The Munich-based startup Peak Quantum has secured €2.2 million in fresh capital, bringing its total funding to around €5 million. The capital increase is intended for the development of error-resilient quantum processors and the establishment of a European pilot manufacturing line. The focus is on scalable hardware and industrial applicability. Munich, April 14, 2026 – The Munich quantum computing startup Peak Quantum has closed a €2.2 million pre-seed funding round. Lead investor is Cloudberry Ventures (UK). Additional investors include United Founders, QAI Ventures, Golden Egg Check, as well as several business angels with industry experience. This brings the company’s total funding to more than €5 million, including public funding, among others from the EU Chips Act. The funds will be used to further develop the technology and to establish a European pilot manufacturing line for superconducting quantum processors. Scientific foundation and development expertise The startup was founded in 2024 as a spin-off from the research group of Stefan Filipp at the Walther-Meißner-Institute (WMI), one of Europe’s leading research institutions for superconducting quantum chips. The WMI is part of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities and is located on the Garching research campus of the Technical University of Munich. Peak Quantum’s team combines expertise across the entire value chain, from chip design and fabrication to integration into quantum systems. Peak Quantum is part of Munich Quantum Valley, a Bavarian research and innovation initiative connecting academia and industry in quantum computing. The startup is also supported by UnternehmerTUM, one of Europe’s largest centers for innovation and entrepreneurship. At the core of its technological approach is the development of quantum bits (qubits) whose physical architecture suppresses errors already at the hardware level. Conventional quantum processors are considered highly error-prone and therefore require complex post-processing error correction. Peak Quantum follows a fundamentally different approach: error protection is built directly into the hardware design rather than applied afterward. This reduces overall system complexity and may accelerate the path toward practically usable quantum computers. Robust and scalable quantum processors “The quantum computing industry has focused for too long on scaling the number of qubits,” says CEO Leon Koch. “But more qubits do not help if each individual one is unreliable. We are developing processors where error resilience is an intrinsic physical property of the hardware itself.” A key building block is the planned European quantum chip pilot line SUPREME under the EU Chips Act. Peak Quantum has been selected to operate this line, with operations scheduled to start in April 2026. The goal is to establish an industrial infrastructure for the development and manufacturing of quantum chips in Europe. In the long term, this is intended to evolve into a scalable production environment that can also be used by external partners. COO Thomas Luschmann emphasizes: “If Europe wants to play a leading role in quantum computing, it must develop and manufacture the hardware itself. With the pilot line, we are helping ensure that this key technology is built in Europe.” Mahir Sahin, Founder and General Partner at lead investor Cloudberry Ventures, adds: “Europe has a real opportunity to lead in the development of quantum hardware. Peak Quantum is making a decisive contribution.” The former Lead Advisor at Alphabet’s “Moonshot Factory” X notes: “The company is not only developing chips – it is building the infrastructure for a comprehensive European quantum computing ecosystem. These are exactly the kinds of foundational investments we need.” The development of high-performance quantum processors is considered a key enabling technology for numerous applications, including materials research, logistics, security, and industrial optimization. Within this landscape, Peak Quantum positions itself as a provider of core hardware components. “The founding team stands out for its focused, performance-driven mindset, combining strategic vision with attention to detail,” says Bettina Scheibe, Managing Partner at United Founders. “That is the kind of ambition required to become a global market leader. In quantum computing, those who move from theory into practice – and choose to compete internationally – will win.” “With the current financing, we are accelerating our technological development and laying the foundation for industrial manufacturing,” adds CEO Leon Koch. “Our focus is on advancing our chip designs and launching initial pilot projects with partners from industry and research.”   About Peak Quantum Peak Quantum is a Munich-based quantum computing company developing error-resilient superconducting quantum chips for scalable industrial applications. It combines chip design, fabrication, and system integration, and is building a European pilot manufacturing line for superconducting qubits. The focus is on technological sovereignty and enabling practically usable quantum processors. The company was founded in 2024 by a team of scientists with backgrounds at the Technical University of Munich and the Walther-Meißner-Institute, together with experienced entrepreneurial founders. The founding team includes Leon Koch (CEO), Alexander Schult (CFO), Dr. Thomas Luschmann (COO), Dr. Max Werninghaus (CSO), Ivan Tsitsilin (Head of Design), and Kedar Honasoge (Head of Production). Peak Quantum is a spin-off of the Walther-Meißner-Institute – one of Europe’s leading research institutions for superconducting quantum chips – and, as part of Munich Quantum Valley, is embedded in one of Europe’s key innovation ecosystems for quantum computing, connecting academia and industry. Further information: https://peakquantum.de/ Press contact PIABO Communications Maria Urban Executive Unit Director Deep Tech peakquantum@piabo.net

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