CAMBRIDGE: CamGraPhIC Srl, a leader in energy-efficient, high-bandwidth optical interconnect technology and a subsidiary of 2D Photonics SpA, announced Monday the successful completion of a €25 million Series A equity funding round. The investment, raised through 2D Photonics, will accelerate innovation in graphene photonics transceivers, revolutionizing artificial intelligence (AI) and cellular data transmission by enhancing energy efficiency, reducing latency, and increasing bandwidth.
The funding will enable CamGraPhIC to expand its research operations in Pisa and establish a pilot manufacturing line near Milan. The company is also in discussions with the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy regarding support measures via the National Chips Fund. The new facility aims to demonstrate scalable mass production compatible with commercial semiconductor and photonics foundries.
The funding round was co-led by prominent investors, including CDP Venture Capital, NATO Innovation Fund, Sony Innovation Fund, and JOIN Capital, with support from Bosch Ventures, Frontier IP Group, and Indaco Venture Partners.
CamGraPhIC’s graphene-based transceivers outperform silicon photonics, offering 80% energy savings, superior bandwidth density, and low latency. Designed to meet the demands of AI and high-performance computing, these transceivers operate across broader temperature ranges, reducing cooling costs and enhancing efficiency. The simplified device architecture, integrating high-quality graphene, also lowers manufacturing costs.
Ben Jensen, CEO of 2D Photonics, highlighted the transformative potential of graphene-based optical transceivers: “This investment underscores the confidence of our investors in our groundbreaking technology, enabling us to tackle key challenges in the modern data economy.”
CamGraPhIC, founded in 2018 by Andrea Ferrari and Marco Romagnoli, plans to expand into industries including avionics, automotive advanced driver-assistance systems, and space applications. This development marks a significant milestone in advancing optical technology and supporting Europe’s technological independence.