Osram Acquires Stake in LeddarTech Inc to Strengthen Autonomous Driving Expertise

In order to strengthen its expertise in autonomous driving technology, Osram has acquired a 25.1 percent stake in LeddarTech Inc. LeddarTech was established in 2007 and is based in Québec, Canada.  It is a Canadian company with its very own LiDAR technology that can be integrated into semiconductors and sensor modules used in autonomous cars and driver assistance systems. The company specializes in solid-state LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) systems that monitor the area around them using infrared light and they have advanced optical sensing technology that is highly complementary with Osram’s semiconductor products. The two companies have a history of close collaboration and Osram has invested in LeddarTech to the tune of mid double-digit million euros.

Commenting on the deal, Stefan Kampmann, Chief Technology Officer at OSRAM Licht AG said that Osram is currently the leading provider of sensor lights for autonomous vehicles in the world and is witnessing growing demand for these products. The company sees its acquisition of the stake in LeddarTech as the next logical step in emerging as the leading provider of solutions in this segment, in view of the growing demand for LiDAR technology.

Charles Boulanger, LeddarTech’s CEO welcomed Osram on board as a strategic investor and said that there is a great natural fit between the two companies.

He said, “LeddarTech is on its way to becoming the reference in solid-state LiDARs for the automotive industry, and we believe our association with the market leader in automotive lighting represents an important milestone in that direction.”

He added that the the investment from Osram is part of a larger financing round that is currently under way by LeddarTech and is expected to conclude shortly.

LiDAR technology is a crucial component of autonomous vehicles and can also be used in other mobility related applications. Like radar technology, it senses surrounding objects and measures speeds and distances but uses infra red rays instead of radar rays. Osram’s investment in LeddarTech is a wise move in view of the growing importance of LiDAR technology.