NEXTNANO GMBH

Their core work

nextnano develops advanced semiconductor simulation software used to model quantum effects in nanoelectronic and photonic devices. Their tools allow researchers and engineers to simulate band structures, carrier transport, and optical properties of complex semiconductor heterostructures. In H2020 projects, they provide computational modeling expertise that supports experimental groups working on quantum devices, infrared lasers, and silicon photonics components. Based near Munich, they bridge the gap between theoretical semiconductor physics and practical device design.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

nextnano's early H2020 involvement (2017–2020) centered on far-infrared silicon heterostructure lasers and quantum nanoelectronics with single-electron transport — fundamental physics-oriented work. From 2020 onward, their focus broadened significantly into antimony-based quantum semiconductors (InSb, GaSb, AlSb) with applications ranging from memories to single photon sources, and pivoted into applied silicon photonics for optical transceivers. This shift shows a clear movement from pure quantum transport modeling toward more application-ready photonic and optoelectronic device simulation.

nextnano is expanding from fundamental quantum device modeling toward industrially relevant photonics and optoelectronics simulation, positioning them for the growing silicon photonics and quantum technology markets.

How they like to work

nextnano operates exclusively as a specialist participant, never coordinating projects — consistent with their role as a simulation software provider supporting experimental consortia. With 26 unique partners across 11 countries in just 4 projects, they engage with diverse, large research consortia rather than repeating partnerships. This pattern suggests they are valued as a go-to simulation partner that different European research groups invite when they need computational modeling of semiconductor nanostructures.

nextnano has collaborated with 26 distinct partners across 11 countries through 4 projects, indicating they are well-connected across European semiconductor and photonics research networks. Their partnerships span a broad geographic range typical of FET and MSCA training networks.

What sets them apart

nextnano occupies a rare niche as a commercial SME providing semiconductor nanostructure simulation software to academic and industrial research consortia. Unlike university groups that build in-house codes, nextnano offers a maintained, validated simulation platform that multiple project teams can rely on for quantum device modeling. Their ability to simulate diverse material systems — from silicon-germanium to III-V antimonides — makes them a versatile partner for any consortium working on advanced semiconductor devices.

Highlights from their portfolio

• QUANTIMONY
  Covers an unusually broad range of antimony-based quantum semiconductor applications — from memories and single photon sources to solar cells and infrared technology — in a single project.
• SIPHO-G
  Represents nextnano's expansion into silicon photonics for data communication applications (modulators, photodetectors, optical transceivers), their most industry-oriented project.
• UltraFastNano
  Targets picosecond-scale single-electron transport — pushing the frontier of ultrafast quantum nanoelectronics with direct relevance to future computing architectures.