivotal moment in our growth journey. Their support validates the enormous potential of our technologies and strengthens our ability to scale quickly, innovate, and meet the needs of global customers seeking innovative photonic solutions.”

“We are excited to leverage their industry knowledge and network to bring our breakthrough products to new markets.”

SuperLight Photonics: Everything you need to know

SuperLight Photonics is a spin-off from the University of Twente focused on developing supercontinuum generation lasers, also known as wideband lasers or white lasers. 

Its platform technology provides solutions for applications such as OCT, spectroscopy, microscopy, tomography, and metrology, serving sectors including biomedical, industrial, scientific, food, and agriculture. 

The company is also involved in creating Photon-IC (PIC) solutions and aims to leverage growth in the photonics sector to promote a technologically advanced and sustainable future.

Haider Zia, Founder and CTO of SuperLight Photonics, thought of the idea for a compact and efficient on-chip wideband laser while travelling from Hamburg to Enschede. His patented technology aims to transform applications in industrial and medical imaging, detection, measurement, and spectrometry. 

In early 2023, Cees Links, also known as “The Father of WiFi”, joined as CEO, recognising the company’s potential for innovation in photonics. Elly Schietse became the CMO in August 2023, bringing extensive marketing experience and expertise in quality management systems. 

Bradley Snyder joined as COO in November 2023, with a background in photonics manufacturing, while Jeroen Biesterbos was appointed CCO in January 2024 to enhance business development initiatives. 

Paul de Wit took on the role of CFO in April 2024, leveraging his financial expertise to guide the company’s growth. Together, this leadership team aims to advance the capabilities and market presence of SuperLight Photonics in the photonics industry.