UbiQD Expands Solar Innovation with Acquisition of BlueDot Photonics
Breakthrough Quantum Cutting Technology Enhances Solar Panel Efficiency, Driving Next-Gen Renewable Energy Adoption
LOS ALAMOS, N.M., Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UbiQD, Inc., the New Mexico-based leader in quantum dot (QD) technology and manufacturing, today announced the acquisition of substantially all assets of BlueDot Photonics, Inc. (BlueDot), including its groundbreaking perovskite-based quantum cutting technology. The deal also enabled UbiQD to secure exclusive rights to BlueDot's associated intellectual property, originally developed at (and licensed from) the University of Washington.
BlueDot Photonics develops cost-effective solutions to improve solar panel performance. The BlueDot team are pictured at their facility in Seattle, WA. Photo by Ian Wagreich / © U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
By leveraging BlueDot's innovative 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%. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce the cost of solar energy generation and push photovoltaic performance beyond the theoretical limits of traditional silicon-based cells.
"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."
Advancing Down-Conversion Products for Solar
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 advanced solar energy innovation and commercialization. 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-Founder 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."
With nearly a decade of expertise in quantum dot and nanocrystal technology, UbiQD continues to enhance fluorescence efficiency in key spectral regions for solar applications. This acquisition reinforces its leadership in advanced materials for clean energy and strengthens its role in shaping the future of high-performance photovoltaic systems.
About UbiQD, Inc.
UbiQD® (pronounced 'ubiquity') is a global leader in quantum dot manufacturing and technology. Founded in 2014, the company is powering product innovation in agriculture, clean energy, and security. Headquartered in Los Alamos, New Mexico, UbiQD is licensing technology developed at leading research institutions, including Los Alamos National Laboratory and M.I.T. To learn more, please visit https://ubiqd.com and https://ubigro.com.
About BlueDot
BlueDot Photonics, Inc. develops cost-effective solutions to improve solar panel performance. BlueDot is based in Washington State and is a spin-out of the University of Washington.
CONTACT: [email protected]
PRNewswire Release
BlueDot Photonics develops cost-effective solutions to improve solar panel performance. The BlueDot team are pictured at their facility in Seattle, WA. Photo by Ian Wagreich / © U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
By leveraging BlueDot's innovative 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%. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce the cost of solar energy generation and push photovoltaic performance beyond the theoretical limits of traditional silicon-based cells.
"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."
Advancing Down-Conversion Products for Solar
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 advanced solar energy innovation and commercialization. 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-Founder 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."
With nearly a decade of expertise in quantum dot and nanocrystal technology, UbiQD continues to enhance fluorescence efficiency in key spectral regions for solar applications. This acquisition reinforces its leadership in advanced materials for clean energy and strengthens its role in shaping the future of high-performance photovoltaic systems.
About UbiQD, Inc.
UbiQD® (pronounced 'ubiquity') is a global leader in quantum dot manufacturing and technology. Founded in 2014, the company is powering product innovation in agriculture, clean energy, and security. Headquartered in Los Alamos, New Mexico, UbiQD is licensing technology developed at leading research institutions, including Los Alamos National Laboratory and M.I.T. To learn more, please visit https://ubiqd.com and https://ubigro.com.
About BlueDot
BlueDot Photonics, Inc. develops cost-effective solutions to improve solar panel performance. BlueDot is based in Washington State and is a spin-out of the University of Washington.
CONTACT: [email protected]
PRNewswire Release