Münster, 20 February 2025 – Pixel Photonics, a cutting-edge deep-tech startup based in Münster, Germany, has been selected for incubation at the ESA Business Incubation Center North-Rhine Westphalia (ESA BIC NRW). As part of the ESA Space Solutions program, this incubation offers vital support to Pixel Photonics in advancing their waveguide-integrated superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (WI-SNSPDs) for emerging applications in optical communication and quantum technologies. The ESA BIC NRW program provides Pixel Photonics with 50.000 € in funding, access to workshops, technical expertise, and a network of industry and research professionals. This incubation marks an important step for the company as it aims to revolutionize laser communication and space-based quantum cryptography, both rapidly growing markets in the new space economy.
Enabling Growth in Laser Communication and Quantum Cryptography
The rise of mega-constellations and the growing need for high-speed inter-satellite and satellite-to-ground communication have outpaced the capabilities of traditional radio-frequency systems. Laser communication, which operates at optical wavelengths, offers significantly higher data rates and efficiency, making it the preferred choice for next-generation satellite networks.
Pixel Photonics’ WI-SNSPDs address key challenges in this domain, including atmospheric signal attenuation and polarization dependence, while being compatible with scalable, cost-effective manufacturing. These advantages position the company’s detectors as a critical enabler for widespread adoption in optical communication systems.
The demand for high-performance detectors is further driven by initiatives such as ESA’s Eagle-1, Europe’s first space-based quantum key distribution (QKD) mission. Eagle-1 recently demonstrated its QKD protocol, which relies on advanced photon detection systems. Pixel Photonics’ WI-SNSPD technology offers the speed and efficiency required for QKD receivers, ensuring secure communication in space and ground applications.
ESA BIC NRW: A Platform for Innovation
“Our incubation at ESA BIC NRW is a pivotal milestone for Pixel Photonics,” said Nicolai Walter, CEO and Co-Founder of Pixel Photonics. “This opportunity provides us with the resources and network needed to adapt our WI-SNSPD technology for the space communication market. We’re excited to explore the potential of our detectors for laser communication and quantum cryptography applications in collaboration with ESA.”
The ESA BIC NRW program supports startups with space-related technologies, offering a unique combination of funding, mentorship, and market access. During the incubation, Pixel Photonics will refine its detector systems for ground stations, conduct comprehensive market analyses, and prepare for entry into the growing space communication sector.
About Pixel Photonics
Founded in 2021 as a spin-off from Münster University, Pixel Photonics GmbH specializes in high-performance single-photon detection technology. Its WI-SNSPDs combine scalability, ultra-fast detection rates, and high sensitivity, enabling transformative advancements in quantum computing, QKD, microscopy, and metrology.
Since the launch of its detector series in 2022, Pixel Photonics has secured customers in research, quantum technologies, and life sciences. With an international team of over 35 employees, the company continues to push the boundaries of nanophotonics technology. Pixel Photonics is backed by funding from Quantonation and HTGF, and is part of several prestigious grants, including those from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the European Innovation Council (EIC).
For more information about Pixel Photonics, visit pixelphotonics.com.
Press Contact
Julia Kleine-Bley
julia.kleine@pixelphotonics.com
