A Dutch startup is taking a bold step to change the way cameras work. Eyeo, based in Eindhoven, has secured €15 million in seed funding to bring its ultra-compact high-resolution imaging technology to market. With this funding, Eyeo plans to make cameras smaller, sharper, and much better in low light.
The round was led by imec.xpand and Invest-NL, with support from QBIC Fund, HTGF, and BOM. This capital will help Eyeo scale up production and build customer testing kits, which should be ready within two years.
Breaking the Rules of Conventional Sensors
Most cameras today use red, green, and blue filters to capture images. These filters block up to 70% of the light, which means sensors need to be bigger and less energy-efficient. Eyeo takes a different approach. Instead of using filters, it guides light using nanophotonic waveguides—tiny structures that split light into colors and send it directly to the right pixel.
This change means Eyeo’s sensors can capture three times more light. They also produce clearer images, even in dark environments. Plus, their design works with standard CMOS platforms, which helps manufacturers adopt the tech more easily.
Unlike many systems that require heavy post-processing, Eyeo’s solution delivers sharp, accurate images straight from the sensor. It boosts resolution, improves color accuracy, and enables smaller pixel sizes—less than 0.5 microns. All this makes it perfect for smartphones, AR and VR headsets, robotics, and surveillance devices.
Backed by Experts, Built for the Future
Eyeo’s team brings deep knowledge in photonics and chip design. CEO Jeroen Hoet leads the startup, alongside CTO Alden Carracillo, CPO Gerd van den Branden, and Scientific Fellow Prof. Jan Genoe. The company began in Eindhoven, with roots in Leuven, Belgium—one of Europe’s top hubs for advanced imaging technology.
The investors backing Eyeo have strong track records. Imec.xpand has supported cutting-edge startups like PsiQuantum and Spectricity, while HTGF has funded more than 700 startups across Europe. Invest-NL, meanwhile, focuses on sustainable and innovative Dutch companies.
Eyeo isn’t working alone. It has already partnered with major chipmakers and sensor suppliers. These partnerships will help move the tech from labs into real products. The next step is to release evaluation kits and improve manufacturing. After that, Eyeo plans to work directly with device makers to embed its sensors into consumer and industrial gear.
Although giants like Sony and Samsung dominate imaging today, Eyeo’s compact and scalable design could give it an edge. Its tech fits into smaller spaces, uses less energy, and still delivers top-tier performance.
CEO Hoet believes this is only the beginning. The team aims to change how sensors are built, how light is captured, and what’s possible in imaging. Eyeo is not just tweaking camera tech—it’s setting a new standard for the future.
