Lunewave

About Lunewave

Lunewave operates at the forefront of sensor technology, specializing in the development and production of advanced radar and antenna systems for a diverse set of industries including automotive, telecommunications, aerospace, and robotics. The company was established in 2017 by co-founders John Xin, Hao Xin, and Min Liang, originating from research conducted at the University of Arizona. The founding team combines deep technical expertise with extensive business experience. Hao Xin, the company's CTO, is a professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering with over two decades of experience in microwave and millimeter-wave engineering, including roles at Raytheon and Rockwell Scientific. CEO John Xin brings around 20 years of business experience in finance, strategic partnerships, and startup investments, holding an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. Min Liang, VP of Technology, contributes over a decade of experience in radar engineering and 3D printing.

The company's core business revolves around its proprietary Luneburg lens antenna technology. This technology, adapted from a concept developed in the 1940s, utilizes a spherical lens that is 3D printed, a manufacturing method ideal for its complex structure of over 6,500 uniquely designed chambers in a device smaller than a golf ball. This design enables the creation of radar sensors that offer a panoramic, 360-degree field of view with high resolution, a significant shift from the 'tunnel vision' of traditional planar phased array antennas. The primary product is an automotive radar sensor system operating in the 76-81 GHz band. It boasts a detection range of over 300 meters and can maintain performance at large scan angles, even in adverse weather conditions. This allows a few of Lunewave's sensors to replace the 16 to 20 traditional radar sensors often required for autonomous vehicles, thereby reducing complexity and cost.

Lunewave's business model appears to be centered on supplying these high-performance sensors and custom-made antennas to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers in its target markets. For the automotive sector, the technology is positioned as the 'eyes' for vehicles, supporting applications from advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to fully autonomous driving (L5). Beyond automotive, the antennas are suitable for 5G telecommunications and satellite communications. The company has secured significant financial backing to fuel its development and commercialization efforts. It has raised a total of $10.8 million through multiple funding rounds, including a $7 million Series A in November 2020 led by FM Capital. Other notable investors include BMW i Ventures, Baidu Ventures, and Proeza Ventures, reflecting strong industry confidence in its technology. Lunewave has also received grants from the National Science Foundation's SBIR program and is involved in development projects with the U.S. Army.