The German deep tech startup QuantumDiamonds has successfully closed a funding round, raising €91 million. These funds come from two sources: a Series A equity round of €15 million and additional state aid of €76 million, which does not dilute the founders' stake.
Application of New Capital
As demand for AI chips grows, QuantumDiamonds plans to use the capital to scale its quantum-principle-based semiconductor testing technology. This will allow the German manufacturer to avoid yield improvement issues faced by other AI hardware developers.
Company Development and Infrastructure
The capital injection will help the company build an advanced testing facility in Germany. Furthermore, over the next twelve months, the startup intends to double its engineering staff to meet growing international demand. QuantumDiamonds was founded in 2022 as a spin-off from the renowned Technical University of Munich (TUM) and has rapidly evolved from an academic project into a significant player in the global deep tech ecosystem.
Financial Support and Partners
The €15 million equity round was led by venture capital firm Climatetech World Fund. Regional venture fund Bayern Kapital, along with existing institutional investors including IQ Capital, Earlybird, and First Momentum, also participated in this round. The remaining €76 million came as state aid, officially approved by the European Commission, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, and the Free State of Bavaria.
Microchip Testing Technology
Modern silicon microchips are extremely complex, as their production involves hundreds of chemically and physically precise layers. Even a single defect can ruin an entire batch of silicon wafers, leading to billions of dollars in losses due to scrap and supply delays for global chip manufacturers. QuantumDiamonds addresses this problem in heavy industry using quantum probing technology. The company integrates quantum sensors into specialized equipment for analyzing chips at the atomic level. This non-destructive testing method is capable of detecting structural imperfections that are completely missed by optical and electronic microscopes.
Strategic Importance for Europe
Early detection of defects in the manufacturing process gives semiconductor producers time to make timely adjustments to their machinery, significantly reducing production waste and accelerating the delivery times for new equipment. The €76 million state grant directly supports the strategic goals of the EU Chips Act. Europe aims to reduce its strong dependence on semiconductor supply chains from Asia and North America. The new facility in Munich is a cornerstone of these regional efforts. Under the state funding agreement, QuantumDiamonds will collaborate with European research universities and local small businesses, thereby creating a robust local semiconductor infrastructure in Europe.
International Presence and Plans
The company is actively expanding its international presence. QuantumDiamonds currently employs 70 people, and its equipment has already been successfully installed in active semiconductor fabs in Taiwan and the United States. According to CEO and co-founder Kevin Berghoff, major chip manufacturers view this quantum diagnostic platform as an indispensable tool for next-generation equipment. The company is currently focused on accelerating the mass production of its testing equipment in Munich to support a growing list of international clients in major global technology hubs.
