Qualinx Secures €20 Million to Scale Energy-Efficient Satellite Tracking Technology
Delft, Thursday 15 January 2026
Delft-based semiconductor scale-up Qualinx has successfully secured €20 million to accelerate the global commercialisation of its proprietary Digital Radio Frequency (DRF) technology. Anchored by a €10 million investment from the Invest-NL Deep Tech Fund, this funding round underscores a strategic push to bolster the European semiconductor ecosystem. Qualinx is revolutionising Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) by developing chips that are software-configurable and consume a fraction of the energy required by traditional solutions.
This technological leap allows for smaller, more efficient devices with extended battery life, vital for logistics, agriculture, and smart infrastructure. Beyond product development, this capital injection serves a geopolitical purpose: strengthening technological autonomy within the Netherlands and Europe. By retaining strategic knowledge and expanding its R&D workforce in Delft, Qualinx is poised to transition from deep-tech innovation to large-scale industrial application, ensuring Europe remains competitive in the critical microelectronics sector.
Investment Composition and Technological Edge
The financing round was led by the Invest-NL Deep Tech Fund, which contributed €10 million—accounting for 50 per cent of the total capital raised [1]. This anchor investment was complemented by contributions from existing investors FORWARD.one, Waterman Ventures, and InnovationQuarter [1]. Qualinx’s breakthrough lies in its ability to replace traditional analogue components with Digital Radio Frequency (DRF) technology, making the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) chips software-configurable [1]. This innovation significantly lowers power consumption compared to existing solutions, enabling devices to operate for longer periods without battery changes or external power sources, a critical development for the logistics and smart infrastructure sectors [1].
Strengthening European Autonomy
Johan Stins, Senior Investment Manager at Invest-NL, notes that Qualinx exemplifies Dutch deep-tech innovation, directly reinforcing Europe’s technological autonomy [1]. The scaling of fundamental semiconductor technology demands high capital expenditure and a long-term horizon, an area where private financing often lags behind the immediate needs of the market [1]. By bridging this gap, the investment ensures that strategic knowledge in radio frequency and microelectronics remains anchored in the Netherlands, contributing to a more resilient European semiconductor ecosystem [1]. Qualinx intends to use the funds to expand its workforce and research and development activities in Delft, securing high-quality employment within the region [1].
Security Challenges in the Value Chain
The imperative for a resilient supply chain is further highlighted by recent security concerns involving industry giant ASML, a critical node in the global semiconductor value chain. On 6 January 2026, a threat actor claimed to have leaked 154 databases containing sensitive ASML information, including encryption keys and user data [2]. However, the equipment manufacturer denied the breach on 7 January 2026 [2]. ASML stated that an internal investigation revealed no company data in the published files, and cybersecurity researchers found the information untraceable to ASML systems [2]. Despite the claims proving unfounded, the incident illustrates the persistent digital espionage risks facing the sector, which regularly encounters such attempts [2].
Summary
The successful €20 million funding of Qualinx marks a tangible step forward in maintaining Europe’s strategic position in the global microelectronics landscape [1]. By securing capital to scale its energy-efficient tracking technology, the Netherlands is not only fostering innovation but also fortifying the resilience of the broader European semiconductor value chain against both economic pressures and digital threats.