Photonics Finland members Winse Power and ElFys has been selected to NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) program, emerging as two out of three Finnish companies chosen from a competitive pool of over 2600 applicants globally!
Winse Power
Winse Power develops Optical links, a novel solution for delivering power and data with light. This novel technology enables a new platform for Sensing and Surveillance applications. “With the DIANA Program, we can bring our cutting-edge deep tech solution to the Alliance and grow as a company to a reliable supplier for both our civilian and defense partners” highlights CEO Ville Polojärvi.
In the DIANA program, we accelerate our development in the Sensing and Surveillance fields. Our Optical links promote features such as secure operation and are lightweight, both well suited for the challenges that modern Sensing and Surveillance solutions face. “Increased range is the main value proposition of Winse Power Optical links,” adds CTO Arto Aho.
“There is still some work to do to reach the finalized end product. However, we have a clear roadmap and dedicated technical team and partners to realize this during next year.” ends COO Veikka Nikander. “We are excited to develop and expand our capabilities as a team in DIANA”
HIGH VOLTAGE APPLICATIONS
Winse Power-Over-Fiber solutions provide safe and reliable galvanically isolated lines to deliver power and data to high-voltage environments such as ultra-high voltage direct current (UHVDC) grids. Instead of electrical wire, we use light and optical fiber for energy transfer. With virtually infinite breakdown voltage, our technology is the only feasible and reliable method to deliver power for electronics in high-voltage environments.
ENERGY INDEPENDENT IOT SYSTEMS
Our energy-independent Internet of Things (IoT) systems enable “install and forget” IoT devices: with our Power-by-Light solutions or by harvesting the ambient light. The device can operate independently and reliably without battery replacements and with no waste generation. Our service-free energy independent IoT solution is based on photovoltaic chips optimized to harvest energy as efficiently as possible even in low-light conditions. The current use of batteries is problematic due to cumulating replacement costs and the accumulation of battery waste. Our energy-independent solution makes IoT systems sustainable.
ZERO CO2 SOLUTIONS
Solar-powered technologies are known to give rapid and scalable solutions for CO2 emission reduction challenges. New solar panels with higher efficiency at lower cost are being constantly developed. We understand the world of cutting-edge solar photovoltaic technologies that can enable tomorrow’s zero CO2 emission world already today. Let us find the best possible solution for your CO2 emission reduction targets together!
SPACE APPLICATIONS
Winse Power team has a long history of developing high-efficiency multijunction space solar cells with over 30% conversion efficiency. With a long history, Winse Power is capable to create next-generation photovoltaic systems, with an emphasis on efficient material use and the highest power-to-weight ratio. Further, our power-by-light solutions can be used to transfer energy through space enabling energy transfer systems in space.
Read more https://winsepower.com/
ElFys, Inc.
This selection highlights the importance of ElFys’ innovative photodetector technology in the defence sector that combines high responsivity, low dark current, and fast response times.
Participation in the DIANA program is expected to accelerate ElFys’ growth trajectory, providing access to NATO’s extensive network of test centers and accelerator sites across member countries. This opportunity will enable ElFys to further refine its innovations, collaborate with defence industry leaders, and potentially secure contracts within the NATO alliance.
The selection of ElFys for this prestigious program not only validates the company’s technological prowess but also positions it as a key player in shaping the future of defence-related photonics. As global security challenges evolve, ElFys’ cutting-edge photodetector solutions present a crucial role in enhancing NATO’s technological capabilities and operational readiness.
ElFys, Inc. was founded in 2017 and is located in Espoo, Finland. The company is based on long-term research work on photodetector technologies at Aalto University. Our core team consists of former senior researchers, engineering leaders and business professionals. The company utilizes the state-of-the-art processing facilities at Micronova Nanofabrication Center in Espoo, Finland: 2600 square meters of CMOS compatible facilities suitable for both R&D and semi-mass production. For high-volume mass production, ElFys has partnered with an external, European foundry.
ElFys provides light sensors with sensitivity better than anything seen before, literally catching every ray of light. The technology greatly improves any light sensing application ranging from health monitoring to analytical instrumentation and security X-ray imaging. The superior performance of ElFys photodetectors is based on an inventive combination of modern MEMS nanotechnology and atomic layer deposition. The core technologies are patented and in the possession of the company. www.elfys.fi
About ElFys’s patented technology
Most light sensing technologies capture about two thirds of light rays, whereas ElFys’ technology can capture all of them. The Black Silicon Photodiode provides superior sensitivity over a wide spectral range, especially in the ultraviolet, as well as an ultra-wide viewing angle. The increased sensitivity provides improvement potential to any applications where light needs to be measured.
About DIANA
DIANA is the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, a NATO organisation with a mission to locate and accelerate dual-use innovation across the Alliance. DIANA provides technology developers with the resources, networks and expertise to address critical defence and security challenges, to create a more peaceful and resilient future.
DIANA was established by NATO in 2023 to tackle complex societal challenges through disruptive dual-use technologies. Working throughout the startup and entrepreneurial ecosystems of the 32 NATO Allies, DIANA aims to find and bring together innovative companies developing technologies that could solve key needs for the Alliance. Through public ‘Challenge’ calls each reflecting Allied priorities in defence, security and resilience, innovators propose technological solutions with the potential to address the challenges and transform society.
Learn more at www.diana.nato.int
