Pixel Photonics Secures €1 Million Grant to Enhance Multi-Mode Photon Detection

Muenster-based DeepTech startup Pixel Photonics has received a €1 million grant from the German Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation (SPRIND) to further develop its waveguide-integrated superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (WI-SNSPDs). The funding aims to push forward the multi-mode adaptation of their photon detection technology, addressing the growing need for efficient detection solutions across various optical systems.

Pixel Photonics, founded in 2021 as a spin-off from the University of Muenster, was established by Nicolai Walter, Dr. Wladick Hartmann, Dr. Fabian Beutel, Dr. Martin Wolff, and Christoph Seidenstuecker. The company focuses on creating highly scalable single-photon detectors for applications that range from quantum computing and quantum key distribution to microscopy and sensor technology. Over the years, the startup has grown with the help of venture capital from Quantonation and HTGF, as well as grants from organizations such as the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the European Innovation Council (EIC), and the European Space Agency (ESA).

Speaking on the importance of the grant, CEO Nicolai Walter highlighted its role in advancing the company’s technology. “The SPRIND funding perfectly complements our journey alongside visionary VCs like Quantonation and HTGF, providing a crucial boost to the development of our technology beyond quantum applications. This support enables us to accelerate progress and bring our innovations to market faster.” Walter emphasized that their detectors’ ability to seamlessly integrate into existing optical systems will allow for broader adoption in industries like medtech and diagnostics.

The company’s core innovation, waveguide-integrated SNSPDs, has been gaining attention due to its scalability and high detection efficiency, which are essential in detecting even minimal signal strengths. However, many of today’s advanced detectors, particularly those operating in the near-infrared range, are limited to single-mode optical signals. This restriction presents challenges for fields such as life sciences, LiDAR, microscopy, and diagnostics, which often work with multi-mode light.

The €1 million grant will help Pixel Photonics overcome this limitation by adapting its detectors to handle multi-mode optical signals. By bridging this gap, the company aims to expand its reach into new technological sectors and improve photon detection capabilities across a broader spectrum of applications. The team of 39 international experts at Pixel Photonics plans to use this breakthrough to unlock new possibilities, particularly in advanced microscopy, medical diagnostics, and laser communication systems.

The successful integration of multi-mode photon detection is expected to not only push existing technological boundaries but also create opportunities in untapped markets, potentially generating significant revenue for the company.