Munich Quantum Instruments

What Munich Quantum Instruments does

Munich Quantum Instruments GmbH is a German private deep-tech hardware company founded in 2021 and headquartered in Garching bei München. It designs and manufactures Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors (SNSPDs) — cryogenic sensors that detect individual photons with high efficiency, low noise, and picosecond-scale timing jitter — for use in photonic quantum computing, quantum key distribution, quantum sensing, deep-space optical communication, and quantum internet research. The company sells three core products: a Multi-Channel Chip (2/4/6/8 detectors on a single patented chip), a Multi-Pixel Chip (up to 16 pixels per channel with bandwidths exceeding 2.5 GHz and photon number resolution), and the Q one turnkey rack-based detector system. Performance specifications include system detection efficiency above 85%, timing jitter below 25–30 ps, and maximum count rates above 2 GHz depending on product variant.

The business operates a B2B, quote-based enterprise sales model with no public pricing, targeting quantum technology companies, research institutions, and space/aerospace organizations. Revenue is generated through hardware sales of SNSPD chips and integrated systems, supplemented by customization and integration services. Distribution is direct, global, and consultative, with inquiry forms categorized into Technical Questions, Customization Requests, Quote Requests, and Partnership/Collaboration Inquiries. Strategic co-development partnerships with the European Space Agency (on HRQKD and LAND programs), Creotech Instruments, Paderborn University, Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology Jena, and Phi0 Quantum Technologies position MQI as a design-in supplier for European quantum communication and space infrastructure, including the EuroQCI initiative. Capital formation has been primarily through non-dilutive German and European grants (Bayern Kapital, EXIST, ESF, BMWI/BMFTR, ESA BIC Bavaria, EUDIS) and accelerator support (QAI Ventures), with no disclosed institutional venture round.

The company is led by five co-founders — Sven Ernst, Christian Schmid, Dr. Rasmus Flaschmann, Lucio Zugliani, and Dr. Andreas Vetter — with Dr. Andreas Lehnert-Vetter listed as managing director. Headcount sits in the 11–50 range. MQI's core competitive claim is that its patented multi-channel single-chip architecture is commercially unmatched, enabling higher channel density, lower cryogenic thermal load, and easier system scaling than conventional single-detector-per-chip designs.

Name

Munich Quantum Instruments

Legal name

Munich Quantum Instruments GmbH

Website

https://munich-quantum-instruments.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Munich Quantum Instruments GmbH is a German deep-tech hardware company that designs and sells superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) for quantum computing, quantum key distribution, deep-space optical communication, and quantum sensing customers, including ESA and research institutions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Single-Photon Detection Equipment

NAICS

Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing (334413)

SIC

Semiconductors & Related Devices (3674), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYHDAGAHAM

Quantum Sensor Components & Subsystems (Lasers, Vacuum, Photonics, Diamond/NV, MEMS)

Hardware, Technology & Telecom/Quantum Computing/Quantum Sensing & Metrology

SECONDARYHDAGAFAE

Quantum Transceivers, Modems & Photonic Interfaces

Hardware, Technology & Telecom/Quantum Computing/Quantum Communication & Quantum Networking

SECONDARYHDAGAHAH

Quantum Spectroscopy & Chemical/Biological Sensing

Hardware, Technology & Telecom/Quantum Computing/Quantum Sensing & Metrology

Keywords

• Single photon detectors
• Quantum sensors
• SNSPD systems
• Photonic quantum instruments
• Quantum key distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Garching Bei München

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. SNSPD Hardware Sales: Sale of superconducting nanowire single-photon detector products including Multi-Channel Chips, Multi-Pixel Chips, and Q one detector systems. Products are sold directly to quantum technology companies, research institutions, and space/aerospace organizations. Hardware sales are likely one-time capital equipment purchases with potential for system integration and customization services.
2. Customization and Integration Services: Customization requests and system integration services offered alongside hardware products, particularly for specialized quantum sensing applications requiring tailored solutions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Munich Quantum Instruments designs, manufactures, and sells Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors (SNSPDs) for industrial quantum applications. Its portfolio consists of three core offerings: Multi-Channel Chips (up to 8 independent detector channels per chip), Multi-Pixel Chips (up to 16 pixels per channel for photon number resolution at >2.5 GHz), and the Q one plug-and-play rack-based detector system integrating cryostat and electronics. Products are sold to quantum computing companies, QKD providers, space/aerospace organizations, quantum sensing developers, and quantum internet researchers.

Product overview

Munich Quantum Instruments provides a portfolio of Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors (SNSPDs) engineered for industrial quantum applications. The product line consists of three core offerings: the Multi-Channel Chip (available in 2, 4, 6, or 8 channel variants) for scalable multi-channel photon detection; the Multi-Pixel Chip (up to 16 pixels per channel) for ultra-high-speed photon number resolution at bandwidths exceeding 2.5 GHz; and the Q one system—a rack-based plug-and-play detector combining integrated cryostat and electronics that accepts either chip variant. These products form a modular, scalable architecture enabling deployment across quantum computing, quantum key distribution, quantum sensing, and optical communication applications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Multi-Channel Chip Superconducting nanowire single-photon detector chip integrating up to 8 independent detection channels onto a single substrate, available in 2, 4, 6, or 8 channel variants with patented meandering nanowire architecture. Delivers >85% system detection efficiency, <30 ps timing jitter, <10 Hz dark count rate, >50 MHz maximum count rate, and <10 ns dead time. Sold to quantum computing companies, QKD providers, and research institutions for scalable multi-channel photon detection.
• Multi-Pixel Chip High-bandwidth single-photon detector chip integrating up to 16 pixels onto a single detection channel, achieving bandwidths exceeding 2.5 GHz and enabling photon number resolution (PNR). Offers <25 ps timing jitter, <100 Hz dark count rate, >2 GHz maximum count rate, and <5 ns dead time. Designed for ultra-high-speed quantum key distribution and deep-space optical communication applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• System detection efficiency >85% for multi-channel chips
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• European Space Agency (ESA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMQI collaborates with ESA on two major projects: HRQKD (High-Rate Quantum Key Distribution) developing fiber-coupled SNSPD systems achieving count rates exceeding 2 GHz for terrestrial and space-based QKD networks as part of EuroQCI initiative; and LAND (Large Area Nanowire Detectors) developing large active area SNSPD with four-quadrant design for satellite tracking in deep space optical communication and QKD demonstrator missions.
• Creotech InstrumentscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreotech Instruments is a consortium partner with MQI and ESA on both HRQKD and LAND projects. Creotech President Dr. Grzegorz Brona noted the detector will be used in deep space mission communications and as a component of future quantum network for satellite-based encryption key distribution.
• Paderborn University (Mesoscopic Quantum Optics Group)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMQO group at Paderborn University collaborated with MQI to explore capabilities of superconducting single-photon detector technology. MQI developed 16-pixel SNSPD demonstrating photon number resolution capabilities. Results showed consistent high-performance comparable to MQI benchmarks, with ultra-fast reset time (~10ns) and impressive detection efficiency at 1550nm telecom wavelength.
• Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology JenamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating with MQI and Phi0 Quantum Technologies on the STRAIT project, funded by German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). Together developing 16-channel SNSPD demonstrator with ultrafast and scalable readout electronics.
• Phi0 Quantum TechnologiesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating with MQI and Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology Jena on the STRAIT project to develop 16-channel SNSPD demonstrator with ultrafast and scalable readout electronics for compact design with significantly lower costs.
• European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre BavariasupportingOthersESA BIC Bavaria supports MQI as a startup/incubatee, providing business development support for quantum technology ventures in Bavaria.
• Founders@unibwsupportingOthersUniversity of the Bundeswehr Munich startup support initiative supporting MQI founders.
• UnternehmertumsupportingOthersGerman startup ecosystem organization supporting MQI through their entrepreneurship programs.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Single Quantum: Dutch SNSPD manufacturer offering multi-channel single-photon detector systems to QKD, quantum computing, and research customers. Direct product and customer overlap with MQI's SNSPD portfolio.
• Photon Spot: US SNSPD maker focused on compact, high-performance single-photon detectors for quantum information and biomedical imaging. Directly comparable in detector specs and customer segments.
• Swabian Instruments: Provider of single-photon counting electronics and timing solutions used alongside SNSPDs in QKD and quantum optics setups. Closely paired with MQI's detector systems at customer sites.
• Scontel: SNSPD manufacturer supplying multi-channel superconducting single-photon detector systems to quantum optics and QKD customers. Directly comparable product line and specifications.
• Quantum Opus: US-based SNSPD vendor with multi-channel and ultra-high-efficiency detector products serving quantum optics, QKD, and biomedical imaging customers. Direct competitor in channel count and efficiency benchmarks.
• ID Quantique: Swiss pioneer in single-photon detection and QKD systems, shipping SNSPD-based detector lines to telecom, government, and research buyers. Closest incumbent peer in commercial QKD-grade SNSPDs.

Emerging players

• Pixel Photonics: German SNSPD startup developing waveguide-integrated single-photon detectors with PNR capability. Direct product overlap and same geographic ecosystem, but earlier stage.
• Sparrow Quantum: Danish startup commercializing SNSPDs for QKD and photonic quantum computing. Closely comparable SNSPD offering targeting similar European customers as MQI.

Broad incumbents

• Excelitas Technologies: Large photonics incumbent offering single-photon counting modules and related detectors across industrial, life sciences, and quantum applications. Broader portfolio than MQI but overlapping in photon detection.
• Hamamatsu Photonics: Global photonics company with photomultiplier and single-photon detection products used in quantum, life sciences, and aerospace. Adjacent incumbent with overlap in photon detection end markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mqi-munich-quantum-instruments

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Munich Quantum Instruments