Quantum, Light, and Safety: Deep Tech Award 2025 Finalists Transform the Future of Sensing and Computing

Berlin’s Deep Tech Award enters its tenth year in 2025, once again spotlighting the most promising innovations emerging from the capital’s thriving technology scene. In the field of Photonics and Quantum Technologies, three standout finalists – Kipu Quantum, Mimotype Technologies, and Noxoon – are redefining what’s possible through advanced computation, sustainable light-based materials, and real-time trace detection. Each brings a groundbreaking approach rooted in deep research and driven by a clear societal mission. Here’s a closer look at their journeys.

Computing Beyond Limits: Kipu Quantum

Kipu Quantum was founded on a radical realization: quantum computing doesn’t have to wait for the distant future. CEO Daniel Volz, while working on complex chemistry simulations, saw firsthand that classical computing had reached its limits. After years in the industry, including a leadership role at BASF’s quantum initiative, he teamed up with physicist Enrique Solano and deep tech entrepreneur Tobias Grab to bring a bold vision to life – real-world quantum advantage now.

What makes Kipu Quantum stand out is their ultra-compact quantum algorithms, designed to run on existing commercial quantum hardware. These applications, up to 10,000 times shorter than conventional approaches, unlock new levels of performance in sectors like logistics, finance, materials science, and artificial intelligence.

“Being shortlisted is a powerful validation of our approach, our technology, and our principles,” says the team. “It signals that Berlin – and the wider deep tech community – recognizes the urgency, credibility, and impact of our work.” By embracing Berlin as a base, Kipu benefits from access to top-tier talent, research partnerships, and government support for quantum as a strategic technology frontier.

Biological Light for a Sustainable Future: Mimotype Technologies

Born from a deep-rooted fascination with life and light, Mimotype Technologies is transforming fluorescent proteins from microscopic tools into scalable components for quantum and photonic applications. Co-founders Claudio and Danilo Flores reimagined these naturally glowing proteins as next-generation materials that could one day replace toxic and resource-intensive components in electronics.

Their technology stack, built within the Center for the Science of Materials Berlin (CSMB) at Humboldt University, enables the recombinant production and engineering of fluorescent proteins into biodegradable, tunable films and optoelectronic devices. Applications range from light converters in greenhouse agriculture to quantum sensors and medical hydrogels.

“Being shortlisted validates nearly four years of foundational R&D and system-level thinking,” says the team. “It confirms that fluorescent proteins can be more than lab tools – they can become critical components in quantum, photonic, and medical systems.”

With Berlin’s thriving ecosystem of biotech, photonics, and deep tech, Mimotype is well-positioned to lead a materials revolution that is as sustainable as it is scientifically ambitious.

Security Through Precision: Noxoon GmbH

Noxoon GmbH emerged from over a decade of research at the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), where founder Dr. Biyikal developed sensor materials capable of detecting explosives at picogram levels in real time. In 2023, with support from the EXIST Transfer of Research program, he and co-founder Christopher Walter turned those breakthroughs into a mobile trace detection device – and a new company.

The technology behind Noxoon’s hand-held device is nothing short of groundbreaking. Using chemically-optical detection, it identifies explosive residues, drugs like cocaine and amphetamines, hazardous substances such as PAKs and PFAS, and even early biomarkers for diseases—through non-invasive sampling, including breath analysis.
“It shows us that there are finally people who see the same potential in our technology that we do,” says the team. “The boundaries of what’s possible are far from defined.”

With Berlin’s rapid access to infrastructure, hardware, and technical partners, Noxoon is setting a new standard for portable safety and environmental diagnostics—one that could shape future responses to public health, disaster relief, and national security.

A Glimpse into Berlin’s Deep Tech Future

These three finalists of the 2025 Deep Tech Award exemplify the best of Berlin’s research – driven innovation. Whether it’s decoding the quantum frontier, illuminating a biodegradable materials future, or protecting society with ultra-sensitive detection tools, Kipu Quantum, Mimotype Technologies, and Noxoon are not just building technology. They are building trust, resilience, and a smarter world.