Pixel Photonics receives €1M grant for multi-mode single photon detection

Deeptech Pixel Photonics has received a grant of €1M from the German Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation (SPRIND) to further develop its waveguide-integrated superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (WI-SNSPDs) for multi-mode detection.

Pixel Photonics is a company that develops single-photon detectors for optical quantum technology applications. Its detectors are used in a variety of fields, including quantum computing, quantum communication, and microscopy.

In addition to this new funding, the company has received venture capital funding from Quantonation and HTGF as well as several research grants from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Space Agency (ESA).

Light is a key information carrier in numerous high-tech applications - from microscopy and telecommunications to quantum computing. Highly sensitive detectors are essential for reliably detecting even the lowest signal strengths, with SNSPD currently being the detectors of choice. Pixel Photonics makes detector solutions in the near-infrared spectral range that interface with many applications in life sciences, microscopy, diagnostics and LiDAR, which typically work with multimodal light.

“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. Our multi-mode capable single- photon detectors will seamlessly integrate into established optical systems, making the adoption of SNSPD technology effortless for industry players.

"By offering a versatile detection platform, this innovation expands possibilities across a broad range of applications while unlocking new opportunities in medtech and diagnostics. Ultimately, this advancement has the potential to open entirely new markets for Pixel Photonics, with strong multi-million-euro revenue potential,” said Nicolai Walter, CEO of Pixel Photonics.