# Top 50 Photonics Tech Startups Worldwide by Funding (2026)

> The 50 best-funded photonics tech startups worldwide, ranked by total funding raised: $4.2B combined.

Source: https://millionrounds.com/top-lists/photonics-tech-startups (Millionrounds; every figure on the page links to its filing or article)

- 1 [**PsiQuantum** PsiQuantum develops quantum computer using photonic qubits and silicon photonics to build fault-tolerant quantum computing systems.](https://millionrounds.com/company/psiquantum) PsiQuantum develops quantum computer using photonic qubits and silicon photonics to build fault-tolerant quantum computing systems. *Founded* - Palo Alto, United States **$2.1B** last round Jul 2026
- 2 [**Lightmatter** Lightmatter is a Boston-based optical computing company founded in 2017 by MIT researchers.](https://millionrounds.com/company/lightmatter) Lightmatter is a Boston-based optical computing company founded in 2017 by MIT researchers. *Founded* 2017 Mountain View, United States **$433M** last round Oct 2024
- 3 [**iPronics** iPRONICS is a Spanish deep-tech semiconductor company founded in 2019 as a spinoff from Universitat Politècnica de València.](https://millionrounds.com/company/ipronics) iPRONICS is a Spanish deep-tech semiconductor company founded in 2019 as a spinoff from Universitat Politècnica de València. *Founded* 2019 Valencia, Spain **$137M** last round Sept 2026
- 4 [**PhotonEx** Photonex is the UK's showcase event dedicated to photonics and light technologies.](https://millionrounds.com/company/photonex) Photonex is the UK's showcase event dedicated to photonics and light technologies. *Founded* 2011 Effingham **$90M** last round Oct 2001
- 5 [**Rockley Photonics** Rockley Photonics manufactures photonics chips and custom integrated packaged products.](https://millionrounds.com/company/rockley-photonics) Rockley Photonics manufactures photonics chips and custom integrated packaged products. *Founded* 2013 Pasadena, United States **$87M** last round Jun 2023
- 6 [**ORCA Computing** ORCA Computing is building the first scalable and flexible quantum computer powered by photonics.](https://millionrounds.com/company/orca-computing) ORCA Computing is building the first scalable and flexible quantum computer powered by photonics. *Founded* 2019 London, United Kingdom **$85M** last round Aug 2026
- 7 [**OpenLight** OpenLight is a silicon photonics company based in Goleta, California, specializing in the design and manufacture of custom Photonic Application-Specific Integra](https://millionrounds.com/company/openlight) OpenLight is a silicon photonics company based in Goleta, California, specializing in the design and manufacture of custom Photonic Application-Specific Integra *Founded* 2022 Goleta, United States **$84M** last round Apr 2026
- 8 [**nEye.ai** We are nEye.ai, an optical switch startup founded in 2020 to revolutionize the future of data centers.](https://millionrounds.com/company/neye-ai) We are nEye.ai, an optical switch startup founded in 2020 to revolutionize the future of data centers. *Founded* 2020 Santa Clara, United States **$80M** last round Apr 2026
- 9 [**OneChip Photonics** OneChip Photonics is a privately held company based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, founded in 2005.](https://millionrounds.com/company/onechip-photonics) OneChip Photonics is a privately held company based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, founded in 2005. *Founded* 2005 Ottawa, Canada **$80M** last round Sept 2012
- 10 [**SMART-Photonics** SMART-Photonics is a pure-play foundry for Indium Phosphide photonics semiconductors.](https://millionrounds.com/company/smart-photonics) SMART-Photonics is a pure-play foundry for Indium Phosphide photonics semiconductors. *Founded* 2012 Eindhoven, Netherlands **$74M** last round Jul 2023
- 11 [**Optalysys** Optalysys Ltd is a high-tech company based in Leeds, United Kingdom, specializing in optical computing and silicon photonics.](https://millionrounds.com/company/optalysys) Optalysys Ltd is a high-tech company based in Leeds, United Kingdom, specializing in optical computing and silicon photonics. *Founded* 2013 Pontefract, United Kingdom **$69M** last round Jun 2026
- 12 [**Scintil Photonics** SCINTIL Photonics is a fabless semiconductor company based in Grenoble, France, founded in 2018 by Sylvie Menezo.](https://millionrounds.com/company/scintil-photonics) SCINTIL Photonics is a fabless semiconductor company based in Grenoble, France, founded in 2018 by Sylvie Menezo. *Founded* 2018 Grenoble, France **$62M** last round Sept 2025
- 13 [**Santur Corporation** Santur Corporation, operating as Casela Technologies, is a semiconductor laser and photonics company specializing in telecommunications and data communications](https://millionrounds.com/company/santur-corporation) Santur Corporation, operating as Casela Technologies, is a semiconductor laser and photonics company specializing in telecommunications and data communications *Founded* 2019 Fremont, United States **$56M** last round Jul 2009
- 14 [**Monarch Quantum** Monarch Quantum, Inc.](https://millionrounds.com/company/monarch-quantum) Monarch Quantum, Inc. *Founded* 2025 San Diego, United States **$55M** last round Apr 2026
- 15 [**CAILABS** Cailabs is a global deep-tech company based in Rennes, France, specializing in advanced photonics solutions.](https://millionrounds.com/company/cailabs) Cailabs is a global deep-tech company based in Rennes, France, specializing in advanced photonics solutions. *Founded* 2013 Rennes, France **$52M** last round Sept 2025
- 16 [**Anello Photonics** ANELLO Photonics, based in Santa Clara, California, specializes in advanced inertial navigation solutions for environments where GPS is unavailable or unreliable.](https://millionrounds.com/company/anello-photonics) ANELLO Photonics, based in Santa Clara, California, specializes in advanced inertial navigation solutions for environments where GPS is unavailable or unreliable. *Founded* 2020 Santa Clara, United States **$45M** last round May 2026
- 17 [**Everbright Photonics** Everbright is a company specializing in high-power diodelaser chips, high-efficiency diode laser radar sensor chips, high-speed communication diode laser chips](https://millionrounds.com/company/everbright-photonics) Everbright is a company specializing in high-power diodelaser chips, high-efficiency diode laser radar sensor chips, high-speed communication diode laser chips *Founded* 2012 Suzhou, China **$43M** last round Jun 2020
- 18 [**IPG** IPG Photonics Corporation is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in fiber lasers and photonics systems.](https://millionrounds.com/company/ipg) IPG Photonics Corporation is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in fiber lasers and photonics systems. *Founded* 2004 Alpharetta, United States **$35M** last round Aug 2013
- 19 [**Ambient Photonics** Ambient Photonics is a California-based energy harvesting company founded in 2019.](https://millionrounds.com/company/ambient-photonics) Ambient Photonics is a California-based energy harvesting company founded in 2019. *Founded* 2019 Scotts Valley, United States **$30M** last round Sept 2023
- 20 [**Sense Photonics** Sense Photonics, based in Durham, North Carolina, was a developer and manufacturer of solid-state flash LiDAR sensors and 3D vision systems.](https://millionrounds.com/company/sense-photonics) Sense Photonics, based in Durham, North Carolina, was a developer and manufacturer of solid-state flash LiDAR sensors and 3D vision systems. *Founded* 2016 San Francisco, United States **$26M** last round Jun 2019
- 21 [**Folio Photonics** Folio Photonics is a technology company based in Solon, Ohio, founded in 2012.](https://millionrounds.com/company/folio-photonics) Folio Photonics is a technology company based in Solon, Ohio, founded in 2012. *Founded* 2012 Solon, United States **$26M** last round Oct 2026
- 22 [**Quantifi Photonics** Quantifi Photonics is a telecommunications equipment supply company that specializes in photonics test and measurement services.](https://millionrounds.com/company/quantifi-photonics) Quantifi Photonics is a telecommunications equipment supply company that specializes in photonics test and measurement services. *Founded* 2013 Auckland, New Zealand **$25M** last round Jul 2024
- 23 [**EFFECT Photonics** EFFECT Photonics is an independent photonic semiconductor company based in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, founded in 2010.](https://millionrounds.com/company/effect-photonics) EFFECT Photonics is an independent photonic semiconductor company based in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, founded in 2010. *Founded* 2010 Eindhoven, Netherlands **$24M** last round Jul 2025
- 24 [**Dentroid** Dentroid is an Australian dental technology startup founded in 2017 by Dr.](https://millionrounds.com/company/dentroid) Dentroid is an Australian dental technology startup founded in 2017 by Dr. *Founded* 2017 Canberra, Australia **$22M** last round Jun 2026
- 25 [**SiOnyx** SiOnyx engages in commercializing a semiconductor process that enhances the infrared sensitivity of silicon-based photonics.](https://millionrounds.com/company/sionyx) SiOnyx engages in commercializing a semiconductor process that enhances the infrared sensitivity of silicon-based photonics. *Founded* 2006 Beverly, United States **$20M** last round Apr 2012
- 26 [**QLM Technology** QLM Technology is a UK-based photonics technology company founded in 2017, specializing in advanced quantum gas lidar systems for detecting and quantifying gree](https://millionrounds.com/company/qlm-technology) QLM Technology is a UK-based photonics technology company founded in 2017, specializing in advanced quantum gas lidar systems for detecting and quantifying gree *Founded* 2017 Paignton, United Kingdom **$19M** last round Sept 2025
- 27 [**mBryonics** mBryonics is a company that specializes in photonics, optical design, lens systems, electrical, mechanical and software engineering.](https://millionrounds.com/company/mbryonics) mBryonics is a company that specializes in photonics, optical design, lens systems, electrical, mechanical and software engineering. *Founded* 2014 Upper Newcastle Road, Dangan, Ireland **$19M** last round Feb 2024
- 28 [**Lucidean** Lucidean develops optical links for AI and data center networks, combining photonics with electronics to increase bandwidth and reduce power](https://millionrounds.com/company/lucidean) Lucidean develops optical links for AI and data center networks, combining photonics with electronics to increase bandwidth and reduce power *Founded* - Santa Barbara, United States **$18M** last round Dec 2025
- 29 [**VSK Photonics** A supplier of active photonic components for fiber-optic telecommunications](https://millionrounds.com/company/vsk-photonics) A supplier of active photonic components for fiber-optic telecommunications *Founded* 2000 United States **$18M** last round Mar 2001
- 30 [**PhotonHub Europe** PhotonHub Europe is an digital innovation hub for photonics.](https://millionrounds.com/company/photonhub-europe) PhotonHub Europe is an digital innovation hub for photonics. *Founded* 2021 Brussels, Belgium **$16M** last round Apr 2025
- 31 [**OmniSensing Photonics Technology** OmniSensing Photonics Technology is committed to developing high-end LiDAR technology.](https://millionrounds.com/company/omnisensing-photonics-technology) OmniSensing Photonics Technology is committed to developing high-end LiDAR technology. *Founded* 2018 Suzhou **$16M** last round Jun 2021
- 32 [**Berxel** Berxel Photonics presentations at SPIE Photonics West 2026 on next-generation miniaturized photonic systems.](https://millionrounds.com/company/berxel) Berxel Photonics presentations at SPIE Photonics West 2026 on next-generation miniaturized photonic systems. *Founded* 2018 China **$14M** last round Mar 2020
- 33 [**Lighteek Photonics** Lighteek Photonics provides solutions that encompass auxiliary equipment, application procedures, and on-site services for its customers.](https://millionrounds.com/company/lighteek-photonics) Lighteek Photonics provides solutions that encompass auxiliary equipment, application procedures, and on-site services for its customers. *Founded* 2015 Changchun **$14M** last round Nov 2025
- 34 [**Confluent Photonics** Developing passive and active DWDM optical components for the telecommunications industry.](https://millionrounds.com/company/confluent-photonics) Developing passive and active DWDM optical components for the telecommunications industry. *Founded* 2000 United States **$14M** last round Sept 2003
- 35 [**Lemon Photonics** LEMON Photonics was founded in 2018 and focus on the industrialization of high performance VCSEL, HCSEL, EEL laser chips, modules and solutions.](https://millionrounds.com/company/lemon-photonics) LEMON Photonics was founded in 2018 and focus on the industrialization of high performance VCSEL, HCSEL, EEL laser chips, modules and solutions. *Founded* 2018 Shen Zhen Shi, China **$13M** last round Jan 2023
- 36 [**Powerlase Photonics** Powerlase Photonics Ltd is an innovative, independent, high power laser company.](https://millionrounds.com/company/powerlase-photonics) Powerlase Photonics Ltd is an innovative, independent, high power laser company. *Founded* 2002 Crawley, United Kingdom **$13M** last round Jan 2005
- 37 [**Zero Point Motion** Zero Point Motion is a deep-tech startup based in Bristol, UK, founded in 2020.](https://millionrounds.com/company/zero-point-motion) Zero Point Motion is a deep-tech startup based in Bristol, UK, founded in 2020. *Founded* 2020 Bristol, United Kingdom **$13M** last round Mar 2025
- 38 [**Aurrion, Inc.** Aurrion was founded in 2008 to develop a silicon photonic platform that can scale with industry needs.](https://millionrounds.com/company/aurrion-inc) Aurrion was founded in 2008 to develop a silicon photonic platform that can scale with industry needs. *Founded* 2008 United States **$11M** last round Sept 2014
- 39 [**vitrealab** Vitrealab is a deep-tech photonics company based in Vienna, founded in 2018.](https://millionrounds.com/company/vitrealab) Vitrealab is a deep-tech photonics company based in Vienna, founded in 2018. *Founded* 2018 Vienna, Austria **$11M** last round Jan 2026
- 40 [**Axithra** Axithra is a Belgian health technology company founded in 2023, emerging from the Photonics Research Group at Ghent University and imec.](https://millionrounds.com/company/axithra) Axithra is a Belgian health technology company founded in 2023, emerging from the Photonics Research Group at Ghent University and imec. *Founded* 2023 Ghent, Belgium **$11M** last round Sept 2023
- 41 [**Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics** Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics is a center in the field of applied laser research and development.](https://millionrounds.com/company/fraunhofer-centre-for-applied-photonics) Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics is a center in the field of applied laser research and development. *Founded* - Glasgow, United Kingdom **$11M** last round Dec 2025
- 42 [**Rebellion Photonics** Rebellion Photonics is a Houston-based technology company that specializes in intelligent, automated gas monitoring solutions.](https://millionrounds.com/company/rebellion-photonics) Rebellion Photonics is a Houston-based technology company that specializes in intelligent, automated gas monitoring solutions. *Founded* 2009 Houston, United States **$10M** last round Jan 2014
- 43 [**Apogee Photonics** Apogee Photonics is engaged in the development of integrated indium phosphide solutions for optical transmission systems.](https://millionrounds.com/company/apogee-photonics) Apogee Photonics is engaged in the development of integrated indium phosphide solutions for optical transmission systems. *Founded* 2000 United States **$9.7M** last round Jul 2005
- 44 [**Skylark Lasers** Skylark Lasers is a photonics and laser development company based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, founded in 2013.](https://millionrounds.com/company/skylark-lasers) Skylark Lasers is a photonics and laser development company based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, founded in 2013. *Founded* 2013 Newbridge, United Kingdom **$9.6M** last round Jul 2026
- 45 [**Uviquity** Uviquity is a deep-tech photonics company based in Raleigh, North Carolina.](https://millionrounds.com/company/uviquity) Uviquity is a deep-tech photonics company based in Raleigh, North Carolina. *Founded* 2022 Raleigh, United States **$9.1M** last round Jul 2026
- 46 [**Voyant Photonics** Voyant Photonics manufactures light detection to perform three-dimensional sensing, measure range, velocity, and reflectivity.](https://millionrounds.com/company/voyant-photonics) Voyant Photonics manufactures light detection to perform three-dimensional sensing, measure range, velocity, and reflectivity. *Founded* 2018 New York, United States **$8.5M** last round Apr 2026
- 47 [**NP Photonics** NP Photonics designs and produces optical light sources for sensing, medical, and research and development markets across the globe.](https://millionrounds.com/company/np-photonics) NP Photonics designs and produces optical light sources for sensing, medical, and research and development markets across the globe. *Founded* 1998 United States **$7.8M** last round Mar 2010
- 48 [**Multiwave Photonics** Multiwave, manufacturer of pulsed fiber lasers for materials processing and environmental monitoring applications.](https://millionrounds.com/company/multiwave-photonics) Multiwave, manufacturer of pulsed fiber lasers for materials processing and environmental monitoring applications. *Founded* 2003 Maia, Portugal **$7.7M** last round May 2008
- 49 [**Swave Photonics** Swave Photonics is a fabless semiconductor company based in Leuven, Belgium, founded in 2022.](https://millionrounds.com/company/swave-photonics) Swave Photonics is a fabless semiconductor company based in Leuven, Belgium, founded in 2022. *Founded* 2022 Leuven, Belgium **$7.0M** last round Jan 2025
- 50 [**Lightspeed Photonics** LightSpeed Photonics is a Singapore-based fabless semiconductor company founded in 2021.](https://millionrounds.com/company/lightspeed-photonics) LightSpeed Photonics is a Singapore-based fabless semiconductor company founded in 2021. *Founded* 2021 Singapore, Singapore **$6.5M** last round Nov 2025

**Total funding** how the list is ranked

**15 November 2026** updated nightly

**Rounds we track** source: Millionrounds

Companies whose own description names this theme, ranked by the total they have raised in rounds we hold. Nobody pays to be on a list.

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## More photonics tech lists

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[*I* *OC* *S* **Photonics tech startups in Europe** 37 companies · $693M](https://millionrounds.com/top-lists/photonics-tech-startups-europe)

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