What Pi Imaging Technology does

Pi Imaging Technology SA is a Swiss deep-tech company that designs and manufactures Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) detectors and cameras for scientific and industrial imaging. Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from EPFL by Prof. Edoardo Charbon, Dr. Claudio Bruschini, and Dr. Ivan Michel Antolovic, the company commercializes direct photon-to-digital sensor technology that operates each pixel in Geiger mode, achieving zero read-out noise, single-photon sensitivity, picosecond timing precision, and dynamic range beyond 100 dB. Its product portfolio spans point arrays (SPAD 23, SPAD 23 Red, SPAD 93), a linear array (SPAD Lambda, 320x1), and megapixel cameras (SPAD 512 at 512x512, SPAD Alpha at 1024x1024), complemented by custom semiconductor sensor design and customized system integration services, with a Python automation library (SPAD512S.py) for the SPAD 512.

The company sells primarily to life-sciences research customers (confocal microscopy, FLIM, flow cytometry, super-resolution microscopy), quantum technology groups (single-photon detection and correlation), and OEM/integrator accounts, including named users such as PicoQuant, Abberior Instruments, EPFL, Imperial College London, UC Berkeley, and Ubicept. Revenue is generated through hardware sales, custom sensor design, and system integration under non-public pricing. Distribution combines direct sales from its Lausanne headquarters at EPFL Innovation Park with a global network of authorized distributors in the USA, Japan, India, Italy, China, Australia, and Singapore, alongside active participation in industry conferences such as SPIE Photonics West and Laser World of Photonics, where Pi Imaging won the Innovation Award 2025. In July 2025, Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH acquired 100% of Pi Imaging to embed its SPAD technology into ZEISS's high-end fluorescence microscopes; Pi Imaging continues to operate as a separate entity under ZEISS ownership, retaining its Lausanne location, workforce, and product roadmap.

Name

Pi Imaging Technology

Legal name

Pi Imaging Technology SA

Website

https://piimaging.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Pi Imaging Technology, a Swiss EPFL spin-off founded in 2018 and acquired by Carl Zeiss in July 2025, designs and manufactures Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) detector arrays and megapixel cameras for life-sciences microscopy, quantum technology, and industrial imaging customers worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Scientific Imaging Hardware

NAICS

Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing (33441), Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)

akta.pro primary industry

Photodiodes & Discrete Photodetectors (HDAHAHAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Optoelectronic Receivers & Transceivers (Photodetectors/Optical Modules) (HDAHALAM), Sensors, MEMS & Imaging ICs (HDAHAAAG), Optoelectronics & Photonics (LED/Laser/Optical ICs) (HDAHAAAH), Quantum Photonics & Quantum Imaging (Single-Photon, Lidar, Ghost Imaging) (HDAGAHAF)

Keywords

• Single photon imaging
• SPAD detector arrays
• Photon counting sensors
• Fluorescence lifetime imaging
• Low light imaging cameras

Headquarters

HQ city

Neuchâtel

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. SPAD Detector and Camera Sales: Pi Imaging generates revenue primarily from selling SPAD-based detector arrays, cameras, and imaging systems. Product portfolio includes point SPAD arrays (SPAD 23, SPAD 23 Red, SPAD 93), linear SPAD arrays (SPAD Lambda), SPAD cameras (SPAD 512, SPAD Alpha), and custom semiconductor sensors. These are sold as finished products to research institutions, microscopy companies, and industrial customers.
2. Custom Sensor Design Services: With over 20 years of expertise in designing SPAD-based sensors, Pi Imaging offers custom sensor design services to create tailored solutions matching exact specifications and unique imaging requirements for OEM customers.
3. Customized Systems Integration: Provides customized systems that integrate SPAD technology into customer-specific applications, offering turnkey solutions for specialized imaging needs.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Pi Imaging Technology designs and manufactures Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) detector arrays and cameras that perform direct photon-to-digital conversion with zero read-out noise. The product portfolio includes point SPAD detectors (SPAD 23, SPAD 23 Red, SPAD 93), a linear SPAD array (SPAD Lambda), SPAD cameras (SPAD 512, SPAD Alpha), and custom semiconductor sensor design and system integration services, primarily for life sciences microscopy, quantum technology, and industrial imaging customers.

Product overview

Pi Imaging Technology is a SPAD (Single-Photon Avalanche Diode) technology company offering specialized single-photon imaging solutions. The product portfolio includes point SPAD detectors (SPAD 23, SPAD 23 Red, SPAD 93), linear SPAD arrays (SPAD Lambda), and SPAD cameras (SPAD 512, SPAD Alpha). The company also provides custom semiconductor sensor design services and customized systems. These products enable applications in life sciences (confocal microscopy, FLIM, flow cytometry), industrial applications (high-speed imaging, low-light imaging), quantum technology, and research. In July 2025, Pi Imaging was acquired by Carl Zeiss and operates as a ZEISS company while maintaining its innovation cycles and separate entity status.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SPAD 23 Point detector built around a 23-pixel SPAD array in hexagonal configuration that delivers individual photon time-of-arrival data, designed as a complement to confocal scanning microscopes and for super-resolution microscopy.
• SPAD 23 Red Red-enhanced version of the SPAD 23 point detector with peak sensitivity shifted from 520 nm to 640 nm, optimized for detection of red fluorophores such as Alexa Fluor 647 and Atto 647 in confocal microscopy and FLIM.
• SPAD 93 Small SPAD array for point scanning applications with maximum count rate improved from 100 Mcps to over 3 Gcps and upgraded cooling for up to 4x per pixel dark count rate reduction.
• SPAD Lambda
• SPAD 512 Complete camera with 512x512 SPAD pixel array featuring fine gating circuitry for time-varying events such as FLIM and double FPGA read-out for the highest throughput, designed for widefield microscopy systems.
• SPAD Alpha Time-gated SPAD camera with 1024x1024 pixels (4x the SPAD 512) available in RGB and monochrome versions, featuring 1-megapixel resolution and advanced gating capabilities for high-end microscopy.
• Custom Semiconductor Sensors Custom sensor design service leveraging over 20 years of expertise in designing SPAD-based sensors, tailoring sensors to exact specifications and unique imaging requirements for specialized applications.
• Customized Systems Custom system integration services combining Pi Imaging SPAD technology with specialized applications and OEM solutions as turnkey systems for unique imaging requirements.
• SPAD512S.py Python Library Python SDK for the SPAD 512 camera that automates parameter configuration, advanced calibration (noise, dead pixel, breakdown), fan control, camera information retrieval, master/slave offset calibration, intensity measurement, and gated measurement workflows.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5x to 10x higher SNR compared to qCMOS cameras in low-light conditions (<300 photons) with short exposure times (<10ms) and high frame rates (>100 fps)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2025In July 2025, Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH acquired all shares of Pi Imaging Technology SA to integrate Pi Imaging's SPAD technology into ZEISS's high-end fluorescence microscopes. The goal is to enhance low-light and fluorescence imaging quality and reinforce ZEISS's market-leading position in microscopy. Pi Imaging retains its Lausanne location and all employees, operating as a separate entity under ZEISS ownership while combining SPAD technology with microscopy solutions.
• Scitech Pty LtdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 April 2025Scitech Pty Ltd expanded Pi Imaging's presence in Australia in April 2025. Based in Preston, Victoria, the company serves the Australian market as part of the global distribution network.
• Crisel InstrumentscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 November 2024Crisel Instruments partnered as distributor in Italy in November 2024. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Rome, the company is a trusted partner for Italy's academic, research, and industrial communities, delivering state-of-the-art products and comprehensive support services.
• ATOS InstrumentscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 August 2024ATOS Instruments appointed as strategic distributor in India in August 2024. Led by CEO Kaveri Hukku, the company is recognized for commitment to quality and high-performance equipment, serving academic, research, and industrial sectors across India.
• MSH Systems Co.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 July 2024MSH Systems Co. appointed as distributor in Japan in July 2024. Based in Tokyo, the company is a leading distributor of advanced photonics and imaging technologies, providing technical consultations and comprehensive after-sales support under CEO Katsuo Morita.
• Axiom OpticscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 June 2024Axiom Optics appointed as official distributor in the United States in June 2024. Based in Somerville, MA, the company is known for technical expertise and exceptional customer service with experienced scientists and engineers, serving academic and research communities.
• PicoQuantcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPi Imaging and PicoQuant have an established partnership for time-resolved fluorescence instrumentation. Pi Imaging's PDA-23 SPAD array detector integrates with PicoQuant's Luminosa microscope and MultiHarp 160 TCSPC module, enabling unprecedented resolution and contrast in confocal FLIM. A joint success story showcases the breakthrough capabilities achieved through this collaboration.
• Abberior InstrumentscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPi Imaging and Abberior Instruments released a joint success story showcasing breakthrough results in super-resolution microscopy using SPAD array technology, demonstrating the combined capabilities of both companies' advanced imaging solutions.
• Aunion Tech Co., LtdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAunion Tech Co., Ltd serves as Pi Imaging's distributor in China, based in Shanghai. Part of the global distributor network providing local sales and support for Chinese market customers.
• Laser 21 Pte LtdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLaser 21 Pte Ltd serves as Pi Imaging's distributor in Singapore, based at Hillview Avenue. Part of the Asia-Pacific distribution network for local market coverage.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Hamamatsu Photonics: Largest supplier of photodetectors and photon-counting devices (PMTs, SPAD modules, hybrid detectors). Directly competes with Pi Imaging in photon-counting detectors for scientific imaging, but with a vastly broader catalog.
• Excelitas Technologies: Global photonics company offering single-photon counting modules (SPCM), APDs, and scientific detectors. Competes with Pi Imaging in low-light and quantum detection for research and OEM applications.
• Sony Semiconductor Solutions: Major CMOS image sensor vendor investing in SPAD technology for automotive LiDAR and consumer applications. Represents a large-scale competitor that could erode SPAD-based differentiation.
• STMicroelectronics: Develops SPAD-based sensors for automotive, consumer, and industrial ranging. A broad incumbent with CMOS SPAD technology that competes for emerging non-microscopy SPAD use cases.
• Teledyne Princeton Instruments: Scientific imaging provider offering EMCCD, sCMOS, and intensified cameras for low-light microscopy. Competes with Pi Imaging SPAD cameras in fluorescence and time-resolved imaging.

Direct peers

• Micro Photon Devices (MPD): Italian specialist in SPAD detectors and modules for confocal microscopy, FLIM, and quantum optics. Closely comparable niche SPAD product portfolio serving microscopy researchers.
• ID Quantique: Swiss company providing single-photon detectors for quantum communication and quantum sensing. Overlaps with Pi Imaging's quantum technology customer segment in photon-counting modules.
• Photon Force: UK-based SPAD camera and array developer focused on time-resolved fluorescence and quantum imaging. Closely comparable technology and target applications in life sciences and quantum.
• Princeton Lightwave (acquired by Intel): Developed InGaAs SPAD arrays for LiDAR and quantum applications. Historically a direct competitor in single-photon detector arrays for scientific and emerging depth-sensing markets.

Others

• PicoQuant: Partner and complementary supplier of FLIM/TCSPC instrumentation that integrates Pi Imaging SPAD arrays. Closely adjacent in the confocal FLIM workflow rather than a direct sensor competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pi-imaging-technology

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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 Pi Imaging Technology