ATTOCUBE SYSTEMS AG

Their core work

Attocube is a German precision instrumentation company that manufactures nanoscale positioning systems, atomic force microscopes (AFMs), and cryogenic measurement equipment used in quantum research and materials science. In H2020 projects, they contribute specialized hardware — scanning probe tips, nano-positioners, and low-temperature measurement platforms — that enable partners to perform quantum sensing, quantum computing, and nanoscale characterization experiments. Their role is that of a technology supplier embedded in research consortia, providing the physical instruments that make quantum-level measurements possible.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Attocube's H2020 participation spans 2016–2018 project starts, a relatively compressed window. The early projects (Spin-NANO, OMT) focused broadly on nanoscale spin systems and optomechanical technologies — general-purpose instrumentation applications. The later cohort (ASTERIQS, SQUARE, QuESTech) shows a clear pivot toward applied quantum technologies: diamond-based quantum sensing, quantum computing nodes, and quantum electronics training. This shift mirrors the broader European quantum technology push and positions attocube as an instrument provider increasingly embedded in the quantum ecosystem.

Attocube is deepening its integration into Europe's quantum technology supply chain, moving from general nanoscience instrumentation toward dedicated quantum sensing and quantum computing measurement platforms.

How they like to work

Attocube never coordinates — they join consortia as a participant (4 projects) or third-party contributor (2 projects), providing specialized instrumentation rather than leading research agendas. With 70 unique partners across 17 countries, they connect broadly rather than deeply, working with a different set of academic and research partners in each project. This makes them a reliable, low-friction equipment partner: they supply the tools, contribute technical expertise on measurement, and let research groups drive the science.

Attocube has worked with 70 distinct partners across 17 countries, reflecting a wide European network built through MSCA training networks and FET research consortia. Their connections span major quantum research hubs across Western and Northern Europe.

What sets them apart

Attocube occupies a rare niche as one of few European commercial manufacturers of precision nano-positioning and cryogenic AFM systems specifically designed for quantum research environments. Unlike academic partners who consume instruments, attocube builds them — making them essential for any consortium that needs physical measurement infrastructure. Their commercial product line means collaborators get access to industrial-grade, reproducible equipment rather than one-off lab setups.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ASTERIQS
  Largest funded project (EUR 295,471) focused on diamond quantum sensing — directly aligned with attocube's AFM and scanning probe product line.
• SQUARE
  Highest single-project funding (EUR 333,428) on scalable quantum computing nodes, signaling attocube's move into quantum computing infrastructure.
• QuESTech
  MSCA training network on quantum electronics — attocube contributed as industry partner training the next generation of quantum researchers on their instruments.