BlueDot Photonics develops cost-effective solutions to improve solar panel performance. The BlueDot team are pictured at their facility in Seattle, WA.

Advanced material firm UbiQD has expanded solar innovation with the acquisition of BlueDot Photonics, a spin-out from the University of Washington.

BlueDot Photonics is engaged in the development of cost-effective solutions to improve solar panel performance.

The acquisition includes exclusive rights to intellectual property licensed from the university.

The technology, which enhances silicon solar panel efficiency by up to 16%, positions UbiQD to advance solar innovation significantly.

By integrating BlueDot’s doped perovskite materials, UbiQD aims to convert high-energy photons into a greater number of lower-energy photons, potentially reducing solar energy costs.

The breakthrough could push photovoltaic performance beyond traditional silicon-based cells’ theoretical limits, marking a significant step in solar energy advancement.

The acquisition aligns with UbiQD’s strategy to grow its solar business unit focused on down-conversion products.

UbiQD founder and CEO Hunter McDaniel stated: “Solar power remains the backbone of the renewable energy transition, but the industry still faces efficiency and cost constraints.

“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.”

In 2023, UbiQD expanded its partnership with First Solar to explore fluorescent quantum dot technology in advanced solar modules, further demonstrating its commitment to solar innovation.

UbiQD also received an Advanced Energy Pilot Programme award from the State of New Mexico Economic Development Department for its efforts in solar energy innovation and commercialisation, bolstering its position in the clean energy sector.

In early 2024, UbiQD began collaborating with Los Alamos National Lab to explore quantum-enhanced materials for clean energy applications.

BlueDot co-founder and CEO Jared Silvia stated: “Bringing our work to UbiQD is an exciting next step for this technology. 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.”