From Research to Application: The Bonn-based startup Midel Photonics ​has developed an innovative solution for laser beam shaping, based on research conducted at the ML4Q Cluster of Excellence at the University of Bonn. The startup has now secured one million euros in seed funding.

Precisely shaping laser beams is crucial for many industrial processing steps, such as the production of smartphones and electric cars. Traditional methods that utilize the inherently round beam shape of lasers are now reaching their limits: they are unsuitable for specific applications, like metal cutting. The University of Bonn spin-off Midel Photonics addresses this issue with a novel technology for laser beam shaping. This technology consists of special mirrors that shape the laser beams as desired. It is based on research conducted at the ML4Q excellence cluster at the University of Bonn. The young company has now completed its seed funding round, raising one million euros. Investors include the High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) and renowned industry experts Thomas Merk and Dr. Markus Dilger.

The four founders—David Dung, Frederik Wolf, Christian Wahl, and Christopher Grossert—were supported on their journey to establishing their own company by the founding consultancy of the Transfer Center enaCom at the University of Bonn. “We are very pleased with the success of Midel Photonics,” says Sandra Speer, head of enaCom. “This once again shows how innovative research at the University of Bonn finds a quick path to application.” David Dung from Midel Photonics emphasizes, “The transition from basic research to entrepreneurial activity is not always easy. However, the support from the university and the Transfer Center at the beginning of our journey has been incredibly helpful. Now we can take the next big steps with this new funding.”

With the capital, the founders aim to position their innovative beam shaping technology more broadly in the market and expand their application portfolio. In addition to support from the Transfer Center enaCom at the University of Bonn, the founders also received funding through the EXIST research transfer program from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), NRW.BANK, the High-Tech.NRW network, and the Incubation Program of RWTH Aachen.