Senorics raises more than 8 million Euro for commercializing its disruptive material sensing technology

The German company specializes in novel near-infrared spectroscopy sensors. They are smaller than a 1 cent coin and thus can be integrated into household appliances and smartphones. The sensor allows for a contactless analysis of material compositions, which until now was only possible in laboratories using bulky spectrometers.

In infrared spectroscopy a solid or liquid material is irradiated by light. Based on the wavelength distribution of the reflected light, material compositions can be identified and quantified. In an industrial context, for example, the technology allows for process monitoring and quality control because of its ability to detect contamination.

Broad application possibilities and great development potential

“We are looking forward to accompanying this fascinating business as an investor and sparring partner over the coming years” says Klaus Ragotzky, founder of FIDURA Fonds. Essential for the decision of FIDURA Private Equity Fonds to get involved with Senorics was the unique patented sensor technology which holds big market potential.

“In comparison to classic optical semiconductor sensors, whose technology is almost exhausted in the infrared region, the organic semiconductor sensors used by Senorics offer huge development potential” explains Klaus Ragotzky further.

“We know Senorics through past cooperation, which is the reason for our involvement in this financial round” explains Gerrit Schulte, Head of Zeiss Ventures. “We see a broad application field with organic semiconductor technology. We think that powerful miniature sensors based on organic semiconductors enable many applications that aren’t possible today using big and expensive spectrometers.”

Pilot line will be ready before summer

For Dr. Ronny Timmreck, founder of Senorics, the successfully completed financial round is a big step towards the realization of Senorics’ vision. “Thanks to our small, powerful infrared sensors, all people will soon benefit from material analysis.” Dr. Timmreck is pleased that, along with previous supporters, new investors were won over. “With FIDURA and ZEISS we have two new experienced investors on our side, which will support us with our next step: to scale our technology for the industrial market.”

Currently Senorics is working on the setup of a pilot line, which will be ready before the summer. The company is supported in their undertaking by the Dresden Integrated Center for Applied Physics and Photonic Materials (IAPP) of TU Dresden. The milestone is also made possible by the Saxon Ministry of Economy and their program to fund the installation of pilot lines for key technologies. “The pilot line is an important gateway for further scaling our technology” explains Timmreck.

About FIDURA Private Equity Fonds

FIDURA was founded as an independent consulting and issuing house for private equity by experienced entrepreneurs and capital market specialists in 2001. FIDURA Private Equity Fonds primarily invest into technology companies in German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). Their focus is on companies that have successfully completed their startup phase and are entering a period of growth. FIDURA accompanies the businesses not just as an investor, but also as coach and sparring partner. All companies have to meet clearly defined ethical, social, and ecological standards. www.fidura.de

About ZEISS and ZEISS Ventures

The ZEISS group is a technology and innovation leader in the areas of optic, optoelectronics, and fine mechanics. Their core strategic business areas are in goal markets with long term growth perspectives that are supported by mega trends. These mega trends open up significant new and relevant business opportunities for ZEISS. To address these opportunities, ZEISS Ventures, a unit of the ZEISS group, makes investments and maintains a portfolio of startups. They focus on opportunities that lay between the core strategic business areas, go beyond them, or are disruptive. Their goal is to invest in startup businesses and work with them to build lasting and sustainable companies. www.zeiss.de

About TGFS

TGFS provides technology-oriented founders with equity capital for the seed and startup phase. The fund was first launched by the Free State of Saxony and Saxon financial institutions. It has since supported over 80 startups in two generations of funding, amounting to a total fund volume of 147 million Euro. TGFS targets young, innovative, technologyoriented founders and companies that belong to the ICT, semiconductor and microsystem technologies, medical technologies, life science, environmental and energy technologies, and new media sectors. The business premises must be located in Saxony. www.tgfs.de

About Ventura Investment

Ventura Investment GmbH is a Dresden company that holds stakes in young, technologyoriented companies, as well as in management companies for commercial properties. Originally the management of the business emerged from the Dresden companies Saxocom AG and Saxoprint GmbH, each of which was sold to large industrial corporations. With entrepreneurial experience of more than 20 years, Ventura Investment particularly supports and accompanies promising startups.
www.ventura-investment.de

About TU Dresden Aktiengesellschaft (TUDAG)

TUDAG initiates and overseas the transfer of knowledge (primarily from TU Dresden) to the private sector. This is primarily done through projects and studies, courses and certificates, and startups. In addition, it carries the demands of the economy into science, serving as an essential interface between the two.
www.tudag.de

About IAPP

The Dresden Integrated Center for Applied Physics and Photonic Materials (IAPP) at TU Dresden is a world leading interdisciplinary center for research in organic electronics and optoelectronics. Under the direction of Prof. Karl Leo, the IAPP has been researching organic semiconductors and their eligibility for optoelectronic applications for more than 20 years. IAPP has great expertise in investigating the physical properties of organic materials and their use in highly efficient semiconductor components such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and transistors.
www.iapp.de