START-UPS

Pixel Photonics GmbH

Pixel Photonics is a pioneering deep-tech start-up that was founded in 2020 and is based in Münster, Germany. Through our unique innovative approach of integrating superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) with nanophotonic waveguides on a single chip, Pixel Photonics has achieved a breakthrough in the field of photon detection. Our Dena detector series combines integrated photonics and state-of-the-art single photon detection and has versatile applications in quantum computing, secure quantum communication, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and single-photon imaging.

Salience Labs

Salience Labs is transforming the networking layer of AI datacenter infrastructure. Its optical switch technology enables all optical, low latency networking designed to scale across multiple racks and thousands of GPUs. Backed by decades of research and industry expertise, Salience Labs’ technology enhances AI performance and reduces power consumption to meet the growing needs of next generation AI datacenters.

Linq Photonics GmbH

This startup was founded in 2025 in Heidelberg by two PhD students — Rasmus Bankwitz and Julius Römer — together with Jade Robinson. 

Quantum computing depends on billions of components that convert signals from electrical to optical and back. These integrated photonic circuits — already foundational in telecommunications, data centres, and advanced sensing — are paving the way for quantum communication. The control units from LinQ redefine the performance standards for quantum systems, delivering unmatched speed, efficiency, and scalability that challenge industries to rethink what’s possible.

Core – Instrumentation

Core-Instrumentation was founded by Ravi Pradip and Moritz Linnebacher to address a critical gap in the instrumentation layer for integrated photonics.

Its first product, CoreDAQ, provides photonics engineers with a compact and purpose-built platform for rapid optical measurements and device characterization. The product has been well received by the market, validating the growing demand for accessible and scalable photonic test equipment.

Core-Instrumentation is now expanding its product portfolio to meet the evolving requirements of optical interconnects, photonic integrated circuits, and high-speed automated testing.

Learn more at core-instrumentation.com.