Objective
Europe faces a critical technological challenge in quantum and sensing applications: the inability to efficiently detect single photons in optical systems severely limits advancement in quantum computing, laser communications, industrial inspection, remote sensing, and biomedical imaging. Current detection solutions cannot handle larger optical modes while maintaining ultra-high efficiency and low noise, constraining European competitiveness in strategic sectors.
Pixel Photonics addresses this bottleneck with our breakthrough Waveguide-Integrated Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detector (WI-SNSPD) technology. By integrating nanoscale superconducting detectors directly with photonic waveguides, we achieve superior detection efficiency (>95%) across unprecedented spectral ranges (400-2000nm). Our innovation transforms quantum detection by eliminating optical cavities, reducing costs compared to conventional solutions, and enabling efficient single- and multi-mode operation.
In MULTIWAVE, we will complete development of multi-mode fiber coupling capability for SNSPDs and integration with foundry-compatible fabrication processes for greater manufacturing scalability. This advancement is crucial to bring SNSPD-level performance to applications requiring larger optical collection areas, including satellite communications, industrial quality control, environmental monitoring, and advanced microscopy & medical imaging.
EIC support will allow us to overcome technical risks towards scalable production while maintaining Europe’s strategic autonomy in quantum computing, communication, and sensing technologies. By enabling practical SNSPD solutions, our innovation supports key EU initiatives while creating high-skilled jobs and strengthening Europe’s position in the quantum technology market.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering computer hardware quantum computers
- natural sciences physical sciences optics laser physics
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-EIC-ACC - HORIZON EIC Accelerator
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2025-ACCELERATOR-02
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
48149 MUENSTER
Germany
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.