Multiphoton Optics
High-precision 3D laser lithography equipment based on two-photon polymerization (TPP) technology for nano- and microfabrication, enabling production of complex functional microstructures at sub-micrometer resolution.
- CEO / Founder
- Dr. Benedikt Stender
- Team Size
- 15
- Stage
- Subsidiary
- Total Funding
- €3M
- Latest Round
- Acquired
- Key Investors
- High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), Fraunhofer Venture / Fraunhofer Technologie-Transfer Fonds (FTTF), Bayern Kapital, Sack & Kiesselbach GmbH, Dr. Boris Neubert
Technology & Products
Key Products
["MPO 100 - Multi-user tool for 3D lithography and 3D microprinting with 100nm resolution","LithoProf3D®-GSII - Modular 3D printing platform for high-precision production","TPP exposure units and application-specific software and hardware modules","Customized TPP systems for industrial applications"]
Technological Advantage
Combines Fraunhofer-derived TPP technology know-how with Heidelberg Instruments' industrial platform, ISO 9001 certified production capacity, and global service network (1,500+ systems installed in 50+ countries); provides access to sales structures, production capacities, and worldwide customer support while maintaining R&D focus at Würzburg location.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Achieves the highest resolution among additive manufacturing processes at 100 nanometers with writing speeds over 1000 mm/s; combines Multiphoton Optics' sophisticated TPP exposure unit with Heidelberg Instruments' industrial platform guaranteeing stability and meeting industry standards; enables fabrication of complex 3D microstructures impossible with conventional lithography methods.
How They Differentiate
Multiphoton Optics differentiates through its unique '1-10-100-1000' capability enabling seamless transition from rapid prototyping to industrial-scale production, 100nm resolution (highest among additive manufacturing processes), and stitching-free large area printing. As part of Heidelberg Instruments since 2021, it combines proprietary Fraunhofer-derived TPP technology with Heidelberg's industrial platform (ISO 9001 certified) and global service network (1,500+ systems in 50+ countries). Nanoscribe leads as first commercializer of 2PP with proprietary Dip-in Laser Lithography (DiLL) technology; UpNano focuses on high-power laser acceleration for faster printing; Microlight3D emphasizes French-based non-linear two-photon absorption technology.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Universities, R&D institutions, and industrial customers requiring high-precision microfabrication capabilities for research and scalable industrial production.
Industry Verticals
["Micro-optics and photonics","Microfluidics and biomedical engineering","Semiconductors and advanced packaging","MEMS and microsystems technology","Quantum devices","Electronics","2D materials"]
Competitors
Nanoscribe; UpNano; Microlight3D
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Acquired by Heidelberg Instruments in March 2021, achieving successful exit for investors; MPO 100 system launched January 2022 with first customer ANFF-Q Australia; integrated as branch office January 2023 with access to Heidelberg's global sales network and 1,500+ installed systems base
Major Milestones
["Founded 2013 as Fraunhofer ISC spin-off","Won Fraunhofer Founder's Prize 2017","Closed Seed funding: €730,000 from HTGF, Fraunhofer Ventures, and private contribution from CEO Dr. Ruth Houbertz","Closed Series B: multi-million Euro investment led by FTTF with existing investors (Mar 2019)","Closed Series A: investment from Sack & Kiesselbach, HTGF, Bayern Kapital, Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, and business angels (Dec 2020)","Acquired by Heidelberg Instruments Mikrotechnik GmbH (Mar 2021)","Launched MPO 100 TPP system with 100nm resolution (Jan 2022)","First customer ANFF-Q (Australia) purchased MPO 100 (Jun 2022)","Fully integrated as Heidelberg Instruments Würzburg branch office (Jan 2023)"]
Notable Customers
Australian National Fabrication Facility - Queensland Node (ANFF-Q); Universities and R&D institutions worldwide requiring nano- and microfabrication capabilities