Merger of Heidelberg Instruments and Multiphoton Optics strengthens German competitiveness in the international micro-optics market
March 31, 2021
Multiphoton Optics GmbH has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Heidelberg Instruments Mikrotechnik GmbH. The pooling of development capabilities and technologies for producing microstructures further underscores the global importance of research, development and production of direct-writing laser systems “Made in Germany”. The merger also extends the company’s market position in the micro-optics sector.
Following the successful conclusion of M&A negotiations, the employees of Multiphoton Optics (MPO) are now part of the Heidelberg Instruments family, one of the international market leaders in laser lithography.
MPO is a pioneer of two-photon lithography and has developed a high-performance exposure system for 3D printing down to the sub-micrometer range. With this, MPO closes a gap between conventional laser lithography – the basis of our strong core business – and the nanostructuring technology (t-SPL) we added to the Heidelberg Instruments Nano division three years ago. Together with MPO, we will further expand our position in the field of micro-optics and structured surfaces.
Konrad Roessler, CEO Heidelberg Instruments
At present, MPO specializes in the production of free-form 3D surfaces and 3D structures of any design, with a particular focus on micro-optics. In research and development, the current focus is mainly on manufacturing processes using two-photon polymerization (TPP) and on application-specific software and hardware modules.
While Heidelberg Instruments has high expectations for the further development of 3D lithography systems at the MPO site in Würzburg, Multiphoton Optics will gain access to the sales potential, sales structures, production capacities and worldwide service network of the new parent company.
Heidelberg Instruments is the perfect partner for us, as the merger will benefit customers, employees and the technology itself. Their global network increases our visibility and enables us to develop new systems based on two-photon polymerization as well as support more and more customers in implementing their applications and ideas.
Dr. Benedikt Stender, who will be the CEO of Multiphoton Optics
Dr. Boris Neubert was previously responsible for Operations on the MPO management board and now driving the integration from within Heidelberg Instruments.
By combining the strengths of both companies we will offer our customers even more powerful products and excellent service.
Dr. Boris Neubert
It is a pleasure that MPO was affiliated into the HIMT family. I personally appreciate HIMT and I am convinced that these two technological market leaders ideally fit in their business activities. Good luck to both of them.
Dr. Ruth Houbertz, President and Founder of Multiphoton Optics GmbH
MPO was our third fund investment. It is great that the company’s success story continues with the strong partner HIMT and I am grateful that the FTTF was able to accompany part of this journey. For me, MPO is an excellent example of how German Deep Tech can be successfully and sustainably commercialised from research.
Joerg Wamser, Managing Partner at Fraunhofer Technologie-Transfer Fonds (FTTF)
We were involved as seed investor from the very beginning. Therefore, we are now very pleased that MPO was not only able to exit to HIMT, but has also found a new home there for the market launch of the 3D printers. We wish all employees and management of MPO all the best for this and thank them very much.
Dr. Andreas Olmes, Principal/Prokurist at High-Tech Gründerfonds and investment manager at MPO
The fact that our technology from the Fraunhofer ISC has made the leap into a successful start-up, which could now be sold to HIMT, is a great success and corresponds to our mission of technology transfer.
Dominik Malter, Investment Manager Fraunhofer Venture
About Heidelberg Instruments
With over 1,000 installed systems, Heidelberg Instruments (HIMT) is one of the leading international players in the development and production of high-precision photolithography systems and nanofabrication tools. HIMT systems are installed in industrial and scientific facilities around the world. They are used for efficient direct imaging, as well as for photomask fabrication for a wide range of industries – including semiconductors, quantum computing, photonics, 2D materials, IoT, and many related application fields. With over 35 years of experience and highly dedicated developers, Heidelberg Instruments delivers complex lithography solutions tailored to micro- and nanofabrication requirements and specific customer needs.
For more on the company and its product lines, visit https://heidelberg-instruments.com/en/.
About Multiphoton Optics
Multiphoton Optics GmbH, founded in 2013 as a spin-off from Fraunhofer-Institute for Silicate Research ISC and based in Würzburg, is a global solution provider for 3D lithography via two-photon polymerization (TPP). This disruptive technology enables the fabrication of complex functional structures in micro-optics and microsystems technology, optical interconnects, micromechanics and biomedical engineering.
For more on the company and its product lines, visit https://multiphoton.de/.
Contact
Christine Butsmann Leitung Marketing & Kommunikation
Heidelberg Instruments Mikrotechnik GmbH
Mittelgewannweg 27
69123 Heidelberg
Tel. +49 6221 3430-164
E-Mail: christine.butsmann@himt.de
Sonja Pfeuffer
Leiterin Marketing und Kommunikation
Multiphoton Optics GmbH
Friedrich-Bergius-Ring 15
97076 Würzburg
Tel. +49 931 908792 89
E-Mail: sonja.pfeuffer@multiphoton.de
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About Bayern Kapital
Bayern Kapital GmbH, based in Landshut, was founded on the initiative of the Bavarian government in 1995. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bavarian LfA Förderbank . As the venture capital organisation of the Land of Bavaria, Bayern Kapital provides equity capital financing for the founders of young innovative technology companies in Bavaria. Presently Bayern Kapital manages twelve investment funds with a total volume of around €500m. So far, it has invested roughly €350m in about 290 innovative companies in the fields of technology in various sectors including life science, software & IT, medical technology, materials and new materials, nanotechnology and environmental technology. In this way, more than 8000 long-term jobs in sustainable companies have been created in Bavaria. www.bayernkapital.de
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About Fraunhofer Technologie-Transfer Fonds (FTTF)
The Fraunhofer Technology Transfer Fund (FTTF) is an independent venture capital investor for young deep tech companies of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and the first technology transfer fund in Germany. With a fund volume of 60 million euros, FTTF finances start-ups in very early phases and can invest up to 5 million euros per company. FTTF’s investors are the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and the European Investment Fund (EIF). Since its launch in 2019, FTTF has invested in 20 start-ups pursuing innovative business models in a wide range of technology areas.
Contact
www.fttf.eu
Joerg Wamser
+49 179 425 2884
joerg.wamser@fttf.eu
About Fraunhofer Venture
Fraunhofer Venture is the central department for spin-offs and investment management of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and offers founders, start-ups, industry and investors access to the cutting-edge technologies of the 75 Fraunhofer Institutes, the Fraunhofer infrastructure and Fraunhofer know-how with over 7,050 patent families through a comprehensive support program. The range of services includes complete support and consulting from the idea to the founding of a company, active participation management of Fraunhofer participations, support with finding investors up to a possible sale of the company.
About High-Tech Gründerfonds
High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) is a seed investor that finances high-potential, tech-driven start-ups. With around EUR 900 million in total investment volume across three funds and an international network of partners, HTGF has already helped forge more than 600 start-ups since 2005. Driven by their expertise, entrepreneurial spirit and passion, its team of experienced investment managers and startup experts help guide the development of young companies. HTGF’s focus is on high-tech start-ups in the fields of digital tech, industrial technology, life sciences, chemistry and related business areas. To date, external investors have injected almost EUR 3 billion into the HTGF portfolio via more than 1,700 follow-on financing rounds. HTGF has also successfully sold interests in more than 120 companies.
Investors in the public-private partnership include the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy, KfW Capital, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and 32 companies. The Fund Investors
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