The Economics: Hardware vs. Software
Eyeo acknowledged that software-based low-light enhancement technologies exist, such as Axis Communications’ Lightfinder, solutions from i-PRO and Vicon, and others; however, Hoet argues its hardware-level approach provides advantages that software cannot replicate. “We fundamentally solve it at the start,” he says.
The key distinction is data capture. Software can process only the information a sensor captures initially. If details or color data never reach the sensor because light was filtered away, the software cannot reconstruct them. “If a sensor did not capture it in the beginning, it is impossible to reconstruct it,” Hoet says.
This hardware vs. software distinction could influence system economics. Hoet suggested that Eyeo’s enhanced sensitivity could allow cameras to be positioned at greater intervals – potentially every kilometer instead of every 500 meters for perimeter security applications – reducing total system camera counts despite higher per-camera costs.
“Cameras are now placed every 500 meters and use zoom,” Hoet explains. “But the zoom lens itself is also lowering the light. If we can boost the sensitivity, you can actually see further away, so now you only have to place a camera every kilometer instead of 500 meters.”
The implication for large-scale deployments is significant. Even if Eyeo-equipped cameras carry premium pricing, cutting camera counts in half fundamentally changes project economics. For a perimeter requiring 20 cameras at current spacing, an integrator might deploy only 10 cameras with Eyeo sensors – reducing both hardware costs as well as associated installation labor, cabling infrastructure, network switching requirements, and ongoing maintenance.
“The system cost becomes lower even though the camera itself may be a little bit more expensive,” Hoet says. “If you only place cameras half as often, the total system cost goes down.”
Target Markets
The company is focusing initially on enterprise security, industrial vision, extended reality devices, and other applications where performance justifies premium pricing. Consumer markets and cost-sensitive security applications are considered future opportunities after the technology establishes itself in high-end segments.
“We are targeting more high-end players initially because there is a bit more value for money, as well as more interest in getting better images,” Hoet says.
Development Timeline and Manufacturing Strategy
Eyeo’s core technology originated at IMEC, a European research institute specializing in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, which developed the first prototype demonstrating the color-splitting concept in 2023.
Eyeo, which is headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, was incorporated in 2024 and has raised more than $17 million to commercialize the technology.
Hoet says the company’s development roadmap calls for evaluation kits to reach select camera manufacturers by mid-2026. The first sensor products are scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027, with camera manufacturers integrating the sensors into products expected to reach the market in 2028.
The company is working with undisclosed camera manufacturers and has established partnerships with sensor manufacturers and foundries. Eyeo’s strategy emphasizes compatibility with existing camera architectures to minimize adoption barriers.
“We do spend a lot of effort already now to make the product, the sensor – interfacing and image extraction – as standard as possible to what [manufacturers] already do,” Hoet says, “so that hurdle becomes as small as possible.”
