Pixel Photonics

Pixel Photonics is a German deep-tech startup founded in 2020 as a spin-off from the University of Münster, specializing in WI-SNSPDs (waveguide-integrated superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors): ultra-sensitive single-photon detectors combining industrial scalability, ultra-fast detection rates and exceptional precision. The company's proprietary technology — available in Dena Rack and Dena Desktop commercial formats — addresses a critical challenge in quantum computing: detecting single photons with high fidelity is essential for reliable quantum calculations, quantum key distribution (QKD) and secure quantum communication. Applications span quantum computing, space communication, advanced LiDAR and biomedical microscopy. Pixel Photonics has built a strong European collaboration portfolio: it is a partner of QuiX Quantum and the German DLR for photonic quantum computer development, a co-participant in the Eurostars SupremeQ project with ORCA Computing, Sparrow Quantum and the Niels Bohr Institute, and a partner of PASQAL in the EIC PANDA project for neutral-atom quantum computers. In July 2025, Aegiq and Pixel Photonics signed a MoU to develop a shared photonic platform integrating single-photon sources and WI-SNSPD detectors. In 2026, Pixel Photonics closed a €13.5 million round comprising a €5M Seed led by Futury Capital and €8.5M from the EIC Accelerator (€2.5M grant + €6M equity), with participation from SPRIND, Kensho Ventures and High-Tech Gründerfonds. This followed a €1M SPRIND grant (February 2025) and a first Seed of €1.45M in 2022 (HTGF, Quantonation). Total raised exceeds €15M. Nominated for the Deutscher Gründerpreis 2026 in the StartUp category and selected for the Luminate Accelerator Cohort 8 in Rochester, NY, Pixel Photonics stands as one of the most advanced European players in the global race for quantum computing hardware infrastructure.