Gapwaves and Acconeer receive Vinnova funding to develop waveguide technology for in-cabin radar

20 May 2026: Gapwaves has been granted funding by Vinnova to develop the company’s waveguide technology for in-cabin radar applications, for improved field of view and higher resolution. The project commences in June and will run for nine months. The project is carried out in collaboration with Acconeer AB, a Swedish company specialising in small radar sensors with ultra-low power consumption. Total funding from Vinnova amounts to 0,5 MSEK, shared between Gapwaves and Acconeer.

Gapwaves has industrialised its patented waveguide technology for automotive radar solutions within advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and the next step is to adapt this technology for in-cabin applications. With the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) introducing new requirements for child presence detection, in-cabin radar sensors are becoming a critical safety requirement for vehicles. Unlike cameras, radar operates reliably in darkness and can detect subtle vital signs, including in cases where occupants are partially obscured, for example by clothing or blankets, which requires compact, high-performance antenna technology.

The project aims to investigate new methods to maximise the field of view, improve angular and range resolution, and enable integration of the technology with electronics in a compact form factor, allowing for more precise detection of occupant presence and activity.