Stellantis Ventures, the pioneering corporate venture fund of Stellantis N.V., has marked another milestone in its quest for innovation within the automotive and mobility sectors. With an initial investment of €300 million ($330 million USD), Stellantis Ventures aims to foster groundbreaking technologies that not only enhance customer experiences but also contribute to societal advancement. In line with this vision, the fund has recently announced its investment in SteerLight, a trailblazer in the development of on-chip LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensing technology.
LiDAR technology is a crucial component in the evolution of automotive safety and autonomy, enabling vehicles to perceive their surroundings with remarkable precision. SteerLight’s innovation lies in its utilization of silicon photonics technology, a cutting-edge approach that marries the versatility of semiconductor materials with the rapidity of light. This amalgamation empowers the SteerLight LiDAR to discern the environment in three dimensions with unparalleled resolution and accuracy, all while minimizing production costs—a significant feat in the realm of automotive technology.
The implications of this advancement extend beyond mere technical prowess. By integrating SteerLight’s LiDAR technology into future Stellantis vehicles, the potential for enhanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving functionalities becomes palpable.
“Automated driving enhancements remain a top priority at Stellantis,” said Ned Curic, Stellantis’ Chief Engineering and technology Officer. ”The game-changing work at SteerLight can enable enhanced and widespread ADAS applications.”
“We see a great benefit from having Stellantis’ corporate venture fund recognize our innovation so we can unlock large-scale adoption of LiDAR for industrial and mobility applications,” said François Simoens, co-founder and CEO of SteerLight. “Our new LiDAR technology is key to support new services in the automotive industry, and we are looking forward to working together to advance the next generation of vehicles.”
At its core, SteerLight’s LiDAR technology is a testament to innovation born from collaboration and ingenuity. As a spinoff of the French CEA-Leti technology center, SteerLight leverages Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) LiDAR, housed on a microchip. This compact and robust system, devoid of moving parts, offers unparalleled flexibility for vehicle engineers while addressing the size and cost constraints associated with traditional LiDAR solutions.
Since its inception in 2022, Stellantis Ventures has remained steadfast in its commitment to fostering technological innovation. With investments in 12 startups and one mobility fund the venture fund continues to pave the way for transformative advancements that resonate with both individual consumers and society at large.