In April, ‘SPINS’ (Semiconductor Pilot line for Industrial Quantum NanoSystems) was launched, one of the 6 European quantum pilot lines. Coordinated by imec, the consortium brings together 25 European RTOs, industry partners, and academic research groups to strengthen Europe’s leadership and sovereignty in this strategically important domain. The €50 million SPINS pilot line project has been made possible through the co‑funding support from the European Union’s Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) and the national and regional authorities of the participating Member States. Fraunhofer IPMS plays a central role within SPINS in the high-resolution structuring of qubit and processor elements. Quantum computing has become a highly strategic domain with economic and societal relevance rising sharply. Applications vary from breakthroughs in drug discovery and materials science to ultra-secure communications and next-generation navigation systems. However, a gap remains between current quantum research and manufacturable quantum processors to enable significant quantum applications. Scaling the number of stable qubits (to as much as one billion) is key to building reliable and fault-tolerant quantum computers. Given the technological complexity, including cryogenic operation, ultraprecise control electronics and highly specialized fabrication processes, and given the strategic importance of quantum chips, the EU Chips Act has established six complementary quantum pilot lines, each focused on a distinct hardware platform and collectively advancing quantum technologies in the space of quantum computing, communications and sensing. Within this portfolio, SPINS is the pilot line dedicated to semiconductor‑based spin qubits, with a primary focus on delivering quantum chips for quantum‑computing applications. Imec coordinates this new pilot line efforts and leads the European consortium of 25 partners, ranging from RTOs like Fraunhofer, VTT and CEA-Leti, industry (both large enterprises like Infineon and Siltronic as well as SMEs and startups) and academic groups (like TU Delft and University of Jyväskylä), bringing in complementary knowledge and skills, with the goal of translating the strategic framework of the EU Chips Act into concrete actions. The first actions of the SPINS-consortium include process and design optimization to establish a robust foundation for scalable, stable, and high-performing spin qubits, all on three different technology platforms: Si/SiGe, Ge/GeSi, and SOI. SPINS aims to establish a lab-to-fab route for this technology via Multi-Project Wafers (MPW) and standardized quantum Process Design Kits (PDKs), which lower entry barriers for startups and SMEs in semiconducting quantum technology and lay the foundations for European companies to build quantum know-how early on.   Fraunhofer IPMS within the SPINS pilot line Fraunhofer IPMS plays a central role within SPINS in the high-resolution structuring of qubit and processor elements. All lithography steps requiring resolutions beyond the capabilities of optical methods are performed at Fraunhofer IPMS. This enables precise, reproducible patterning, which is essential for the functionality and scalability of Si/SiGe-based quantum chips. In addition, Fraunhofer IPMS makes key contributions to process stability and maturity across the pilot line by providing state-of-the-art cleanroom infrastructure designed for reproducible, scalable qubit fabrication. Processes at Fraunhofer IPMS are designed to support both Si/SiGe and Ge/SiGe platforms, securing multiple technologically complementary pathways within the SPINS consortium. Furthermore, the expertise of Fraunhofer IPMS bridges to activities within the EU project QLSI2, where migration to high-resolution lithography and 300-mm wafers is being explored. This prepares the transfer of SPINS pilot line results to a future 300-mm CMOS line at an early stage. In this way, Fraunhofer IPMS combines leading research expertise with industrial process readiness, significantly strengthening Europe’s technological independence in semiconductor quantum technology.   European quantum pilot lines  Complementary tracks of the European quantum efforts, next to the semiconductor-based pilot line, include pilot lines on photonics for quantum ‘P4Q’ (coordinated by University of Twente, NL) – to which imec is also contributing, ion trap qubits ‘CHAMP-ION’ (coordinated by SAL, AT), superconducting qubits ‘SUPREME’ (coordinated by VTT, FI), diamond quantum chips ‘DIREQT’ (coordinated by CNR, IT) and neutral atoms ‘Q PLANET’ (coordinated by Pasqal, FR). — This press release is a statement from our partner and coordinator, imec.

From Lab to Market: Pixel Photonics Secures €13.5 Million in Funding The Münster-based deep-tech company combines a €5 million seed round with a highly competitive €8.5 million EIC Accelerator grant. The funding strengthens Europe’s position in the global race for quantum technologies. Münster, March 13, 2026 – As the United States and China continue to invest heavily in quantum technologies, a young company from Westphalia is sending a strong signal for Europe’s innovation landscape: Pixel Photonics, a pioneer in superconducting single-photon detectors, has announced total funding of €13.5 million. The amount consists of a first closing of a €5 million seed round and €8.5 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator – including €2.5 million in grants and €6 million in equity investment. The seed round is led by Futury Capital. Additional investors include the Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation (SPRIND), Kensho Ventures, and High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) – forming a consortium that reflects the strategic importance of this technology for Germany and Europe. In particular, the participation of SPRIND underscores the recognition of high-performance photodetection as a key component for Europe’s technological sovereignty. For CEO Nicolai Walter, the funding marks a turning point: “This financing is a major milestone for Pixel Photonics. It enables us to transform what has so far been a highly specialized quantum technology into robust, scalable industrial products. Our goal is to make the most powerful light detection as reliable and accessible as today’s semiconductor components – and to bring it into real industrial systems. We are excited to take this step together with strong partners and establish this key technology in the market.” Europe’s Opportunity: From Lab to Global Markets Superconducting detector technology has long been considered too complex and costly for industrial deployment. This is exactly where Pixel Photonics comes in: with its ARCTIC© Platform, the company offers WI-SNSPDs—waveguide-integrated superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors—transforming bulky laboratory setups into compact, scalable chip solutions. Applications range from quantum computing and quantum key distribution (QKD) to microscopy, metrology, medical diagnostics, and defense—fields in which Europe and Germany benefit from strong research infrastructure and industrial capabilities. CTO Dr. Wladick Hartmann sees a fundamental shift underway: “Pixel Photonics is transforming superconducting light detectors from complex laboratory instruments into scalable chip solutions. In doing so, we are delivering the ‘silicon transistor’ of the quantum era—enabling the transition from niche applications to mass markets and opening entirely new horizons in secure communication and imaging technologies.”   Validation Through the EIC Accelerator The European Union’s recognition of this potential is reflected in the company’s selection for the EIC Accelerator – the EU’s most competitive funding instrument for breakthrough innovation. Pixel Photonics was chosen as one of only 61 companies out of approximately 1,000 applicants. The funding will significantly accelerate market entry and firmly anchor the technology within Europe’s innovation ecosystem. Crucially, the detectors are designed for a broad range of applications that extend far beyond purely quantum use cases. “We founded Pixel Photonics to overcome a fundamental bottleneck in photon detection. With the EIC Accelerator, we can bring our platform to market faster and scale it across broader application fields,” said Nicolai Walter. At a time when quantum technologies are increasingly taking on geopolitical significance – from secure communications to high-performance sensing and next-generation cryptographic infrastructure – Pixel Photonics is positioning itself as a key player in securing Europe’s technological independence. About Pixel Photonics Founded in 2021 as a spin-off from the University of Münster, Pixel Photonics specializes in high-performance single-photon detection technology. The company’s patented WI-SNSPDs combine scalability, ultra-fast detection rates, and exceptional sensitivity – enabling breakthroughs in quantum computing, quantum key distribution, microscopy, and metrology.   Press Contact Henry Donovan henry@ampyre.co   More information: www.pixelphotonics.com

Singapore 8th April 2026 – Multipeak Global and RAQS Quantum today announced a strategic collaboration designed to bridge the gap between quantum solutions and commercial deployment. By uniting Multipeak’s deep-tech commercialisation expertise with RAQS Quantum’s scientific leadership, the collaboration aims to deploy high-impact, “quantum-ready” solutions to the Asian and European markets. The partnership aims to accelerate the deployment of next-generation technologies across industries, with a strong focus on quantum and quantum-inspired computing, as well as advanced deep-tech solutions. By integrating strategic advisory, scientific expertise, and execution capabilities, both organisations will support companies in unlocking new levels of innovation and competitiveness. Quantum technology is emerging as a key enabler for solving complex challenges in areas such as supply chain optimisation, financial modelling, material discovery, and energy efficiency. Through this collaboration, Multipeak Global and RAQS Quantum will focus on identifying practical use cases and enabling organisations to adopt quantum-ready, hybrid and quantum-inspired with clear commercial impact, initially, targeting automotive, maritime, energy, manufacturing and logistics industries. The collaboration will begin with projects and customers across Asia and Europe, with plans for further global expansion. Led by Multipeak Global’s CEO Henry Maillet with RAQS Quantum’s leadership team and domain expertise, including Raghunath Koduvayur (Co-founder and CEO), Prof. Rainer Dumke (Co-founder), and Assoc. Prof. Dario Poletti (Co-founder, and Head of Cluster (Science, Mathematics and Technology) at Singapore University of Technology and Design), the collaboration is also designed to deliver value across both multi-national companies (MNCs), as well as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Segment        Key Advantages MNCs             Early access to disruptive technologies and enhanced operational efficiency SMEs              Ability to leapfrog traditional barriers and compete through innovation Mr Maillet, said: “Quantum computing represents a fundamental shift in how complex business problems will be solved. Together with RAQS Quantum and its strong scientific leadership, we are focused on making these technologies practical and commercially viable.” Assoc. Prof. Poletti, said: “The advances in hardware and algorithms are rapidly bridging the distance between theory and enterprise applications. We are already in the transition phase from the era of research projects to a ‘Quantum Utility’ era. This partnership is a big step in that direction and we’re quite excited about working on several industrial use cases.” Mr Koduvayur added: “The ‘Quantum Decade’ is here, but businesses often struggle with the ‘how.’ Our collaboration with Multipeak provides the missing link: combining world-class scientific expertise with the execution power needed to solve real-world bottlenecks. We are not just talking about innovation. Together, we will design and deliver the roadmap for how industries will function in a quantum era.”   About Multipeak Global Multipeak Global is a Singapore-based innovation lab focused on deep-tech commercialisation, cross-industry partnerships, and sustainable solutions. About RAQS Quantum RAQS Quantum is a Singapore-based quantum solutions company that accelerates the commercial adoption of quantum computing through quantum algorithms, quantum-inspired approaches, and hardware solutions.   Media Contact: Multipeak Global – Innovation Lab info@multipeak.sg RAQS Quantum Raghunath@raqsquantum.com +6593530048