€ 20 million for energy-efficient GNSS chips from semiconductor scale-up Qualinx

The Dutch semicon scale-up Qualinx raises €20 million for its energy-efficient GNSS chips. The Deep Tech Fund of Invest-NL invests €10 million. With the financing, Qualinx can bring the technology to the market, while simultaneously strengthening the Dutch and European chip industry.

Technology that makes satellite positioning more energy-efficient

GNSS chips determine precisely where an object is located via satellite signals and form critical building blocks for applications such as navigation, logistics, agriculture, and smart infrastructure. Qualinx is developing a new generation of GNSS chips that consume much less energy than existing solutions and are configurable via software. As a result, devices can be smaller, more efficient, and operate independently for longer periods, with less reliance on battery swaps or external energy sources.

“Qualinx is a leading example of Dutch deeptech innovation within strategic semiconductor technology,” says Johan Stins, senior investment manager at Invest-NL. “Qualinx enhances Europe's technological autonomy and makes an important contribution to a more sustainable digital infrastructure.”

Why Invest-NL invests

The scaling of fundamental semiconductor technology requires large investments and patience. It is precisely at this stage that private financing often falls behind, despite the significant societal and strategic value.

With this investment, Invest-NL helps this promising deeptech company grow from technology to application. This builds on the Netherlands’ strong position in radio frequency and microelectronics. In this way, strategic knowledge is retained in the Netherlands and we contribute to a stronger and more resilient Dutch and European semiconductor ecosystem.

Strengthening the Dutch chip industry

The investment also supports Qualinx’s growth plans. The company, based in Delft, expects to further expand its staff and R&D activities in the Netherlands over the coming years, contributing to sustainable and high-quality employment.

Funding round of € 20 million

The € 10 million investment from Invest-NL's Deep Tech Fund complements investments from FORWARD.one, Waterman Ventures, and InnovationQuarter. Together, the total funding round amounts to € 20 million. With this collective financing, Qualinx can produce its GNSS chips on a large scale and expand internationally.