Impinj, a leading developer of RAIN RFID endpoint chips, announced a licensing agreement with EM Microelectronic, a Swiss semiconductor company known for ultra‑low‑power, dual‑frequency integrated circuits. The deal will embed Impinj’s Gen2X technology into EM’s future ICs, allowing the Swiss firm to offer enhanced read range, faster data transfer, and stronger security features to its customers.
EM Microelectronic, a subsidiary of The Swatch Group, has a long history of designing low‑voltage chips for watches and other consumer devices. By integrating Gen2X, the company can broaden its product portfolio into industrial, automotive, and logistics markets where RFID performance is critical. The first Gen2X‑enabled dual‑frequency ICs are slated for commercial release in 2027, giving both companies a multi‑year window to capture new market share.
The licensing arrangement is part of Impinj’s broader strategy to expand the reach of its RAIN RFID platform beyond its own product lines. Management has emphasized that the partnership will generate new revenue streams from licensing fees and higher‑margin IC sales, while also strengthening the ecosystem around the Gen2X standard. "We are committed to enabling a broader ecosystem of product and technology providers to deliver powerful solutions to an array of market segments," said Gahan Richardson, EVP and General Manager of Impinj’s Business Unit. "Extending Gen2X performance advantages to EM Microelectronic opens new opportunities for both companies to innovate in high‑value applications."
Pierre Muller, RFID BU leader at EM Microelectronic, added that the dual‑frequency platform “greatly extends RFID capability beyond traditional RAIN RFID use cases.” He noted that Gen2X integration will improve performance in challenging environments and unlock new industries, reinforcing the strategic fit between the two firms. The partnership also positions Impinj to capture a larger share of the growing RFID market, which is projected to reach $10 billion by 2028.
Impinj’s recent financial results underscore the company’s ability to monetize its technology. In Q2 2025, the company reported revenue of $97.9 million and a non‑GAAP gross margin of 60.4 percent, the highest margin on record. The licensing deal is expected to add incremental revenue and margin‑enhancing opportunities, complementing Impinj’s strong execution in its core endpoint IC segment. While the deal’s direct financial impact will materialize over several years, it signals Impinj’s confidence in the scalability of Gen2X and its commitment to ecosystem expansion.
The agreement also reflects a broader industry trend toward open standards and collaborative innovation. By allowing a third‑party manufacturer to adopt Gen2X, Impinj reduces barriers to entry for new RFID solutions and accelerates the adoption of its technology across diverse verticals. This strategic move is likely to strengthen Impinj’s competitive position against rivals that rely on proprietary chip designs.
Overall, the licensing agreement represents a significant step in Impinj’s growth strategy, providing a new revenue stream, expanding its ecosystem, and reinforcing its leadership in the RFID market. The partnership with EM Microelectronic is expected to drive adoption of Gen2X in a range of applications, from consumer electronics to industrial logistics, and to create long‑term value for both companies.
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