The technology of infrared light-emitting diodes (IR-LEDs) supports a large variety of applications, such as fibre-optic communication, biomedical imaging, security and night vision. While lead-containing colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) offer exceptional promises for IR-LED technology due to their low-cost production and unique optical properties, their progress is severely restricted because of the lead toxicity. The EU-funded INFLED project will identify and develop novel and efficient lead-free QDs. At the crossroad of chemistry, physics and engineering, the project will target the most efficient heavy metal-free IR-LED using a novel synthesis technique as well as rational nanoengineering at both material and device level.