SINGLE QUANTUM BV

Their core work

Single Quantum is a Delft-based SME that develops and manufactures superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) — ultra-sensitive devices capable of detecting individual photons. Their detectors serve as enabling technology across quantum communication, quantum imaging, bio-imaging, and mass spectrometry applications. The company bridges fundamental quantum physics research and commercial detector products, supplying precision sensing hardware to research consortia and working to open new markets in medical imaging and industrial applications.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015–2018), Single Quantum focused on foundational photonics and quantum emitter research — participating in projects on nanocrystal photonics (Phonsi), photon microscopy (SUPERTWIN), and quantum emitters on silicon substrates (4PHOTON), while beginning to commercialize their detector through the first SQP feasibility study. From 2019 onward, a clear shift occurred toward application-driven work: quantum repeaters for communication (Qurope), ghost imaging in mid-infrared (FastGhost), brain imaging with sensor arrays (Brainiaqs), and mass spectrometry for protein analysis (SuperMaMa). The evolution shows a company maturing from a technology supplier in fundamental physics projects to actively leading applied projects in biomedical and industrial sensing.

Single Quantum is moving decisively toward biomedical and industrial applications of their detector technology, making them increasingly relevant for life science and healthcare consortia, not just quantum physics projects.

How they like to work

Single Quantum operates as a technology SME that contributes specialized detector hardware to consortia. They coordinate when the project centers on their core product (SQP Phase 1 & 2, MEDISS, Brainiaqs) but are comfortable as a participant supplying components to larger research teams. With 76 unique partners across 16 countries, they maintain a broad and diverse network rather than working repeatedly with the same groups — indicating they are in demand as a specialist supplier across different research communities.

Single Quantum has collaborated with 76 distinct partners across 16 countries, reflecting strong pan-European demand for their detector technology. Based in Delft (Netherlands), their network spans Western and Central Europe with particularly strong ties to quantum research hubs in France (GreQuE/Grenoble), Germany, and Austria.

What sets them apart

Single Quantum is one of very few commercial manufacturers of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors in Europe, making them a rare and strategic partner for any consortium requiring ultra-sensitive photon detection. Their ability to bridge quantum physics hardware with real-world applications in medicine (brain imaging, mass spectrometry) and communication (quantum repeaters) gives them cross-domain relevance that few SMEs can match. For consortium builders, they offer a proven track record of delivering detector technology as a reliable SME partner with skin in the game — they coordinated EUR 3M+ in projects themselves.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SQP
  Two-phase SME Instrument project (Phase 1 at EUR 50K, Phase 2 at EUR 1.98M) — their largest funding, focused on commercializing their single-photon detector for new markets.
• Brainiaqs
  Coordinated by Single Quantum (EUR 917K), this project applies their superconducting sensor arrays to brain imaging — a bold move from physics hardware into neuroscience.
• FastGhost
  Their best-funded participant role (EUR 796K), combining quantum optics with practical mid-infrared ghost imaging — demonstrating industrial sensing potential.