Keiron Printing Technologies, a Dutch company specializing in digital printing for Surface Mount Technology (SMT), has received €1.5 million in funding. The investment comes from Cottonwood Technology Fund, a US-based venture capital firm known for supporting deep tech startups. The company aims to replace conventional SMT printing methods with its Laser-Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT) technology, which offers a fully digital and contactless approach. This funding marks an extension of its seed round, which previously included contributions from DeeptechXL and TNO.
Keiron Printing Technologies has previously secured investments from multiple firms supporting high-tech innovation. In contrast to past funding rounds, which primarily involved Dutch investors, this investment reflects growing international interest in Keiron’s technology. The company’s collaboration with industry leaders such as ASML, Holst Centre, and VDL TPB Electronics has bolstered its credibility in the advanced manufacturing sector. Its technology is positioned to offer alternatives to stencil and jet printing, addressing industry demands for higher precision and automation.
How does Keiron Printing Technologies innovate SMT manufacturing?
Keiron Printing Technologies, established in 2019 as a spin-off from TNO Holst Centre, focuses on advancing SMT manufacturing through its LIFT technology. This method eliminates the need for traditional printing techniques by utilizing laser technology to transfer materials precisely. The company asserts that this approach improves efficiency and minimizes material waste, contributing to a more sustainable production process.
Keiron’s digital approach eliminates physical contact with components, which can reduce defects and improve overall production quality. The company envisions a future where SMT manufacturing requires minimal human intervention, fostering self-sustaining production environments. The Eindhoven-based firm continues to refine its technology to align with industry needs.
What is the role of Cottonwood Technology Fund in this investment?
Cottonwood Technology Fund, an early-stage venture capital firm, focuses on deep tech and hard science startups. The fund’s investment strategy centers on intellectual property-driven companies in high-tech sectors such as photonics, quantum technology, and advanced manufacturing. Cottonwood’s support includes not just capital but also business development assistance and access to corporate networks.
With investments ranging from €500,000 to €3 million, the fund targets companies in Europe and the southwestern United States. Its involvement with Keiron Printing Technologies reflects a broader trend of venture capital firms seeking out emerging technologies that offer scalable industrial applications.
Keiron Printing Technologies’ funding round highlights the increasing role of digital manufacturing solutions in the electronics industry. Traditional SMT printing techniques rely on physical stencils and jet printing, both of which have limitations in terms of flexibility and precision. By developing a contactless, digital alternative, Keiron aims to address these limitations while enhancing production efficiency. The collaboration with industry players such as ASML and Holst Centre suggests that technological advancements in this field are gaining traction among key market participants.
Manufacturers in the SMT sector are continuously seeking methods to enhance precision and reduce production costs. Digital printing solutions like LIFT offer potential advantages, including reduced material consumption and improved adaptability to design changes. However, widespread adoption of this technology will depend on its ability to match or exceed the reliability of existing methods. The involvement of venture capital firms such as Cottonwood Technology Fund demonstrates confidence in the scalability of digital SMT printing solutions, but the extent of its industry adoption remains to be seen.
