QDI Systems, a Groningen-based deep tech startup, has secured €5 million in Series A funding to expand its quantum dots technology for medical X-ray imaging and explore new markets. The investment round was led by NOM, the Investment and Development Agency for the Northern Netherlands, and also included participation from previous investors Carduso Capital, RuG Ventures, and Maki.vc, a prominent Nordic venture capital fund.
The funding includes an additional innovation loan of €1.97 million from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). This loan, provided for projects that combine innovative science with market potential, will support QDI Systems’ development of its nanomaterial quantum dots-based imaging devices for medical applications.
Within the medical imaging sector, QDI Systems aims to leverage the potential of quantum dots, which are small semiconductor nanoparticles capable of efficiently converting photons into electronic signals. While quantum dots have been known for several decades, their commercial applications in imaging and sensor technology are relatively new. QDI Systems takes pride in being the world’s first company to utilize quantum dots technology for medical imaging, particularly in X-rays and mammography screening.
The quantum dots-based technology developed by QDI Systems is anticipated to make a significant impact on medical diagnostics. Compared to other imaging technologies, quantum dots offer higher image quality with significantly lower radiation doses. This advancement has the potential to improve the accuracy, safety, and speed of procedures like mammography screening and diagnostics.
Dr. Artem Shulga, CEO and founder of QDI Systems, expressed his excitement about the potential of quantum dots: Quantum dots have enormous potential to revolutionize medical imaging, especially in the area of X-ray imaging. Our mission is to provide high-quality images for radiologists, enabling more precise and early-stage diagnostics.
In addition to X-ray applications, QDI Systems is also exploring the utilization of shortwave infrared (SWIR) technology. This expansion opens up new markets for the company, including industrial applications like image sensors for sorting processes, as well as consumer applications such as facial recognition for mobile phones.
Dr. Shulga highlighted the market opportunities presented by shortwave infrared: With the shortwave infrared market on the brink of significant growth due to consumer market adoption, this application unlocks a significant market opportunity for us.
QDI Systems recently collaborated with the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology CSEM to develop the first quantum dots-based CMOS imaging chip for X-rays. This innovative breakthrough is expected to find applications not only in healthcare but also in machine vision and other fields.
Ytsen van der Meer, Investment Manager at NOM, recognized QDI Systems’ potential to revolutionize medical imaging through their application of quantum dot technology: QDI Systems has shown significant potential to revolutionize medical imaging through the innovative use of quantum dot technology. The team has a unique scientific background, profound technical knowledge, and extensive commercial experience, providing a strong foundation for success.
QDI Systems’ successful funding round and ongoing development efforts underline their dedication to advancing the field of medical imaging. With their pioneering quantum dots technology, the company aims to deliver precise and reliable imaging solutions that enhance the capabilities of radiologists and improve patient outcomes.
As QDI Systems continues to scale up its operations and explore new market opportunities, the potential impact of quantum dots technology on medical imaging is becoming increasingly apparent. With their cutting-edge approach, the company’s mission to revolutionize diagnostics is well underway.
