QDI systems

QDI Systems develops and manufactures advanced quantum dot materials and image sensors. The company focuses on creating innovative imaging devices for both X-ray and short-wave infrared domains. Their technology leverages the unique properties of quantum dots to enhance imaging capabilities across various sectors, offering specialized sensor solutions for high-performance applications.

The company originated as a high-tech spin-off from the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials at the University of Groningen. Dr. Artem Shulga founded QDI Systems in 2019, driven by the insight to innovate within the quantum dots field, particularly demonstrating their added value for X-ray imaging. This foundational research led to the development of novel solutions for previously challenging imaging requirements.

QDI Systems' products serve diverse markets, including medical, machine vision, inspection, security, and defense. The company’s vision is to push the boundaries of imaging technology, providing next-generation quantum dot-based solutions that offer superior clarity and functionality. They aim to empower industries with sophisticated imaging devices that address critical needs and advance technological frontiers.

High-Level Overview

QDI Systems is a Dutch medtech startup founded in 2019 as a spin-off from the University of Groningen's Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, specializing in quantum dot-based image sensors for X-ray and short-wave infrared (SWIR) applications.[1][2][3] The company develops and manufactures quantum dot materials that enable higher-quality medical imaging, such as X-ray and mammography, at lower radiation doses, addressing key challenges in patient safety and diagnostic accuracy.[2][3] It serves medical device manufacturers and industrial partners like Teledyne DALSA, solving the longstanding need for innovation in X-ray detectors stagnant for 15 years by replacing traditional conversion layers with scalable, cost-effective quantum dot films versatile for X-ray, SWIR, NIR, and UV imaging.[1][2][3] QDI has shown strong growth momentum, achieving breakthroughs like the world's first 2cm QD X-ray detector (2020), full-size QD mammography panel, and QD-based CMOS image sensor, while securing €5M in funding from Maki.vc in 2022 and attracting praise from industry leaders as the best new tech in a decade.[1][3]

Origin Story

QDI Systems was founded in 2019 in Groningen, Netherlands, by Dr. Artem Shulga, a physicist with a PhD in quantum dots from the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials at the University of Groningen.[1][2][3][5] As a university spin-off, it emerged from Shulga's research to commercialize quantum dot technology for imaging, starting with intensive R&D to revolutionize medical X-ray by substituting conventional scintillators with quantum dots.[2][3] Early traction came swiftly: in 2020, QDI delivered the world's first 2cm QD X-ray detector and the first X-ray image of a hand using QD tech, followed by the first full-size QD mammography panel, marking pivotal milestones that validated the technology and drew interest from major players like Teledyne DALSA.[1][3]

Core Differentiators

• Quantum Dot Platform Technology: Proprietary, patented method for scalable, cost-effective production of quantum dot films in varying thicknesses and sizes, enabling high-performance devices for X-ray (e.g., lower-dose, higher-quality imaging) and SWIR sensors—outperforming traditional materials.[1][2][3]
• Superior Image Quality at Lower Doses: Achieves better X-ray diagnostics with reduced radiation exposure, balancing patient safety and image clarity in a market lacking innovation for 15 years.[1][3]
• Ease of Integration and "Recipe" Provision: Supplies not just high-quality quantum dots but detailed manufacturing instructions, simplifying adoption for partners and accelerating device development.[3]
• Versatility Across Applications: Extends beyond medical X-ray to SWIR, NIR, UV, and CMOS sensors, positioning QDI as a broad technology provider with strong scientific backing from its university roots.[1][2]
• Proven Traction and IP: Backed by €5M funding, industry endorsements, and exclusive breakthroughs like the first QD mammography panel.[1][3]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

QDI Systems rides the convergence of quantum technology and medtech, capitalizing on quantum dots' potential to disrupt stagnant X-ray imaging markets seeking dose reduction and performance gains amid rising demand for safer diagnostics.[1][2][3] Timing is ideal: post-2020 breakthroughs align with global pushes for low-dose imaging driven by patient safety regulations and AI-enhanced diagnostics, while SWIR expands into industrial inspection and autonomous systems.[1][2] Favorable market forces include quantum tech's maturation (e.g., scalable fabrication) and investor interest in deeptech spin-offs, as seen in Maki.vc's 2022 bet, positioning QDI to influence ecosystems by licensing its platform to giants like Teledyne DALSA and fostering quantum dot adoption in semiconductors.[3]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

QDI Systems is primed to scale as a leading quantum dot provider, likely expanding partnerships and entering commercial X-ray/SWIR production within 2-3 years, fueled by its IP moat and manufacturing scalability.[1][2][3] Trends like AI-driven imaging, regulatory emphasis on low-dose tech, and quantum materials' growth in NIR/SWIR for defense/autonomy will propel it, potentially evolving from innovator to market dominator via acquisitions or further funding rounds. This positions QDI to redefine medical imaging safety, echoing its origin as a university breakthrough now reshaping global diagnostics.