Xenomatix is radically innovating the standard operating principle of LiDAR by introducing a light-based 3D measurement system, and is the first to design the by market defined holy grail being a true solid state LiDAR. XenomatiX’s unique all semiconductor-based design is first to meet cost, size, and robustness requirements without compromising measurement performance. XenoLiDAR, XenomatiX high-resolution true solid-state LiDAR generates 8D environmental measurement data (2D, 3D, intensity images, time and confidence levels) guaranteeing superior detection reliability. With zero moving parts, XenoLidar is a complete system-on-chip as demanded by automotive OEMs. Abandoning traditional light projection schemes and radically turning around how light is projected into the environment, XenomatiX reveals the 1st true solid-state LiDAR with 100% proven silicon components to supply the B€ automotive Lidar market.

The project scope is to develop an innovative technology of germanium (Ge)-based VCSEL. The main objective is to develop a Ge-VCSEL epi-growth by MOCVD and MBE techniques and processing of high performance and reliable lasers to be integrated in 3D camera and LiDAR demonstrators. The key challenge is to achieve high crystal quality of grown layers while taking the advantage of a better crystallographic lattice sameness between Ge and Al gallium arsenide (GaAs), which enables to decrease misfit defects density and in consequence to increase the quantum efficiency of the device. Several characterisation methods will be used as X-ray diffraction and topography, depth high resolution SIMS, electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), atomic force microscopy, reflectance, PL mapping, and others. Each growing campaign will be concluded by processing of conventional VCSELs (GaAs-based) and VCSELs on Ge which will allow the verification of VCSELs parameters and comparison of both type devices. The VCSEL technology drives a dynamic market with constant need for innovative solutions. Demonstration of high performing devices of Ge-on-Si can unlock potentially large markets from optical data communications to imaging, lighting and displays, to the manufacturing sector, to life sciences, health care, security and safety. In commercial applications, the performance, costs and the strong reduction of toxic elements will be very important factors to drive a replacement of the current technology. The Ge, offering a higher yield and less production losses due to higher uniformity at larger size wafer, is promised to lower the environmental burden compared to expensive GaAs substrate. As the VCSEL sector is developing dynamically with laser production expected to triple in the next five years, the project, with its innovative Ge-VCSEL solution, has the potential to significantly contribute to the reduction of lasers’ global usage of toxic materials, and improve the device performances.

RETINA aims at developing two new photonic-based sensory systems encompassing hardware and software solutions to meet the high added value and customised needs of the healthcare, automotive and agriculture sectors. The project will define a holistic framework for photonic technologies development where specific efforts on next-generation hardware solutions —focused on a novel PIC-based LIDAR solution, and cost-efficient CMOS, InGaAs and QDs snapshot spectral imagers— are coupled with the creation of a digital infrastructure for agile and efficient Machine Learning-based perception algorithms development. RETINA will demonstrate how direct collaboration among photonic solutions developers and manufacturers, data elaboration and AI experts, as well as leading sectorial companies of strategic sectors can steer the agile development of customised sensory systems and their deployment and validation in operational environments. The project will show the potential for adaptability, scalability and transferability of these photonic-based solutions by addressing a range of industrial needs in an efficient and cost-effective manner, namely i) tumorous cells identification and blood perfusion monitoring in surgical applications; ii)advanced ADAS vehicle collision detection systems for autonomous driving; and iii) precision viticulture solutions for hydric status management and prediction of pathogens infections.

Cynergy4MIE is a visionary project poised to revolutionize Europe's industrial landscape by bridging the gap between foundational technology layers, cross-sectional technologies, and key application areas. The project addresses the pressing need for efficient resource utilization and synergy creation across ecosystems. By actively managing requirements from various key application areas, Cynergy4MIE aims to steer developments in foundational technology layers and cross-sectional technologies, enabling unparalleled collaboration and resource optimization. This approach promises faster time-to-market, efficient resource utilization, and enhanced technological exchange between key application areas. Cynergy4MIE's strategy aligns with the EU's agenda and emphasizes urgency, resilience, technological partnerships, and cross-domain integration to champion European competitiveness. The project's long-term impact rests on embracing urgency, fostering competitive resilience, strengthening technological partnerships, harnessing ecosystem synergies, promoting cross-domain integration, advancing AI competence, prioritizing sustainability, enhancing productivity, and ensuring user-centric digitalization while forming strategic alliances. Cynergy4MIE envisions a future where emergent cyber-physical systems serve human-centric needs, drive domain convergence, and secure Europe's position as a global technology leader.

NewControl will develop virtualized platforms for vehicular subsystems that are essential to highly automated driving (realizing functions such as perception, cognition and control), so as to enable mobility-as-a-service for next generation highly automated vehicles. Its overarching goal is to provide an industrially calibrated trajectory towards increased user-acceptance of automated control functions, through an approach that is centered on the premise of safety by design. Newcontrol will deliver: 1. Fail-operational platform for robust holistic perception through a combination of Lidar, Radar, and sensor fusion 2. Generalized virtual platform for stable and efficient control of propulsion systems 3. Cost- and power-efficient, high-performance embedded compute-platforms for in-vehicle perception, cognition, and control 4. Robust approaches for implementing, verifying, and certifying automated control for safety-critical applications Several (12) demonstrators will be built to showcase the project’s findings and their capability to facilitate perception, cognition and control of next generation highly automated vehicles. The developments in NewControl will facilitate significant cost reductions for essential modules necessary for future automated vehicles. Concomitantly, these developments will improve the safety and reliability of automated systems to levels necessary for mass-market deployment. These innovations will leverage the expertise of industrial (OEMs, Tier-1, Tier-2 and technology providers) and research partners along the complete semiconductor, automotive, and aviation value chains, providing Europe with a competitive edge in a growing market. Importantly, NewControl's innovations will improve the market penetration of safety-centric automation systems, contributing directly to the European goal of zero road fatalities by 2050.