On January 20, 2026, Oulu-based tech company TactoTek, which specializes in In-Mold Structural Electronics (IMSE®), announced that they made the largest deal in its history, valued of tens of millions of euros over the next eight years.
This news marks a major development for automotive technology and manufacturing. Valeo, a global leader in automotive lighting systems, has secured a significant program from a premium global automaker to produce an advanced interior lighting solution using Tactotek’s IMSE® technology.
This award represents a milestone in smart vehicle interiors, integrating lighting and electronics into a single, ready-to-use structural component that enhances both design and functionality. This seamless, flush aesthetic not only elevates the in-cabin experience but also reflects a broader industry shift towards intelligent, integrated automative interiors.
In this collaboration, Valeo is introducing a dedicated automated production line designed for high-volume manufacturing of IMSE-based interior systems. The new solution embeds circuitry directly into the finished part, resulting in lightweight, energy-efficient, and highly durable structures that also reduce material use. This, of course, supports more sustainable manufacturing practices.
According TactoTek’s press release, Valeo’s Light Division CEO, Maurizio Martinelli, noted that the program “sets a new benchmark for next-generation interior solutions” and highlights the value of combining Valoe’s ligting expertise with IMSE technology to bring smart systems to large-scale production.
Similarly, TactoTek’s CEO, Jussi Harvela, highlighted that this project is an important milestone in scaling IMSE technology industrially. The collaboration demonstrates how smart surface vision can be translated into scalable solutions for leading automotive manufacturers, enabling future design evolution.
This announcement and collaboration further strengthen the position of both companies in the rapidly evolving automotive interior market and illustrates Oulu’s growing role as a hub of advanced manufacturing and smart technology innovation.
This news article is based on TactoTek’s press release from January 20, 2026. Read the full press release here.