Mirella Koleva
Quantopticon lets engineers design quantum photonic components that work first time, cutting costly trial and error fabrication.
Project
Quantopticon
URL
Year founded
2017
Business stage
Seed
High-growth sectors
Digital and Technologies
Sector
Photonics
Location
South East
Funding
Funded Award Winner
The problem and opportunity
Quantum technologies rely on photonic components whose behaviour is shaped by uniquely quantum phenomena, yet engineers must use classical tools that cannot model them. This forces costly trial and error fabrication, slowing UK quantum progress. Developers, industry and society are held back by the lack of predictive quantum photonic design tools, limiting advances in national priorities across quantum, semiconductors and secure communications.
The solution and innovation
Quantopticon delivers the first predictive design tools for quantum photonic hardware, modelling quantum and classical physics together so devices work first time. Our defensible quantum-electrodynamics modelling approach is patented and built entirely in house, with no opensource or third-party code, and has been validated with academic partners and the European Space Agency, enabling faster, cheaper routes to scalable quantum technologies.
Market and ambition
Quantopticon targets high-value quantum computing, networking, sensing, defence and space markets projected to exceed £40 bn by the early 2030s. We’ve secured ESA paid contracts and £2 m in non-dilutive funding. Over the next 2-3 years, we aim to scale adoption across quantum hardware developers and system integrators.
Founder perspective
Dr Mirella Koleva is a physicist and entrepreneur passionate about translating cutting edge technology into commercial products. With a PhD from Imperial College London, and award winning startup success across both sides of the Atlantic, including major pitch wins in San Francisco and Chicago, she is well placed to lead Quantopticon.
Women in Innovation Award
Recipient of an Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award 2025/26, receiving funding, tailored business support, and access to specialist training and networks. View all winners and highly commended applicants from the Women in Innovation cohort 2025/2026.