Applied Quantum

What Applied Quantum does

Applied Quantum Materials Inc. (AQM) is an Edmonton-based nanomaterials manufacturer that develops and produces metal-free, biocompatible silicon quantum dots (SiQDs), silicon and germanium nanocrystals, hydrogen silsesquioxane (H-SiOx) photoresist, magnetic silica beads, PFAS-free amphiphobic coatings, silanes, and other Group 14-based nanomaterials. The company's core technology is rooted in proprietary, patented synthesis methods developed from research conducted at the University of Alberta, led by CTO Dr. Jonathan Veinot, who holds 19 patents and has co-authored over 180 peer-reviewed publications. AQM operates an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing facility in the Edmonton Research Park, with the ability to tailor particle size (2-100 nm), crystallinity, surface functionalization, and morphology for client-specific applications.

AQM serves four primary customer segments: advanced technology manufacturers (semiconductor lithography, displays, photovoltaics), academic and government research institutions, healthcare and diagnostics laboratories, and security/defense applications. The company generates revenue through a combination of custom synthesis contracts, standard catalog product sales (SiQDs, H-SiOx, MagDx kits, silica/magnetic/gold nanoparticles), and technical services such as materials characterization (DLS, zeta potential, TEM, SEM, XRD) and consulting. Pricing is quote-based for custom work, with no public e-commerce pricing; H-SiOx photoresist is sold both directly and through a global network of regional distributors covering the US, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Germany, UK, Ireland, and Italy. Sales are driven through direct B2B engagement, supported by conference attendance, academic partnerships, and earned media coverage.

The business is privately held and has been funded primarily through Canadian government grants (Alberta Innovates in January 2019, Business Scale-Up and Productivity Program in September 2019) rather than venture capital. The company has demonstrated commercial validation through deployments such as the MagDx nucleic acid extraction kits used by Alberta Precision Laboratories for COVID-19 testing and integration of H-SiOx resist by Applied NanoTools, Elionix, Georgia Tech, and Yale Institute for Nanoscience & Quantum Engineering.

Name

Applied Quantum

Legal name

Applied Quantum Materials Inc.

Website

https://aqmaterials.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Applied Quantum Materials Inc. is an Edmonton-based nanomaterials manufacturer producing metal-free silicon quantum dots, H-SiOx photoresist, magnetic silica beads, and custom Group 14 nanomaterials for universities, semiconductor firms, and diagnostics companies worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nanomaterials Manufacturing

NAICS

Research and Development in Nanotechnology (541713), Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing (33441)

SIC

Semiconductors & Related Devices (3674), Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890)

akta.pro primary industry

Photoresists & Lithography Materials (Resists, Developers, Strippers) (IMAEAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Semiconductor Process Chemicals (Wet & Dry) (IMAEAKAA)

Keywords

• Silicon quantum dots
• Nanomaterials synthesis
• Nanolithography resists
• Semiconductor nanoparticles
• Custom nanomaterial materials

Headquarters

HQ city

Edmonton

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Custom Nanomaterial Synthesis: Custom synthesis of Group 14 nanocrystals (silicon, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, germanium, silica, silicon germanium alloys) and nanocomposite polymers. Sold as tangible quantities of materials with tailored properties to B2B clients including universities, start-ups, and multinational corporations.
2. Standard Nanomaterial Products: Catalog and custom nanomaterials including silicon quantum dots, silica nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, carbon nanomaterials, and silanes. Products available in various surface functionalizations and solvent compatibilities.
3. Technical Services: Materials characterization, particle sizing (0.3 nm to 10 μm via DLS), zeta potential measurement, viscosity testing, and consulting services. Technical services provide additional revenue alongside product sales.
4. MagDx Nucleic Acid Extraction Kits: Viral nucleic acid extraction reagent kits for isolation of RNA and DNA from viral transport media and cell suspensions. Available in 96-well manual format with customization options for automated systems.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Applied Quantum Materials Inc. (AQM) researches, develops, and synthesizes metal-free, biocompatible silicon quantum dots and Group 14-based semiconductor nanoparticles (silicon, germanium, carbon) using proprietary synthesis methods. The company sells standard catalog nanomaterials, custom-synthesized specialty nanomaterials, H-SiOx electron-beam/photoresist for nanolithography, PFAS-free amphiphobic coatings, MagDx nucleic acid extraction kits, and provides materials characterization and consulting services to B2B clients in semiconductor processing, displays, energy, security, biomedical imaging, and nanocomposite polymers.

Product overview

Applied Quantum Materials Inc. (AQM) is a nanomaterials manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of Group 14-based products centered around silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) and semiconductor nanoparticles. The core product line includes Silicon Quantum Dots (2-9 nm) with up to 80% quantum yield as a non-toxic alternative to heavy-metal quantum dots, Silicon Nanocrystals (2-100 nm), and Hydrogen Silsesquioxane Resist (H-SiOx) for nanolithography. Supporting materials include Multi-functional Coatings (PFAS-free amphiphobic coatings), Silanes, Nanostructured Silica, Silica Nanoparticles, Dye-Doped Silica Nanoparticles, Carbon nanomaterials, Germanium Nanocrystals, Gold Nanoparticles, and Magnetic Nanoparticles. The company also provides Nucleic Acid Extraction Kits (MagDx) for diagnostic applications and Technical Services encompassing custom synthesis, materials characterization, particle analysis, and consulting. AQM operates as an ISO 9001 certified company serving advanced technology markets in semiconductor processing, displays, energy (luminescent solar concentrators), security (explosive trace detection), life sciences (bioimaging, drug delivery), and nanocomposite polymers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MagDx: Magnetic silica beads and nucleic acid extraction kits for isolation of RNA and DNA from viral samples and cell suspensions, used in diagnostic applications including COVID-19 testing.

Products and services

• Silicon Quantum Dots (SiQDs) Metal-free, biocompatible silicon quantum dots (2-9 nm) with tunable photoluminescence across visible and near-infrared spectra, achieving up to 80% quantum yield. Non-toxic alternative to heavy-metal-based quantum dots containing cadmium, lead, or indium, for applications in displays, bioimaging, luminescent solar concentrators, sensors, and printable electronics.
• Silicon Nanocrystals High-purity silicon nanocrystals (2-100 nm) with tailored optical and electronic properties and customizable crystallinity, porosity, and morphology for biological imaging, sensing, photovoltaics, and printable electronics.
• Hydrogen Silsesquioxane Resist (H-SiOx) Electronic-grade silsesquioxane-based polymer resist serving as a negative photo- and electron-beam resist for nanolithography, achieving sub-10 nm half-pitch resolution with long shelf-life for semiconductor and MEMS/NEMS device fabrication.
• Multi-functional PFAS-Free Coatings Silicone-based hierarchical micro/nanostructured coatings that replace per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for textiles, food packaging, biomedical, displays, semiconductors, optics, and protective coatings, achieving water contact angle of 133 degrees and oil contact angle of 73 degrees.
• Silanes Silicon-based chemical compounds including silane, organosilanes, halosilanes, and custom syntheses for use as coupling agents, adhesion promoters, hydrophobic agents, moisture scavengers, and silicate precursors.
• Nanostructured Silica Silica nanorods and nanofibers with various morphologies (porous/non-porous) and variable aspect ratios for use as polymer reinforcing fillers, thin films, coatings, and tire applications.
• Silica Nanoparticles Customized silica nanoparticles (crystalline, amorphous, or mesoporous) with tailored surface functionality for hydrophobic/hydrophilic and oleophobic/oleophilic properties used in environmental tracers, industrial, and medical applications.
• Dye-Doped Silica Nanoparticles Fluorescent dye-doped silica nanoparticles spanning visible to near-infrared spectra for use as sensors, environmental tracers, and optical probes.
• Non-Fullerene Carbon Nanomaterials Hybrid nanomaterials incorporating non-fullerene carbon with precise control of carbon shell/matrix thickness and porosity, including nitrogen-doped variants.
• Germanium Nanocrystals Germanium quantum dots and nanocrystals including core-shell structures, Ge/Si alloys, and germanium oxides in various compositions, sizes, shapes, and surface chemistry.
• Gold Nanoparticles and Nanorods Colloidal gold nanoparticles with tunable optical and electronic properties for point-of-care medical devices, colorimetric detection of pathogens, pollutants, heavy metals, and cancer biomarkers.
• Magnetic Nanoparticles High-purity iron oxide (Fe3O4) magnetic nanoparticles for bio-separation, bio-imaging, targeted drug delivery, cancer detection, and environmental contamination treatment.
• MagDx Nucleic Acid Extraction Kits MagDx magnetic silica bead kits for efficient extraction of DNA and RNA from viral transport media and cell suspensions, compatible with manual and automated extraction systems including 96-well format. Validated for SARS-CoV-2 detection via RT-qPCR.
• Technical Services (Custom Synthesis, Characterization, Consulting) Custom synthesis of Group 14 nanocrystals (Si, SiC, Si3N4, Ge, SiO2, SiGe alloys), materials characterization (TEM, SEM, XRD, FT-IR, XPS, TGA, DSC, UV-Vis, NMR), particle sizing (0.3 nm to 10 μm via DLS), viscosity measurements, feasibility studies, joint R&D projects, and technical consulting.

Quantifiable outcome

• SiQD photoluminescence quantum yield up to 80%
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and moderate.

• Alberta Precision LaboratoriescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 February 2019AQM's MagDx magnetic silica bead technology was deployed to enhance Alberta's COVID-19 lab testing capabilities. This partnership demonstrated the practical application of AQM's nanomaterials in real-world diagnostic settings, validating the technology's performance in clinical environments.
• University of Alberta NanoFABcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 September 2017Long-standing collaboration with the University of Alberta NanoFAB for nanolithography device fabrication using H-SiOx resists. AQM accesses state-of-the-art analytical instruments including TEM, SEM, XRD, FT-IR, XPS, TGA, DSC, UV-Vis, and solid-state NMR through this partnership.
• Applied NanoTools Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationApplied NanoTools uses AQM's H-SiOx resist to fabricate Fresnel Zone Plates for X-ray focusing applications, demonstrating the integration of AQM's materials into nanolithography tooling from a specialized equipment manufacturer.
• National Research Council (NRC) CanadamoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Muhammad Amirul Islam, AQM's Nanomaterial Scientist, conducted postdoctoral research at NRC's Nanotechnology Research Centre advancing lithium-selective nanocomposite membranes, CO2 capture membranes, and gene delivery silica nanomaterials. Knowledge transfer continues through academic collaboration.
• MitacsmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerMitacs Accelerate Fellowship program connecting AQM with graduate researchers. Ariana Ponce Bohorquez, a Mitacs Accelerate Fellow, conducts M.Sc. research at AQM on functionalized SiQDs for dermatological and biomedical applications.

Scale indicators3 records

Direct peers

• US Research Nanomaterials: US Research Nanomaterials supplies a broad catalog of nanopowders, quantum dots, and nanoparticles for research and industrial use. It is comparable to AQM's catalog nanomaterials business in target customers and product breadth.
• CD Bioparticles: CD Bioparticles manufactures and supplies a broad catalog of silica, gold, magnetic, and polymeric nanoparticles for biomedical and research applications. It is a direct catalog competitor to AQM's standard silica, gold, and magnetic nanoparticle lines.
• Nanosys: Nanosys is a leading developer and supplier of quantum dots and nanomaterials for displays, with deep customer relationships at major panel makers. It is the most relevant direct peer to AQM's metal-free SiQD strategy, competing head-to-head in the display and optoelectronics QD market.
• Ocean Nanotech: Ocean Nanotech produces magnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots, and gold nanoparticles for life sciences, diagnostics, and research. It competes with AQM in magnetic silica beads (MagDx) and gold/magnetic nanoparticle catalog products.
• SkySpring Nanomaterials: SkySpring Nanomaterials is a catalog supplier of nanoparticles and quantum dots (including silicon, gold, magnetic, and oxide nanoparticles) for research and industrial customers. It competes with AQM in standard catalog nanomaterials and custom synthesis.
• NN Crystal (USNC): NN Crystal (now part of Shoei Chemical) manufactures cadmium-free quantum dots and phosphors for displays and lighting. It is a direct peer to AQM's silicon and Group 14 QD portfolio, addressing the same heavy-metal-free regulatory opportunity.
• Nanocomposix: Nanocomposix (now part of Stryker) specializes in custom-synthesized inorganic nanomaterials, including gold, silver, silica, and magnetic nanoparticles for diagnostics and research. It mirrors AQM's custom-synthesis service model and catalog offerings.

Broad incumbents

• JSR Corporation: JSR is a global leader in photoresists and electronic materials for semiconductor lithography, with a far broader materials portfolio than AQM. It is comparable as an incumbent competitor in H-SiOx/HSQ and advanced resist markets.
• Shin-Etsu Chemical: Shin-Etsu is a major supplier of semiconductor materials, silicon wafers, and rare-earth magnets, with extensive reach in semiconductor process chemicals. It competes broadly with AQM in silicon-based materials and lithography chemistry.
• Merck KGaA (Performance Materials): Merck KGaA's Performance Materials business supplies specialty chemicals, display materials, and semiconductor process chemistries, including quantum dot and OLED materials. It is comparable as a broad incumbent in the same downstream markets AQM targets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

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 Applied Quantum