UbiQD acquires BlueDot Photonics
UbiQD, the New Mexico-based quantum dot (QD) company, has acquired all assets of Seattle-based BlueDot Photonics, including its perovskite-based quantum cutting technology.
As part of the deal, UbiQD secured exclusive rights to BlueDot's IP originally developed at (and licensed from) the University of Washington.
By using BlueDot's doped perovskite materials, which convert high-energy photons into nearly twice as many lower-energy photons, this technology could increase silicon solar panel efficiency by up to 16 percent.
This has the potential to reduce the cost of solar energy generation and push photovoltaic performance beyond the theoretical limits of traditional silicon-based cells, according to UbiQD.
"Solar power remains the backbone of the renewable energy transition, but the industry still faces efficiency and cost constraints," said Hunter McDaniel, founder and CEO of UbiQD.
"BlueDot pioneered a transformative approach with quantum cutting—essentially multiplying usable photons to enhance energy capture. By bringing their technology into our portfolio, we're positioned to accelerate next-generation solar materials and drive meaningful efficiency gains at scale."
The acquisition of BlueDot signals a growing momentum in solar for UbiQD, which has been building a business unit focused specifically on developing down-conversion products for the industry.
In 2023, the company expanded its partnership with First Solar to explore the potential to incorporate fluorescent quantum dot technology in advanced solar modules. The company also received an Advanced Energy Pilot Program award from the State of New Mexico Economic Development Department to bolster UbiQD's solar energy innovations and commercialisation.
In early 2024, UbiQD also initiated a collaboration with Los Alamos National Lab to explore quantum-enhanced materials for clean energy applications.
"Bringing our work to UbiQD is an exciting next step for this technology," said Jared Silvia, co-dounder and CEO of BlueDot. "Our mission has always been to push the boundaries of solar efficiency, and UbiQD has the expertise, infrastructure, and industry partnerships to bring this to market at scale. I'm grateful to my co-founders Daniel Kroupa, Matt Crane, and Daniel Gamelin, our investors, our team members, and supporters who helped drive this innovation forward."
Pictured above: the BlueDot team at their facility in Seattle
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