NIL Technology: From Nanoimprint Pioneer to Global Meta-optics Leader
Founded in 2006, NIL Technology (NILT) has evolved from a niche nanoimprint startup into a global leader in meta-optics — a technology set to transform industries, from consumer electronics to automotive and AR/VR. With deep roots in advanced nanofabrication and a bold vision for the future of optics, NILT is a standout success story in Europe’s deep tech landscape. A long-time member of the Tech Tour community and participant in the EIC ScalingUp program, the predecessor of the EIC Scaling Club, NILT exemplifies how strategic support, strong investor relationships, and visionary leadership can propel a deep tech venture from early R&D to commercial impact. In this interview, CEO Theodor Nielsen reflects on NILT’s pivotal milestones, acquisition by Radiant Opto-Electronics, and what lies ahead for one of Europe’s most innovative technology companies.
TT: NIL Technology has been a pioneer in nanoimprint lithography and meta-optics since 2006. Looking back, what were the most pivotal moments in your journey from a two-person startup to a globally recognized leader in this field?
TN: We got our first customer 3 months after we started the company, and the first customer who refused to pay because we were slightly out of spec after 6 months. These are fundamental events. Do that and you have done it all. After this, it is the scale at which you do things. But of course, this is not what you are asking for. I will highlight three true pivotal moments. 1) In 2015 we became profitable, and we had four years of profitable operations. This became instrumental in attracting investors when we pivoted from focusing on nanoimprint to focusing on meta-optics. 2) In December 2018 we got our first VC financing (this was when we pivoted from nanoimprint to meta-optics). This allowed us to take our destiny in our own hands, investing in a vertically-integrated strategy, from design of optics to manufacturing. 3) The boldness of the investors we had onboard. Several times since 2018 we have doubled down on the right path from a long-term strategic point of view instead of taking the easy way. We have invested hard in our capabilities and in our long-term goals. This might not be seen as a pivotal moment, but rather in a pivotal mindset.
TT: How have Tech Tour and the EIC ScalingUp communities supported your entrepreneurial journey?
TN: We started working with Tech Tour and EIC ScalingUp in the year before we really launched our fund raising. We got a lot of valuable input to our pitch, had very valuable training sessions with the Tech Tour advisors, and we joined several pitching events organized by Tech Tour and EIC ScalingUp. This helped us to be prepared and comfortable with our pitch and storyline at the point in time where we started the fund raising, which lead to our C-round investment and eventually to the acquisition of NILT by Radiant Opto-Electronics Corporation.
TT: Radiant Opto-Electronics has acquired NIL Technology to scale meta-optics manufacturing. What made this acquisition the right move for NILT? What are the crucial elements for a successful exit strategy in a European deep tech market?
TN: The match between NILT and Radiant (as we like to say) is great. We were looking for strategic investors who understand manufacturing of optics in consumer electronics volumes, and with a desire to invest into the next new thing. Radiant is exactly this. They serve many leading consumer electronics and automotive customers today, and they understand optics. As a matter of fact, they also acquired Nanocomp in Finland in 2023, and all three companies are making optics components by some sort of replication technology that requires a mold/master, so our use of nanoimprint lithography is not that unfamiliar to Radiant.
Crucial elements for a successful deep tech exit. I have only done one exit to date, so let me share what I consider key in our case. If it is specifically true for European deep tech, I don’t know. 1) True unique technology, which is validated by data and customer feedback. 2) A deep understanding of the market, value chain, and competitive landscape. In short, talk to everyone, and know everyone. 3) The team. We are spending tons of energy at NILT to have the right team. We are having experts across many disciplines and then it is my task with the rest of the management team to wrap this up into a clear single strategy where all wheels turn in harmony. It is a complex gear box in daily life that requires energy and oil to keep turning. 4) Lastly, think big, be bold, be persistent, be honest, and most important — be yourself.
TT: Scaling a deep tech startup is vastly different from a typical SaaS or consumer tech business. What unique challenges did you face in growing NIL Technology, and how did you overcome them?
TN: In our case, we have invested a lot into equipment and facilities (cleanrooms). The biggest challenge is to find suitable investors who understand and appreciate the disruptive nature of what we are doing. I think many VCs have been successful in investing in SaaS, but despite their interest in deep tech they are not ready to change the mindset (it is different KPI’s in deep tech). We were looking for investors who appreciated what we are doing and how we did it. Of course, the right investor is out there, so you just have to keep looking. We talked to many VCs and corporate investors, and we had great support from our existing investors. It is always a fine balance when to take input from potential investors and act on it, and when to stick to your game plan. I think the best way to put it is that I spoke with enough investors to recognize the fit between NILT and Radiant when the dialogue materialized.
TT: Meta-optics is at the cutting edge of next-generation consumer electronics, AR/VR, and automotive applications. How do you see this technology evolving in the next five years, and what role will NIL Technology play under ROE’s leadership?
TN: I think that meta-optics will be everywhere, and it will happen sooner than many might think. Meta-optics is basically a digitalization of optics. Our pitch deck said “disrupting optics” on the front page, and that is exactly what we are doing. Under ROE’s ownership we now have the means to execute on our plans. I see no limits to where we can take this. But our exact game plan I am keeping to myself for now.
TT: Having successfully built and exited a deep tech startup, what advice would you give to young entrepreneurs looking to commercialize advanced research and take it to market? What are the best ways for entrepreneurs to attract and build nurturing relationships with deep tech investors?
TN: Build a plan that is ambitious, realistic and attractive! Show where you can take your venture, and how you will get there. Adjust and update the plan frequently. Admit when you were wrong or off — and adjust! Talk about your tech with everyone. This includes investors. No one invests into someone they don’t know. So, make sure your future target investors know you and keep them updated.
TT: You’ve dedicated nearly two decades to building NIL Technology. With this successful exit, what’s next for Theodor Nielsen? Are you planning to stay deeply involved in the field, explore new ventures, or take some time to reflect before your next move?
TN: As a tech entrepreneur, I have a very clear goal about seeing my tech in products — and “money” comes after that. I defined both these goals with Brian Bilenberg, whom I founded NILT with many years ago. And the tech goal is not yet achieved. The future for me is leading NILT to commercial success. I have an amazing team, our goals are clear, and we have new owners who support our mission and vision. When that is said, I love to work with other entrepreneurs if they can use my help, and I think my future life will have some parts of all the things you list.
NILT’s trajectory is a powerful testament to the strength of European deep tech when backed by visionary strategy, specialized investor support, and resilient execution. Its successful acquisition by Radiant Opto-Electronics marks not an endpoint, but a new chapter — accelerating the global adoption of meta-optics and solidifying Europe’s leadership in advanced photonics. At Tech Tour, we are proud to have supported NILT through its scaling journey and to count the company among the shining examples of how deep tech innovation can translate into real-world, market-ready impact. The future of optics is being reshaped—and NILT is at the center of that transformation.
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