DeepTechXL leads €2 million investment in laser tech startup inPhocal

 DeepTechXL, in syndication withTechInvest and Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM), is leading a €2million investment round in deep-tech venture inPhocal.

inPhocal’s proprietary and patented laser technology turns a standard laser beam into a concentric beam with a central spot. The novel laser beam characteristics make a longer focal depth and longer focal length possible, resulting in larger print areas at speeds more than double that of conventional laser beams. When this technology is applied for laser marking, inPhocal’s laser beam can mark on curved surfaces at high speed, including fresh produce and cans and bottles, something current laser beams can not do.

Until now, laser technology has not been competitive with ink technology. InPhocal’s technology will replace ink jet marking of expiration dates and QR codes in the bottling industry, reducing waste and saving energy and money for clients.The team is also developing laser marking for the produce sector. Laser marking directly on produce leaves an indelible mark, whereas inkjet marking can fade, leaving producers with excessive food waste.

“By using our innovative optical technology, we enable food producers and packagers to replace polluting ink technology with a sustainable alternative,” said CEORobert van Tankeren. “Our technology is capable of making existing laser processes more efficient, and for applications that were previously not possible. For example, think of marking curved surfaces in production lines without loss of speed.”

inPhocal will use the investment to increase production of their machines, which are manufactured inBreda, and to install units in customer manufacturing lines worldwide.

"DeepTechXL shares the vision of inPhocal to make an impact on the grand societal challenges of today by eliminating ink from the food & beverages industry. DeepTechXL will use its Deep tech knowledge, expertise and network to support inPhocal in scaling up." - Guus Frericks, managing partner DeepTechXL

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