Quantum Diamonds, a startup spun off from the Technical University of Munich in 2022, is investing €152 million in the construction of a new production facility in Munich. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025. The facility will produce systems for quantum-based chip inspection. The new production site is considered a key component in strengthening Europe's position in global competition. The project is supported by tens of millions of euros in public funding from the German Federal Government and the Free State of Bavaria within the framework of [unclear - possibly "the German Federal Government's funding program"]. European Chips Act.
The investment aims to Quantum Diamonds The goal is to make semiconductor production in Europe more independent and efficient. The Munich facility is the first of its kind worldwide. It combines sensor manufacturing, cleanroom integration, and shared development laboratories under one roof. The concept aims to more closely integrate research and production.
A new solution for an old problem
With each technological advancement, semiconductors become smaller, more powerful – and more prone to defects. Especially in modern 2.5D and 3D chips, such as those used in artificial intelligence, mobile devices, and automotive engineering, complex layer structures make quality control more difficult.
Current testing methods reach their limits here: To find defects, chips are often cut open or ground down. These processes are time-consuming, expensive, and destroy the components. Quantum Diamonds relies on a different principle: Quantum Diamond Microscopy (QDM) uses special diamonds with nitrogen-filled vacancies to visualize electrical currents and magnetic fields inside a chip without opening the casing.
Non-destructive testing methods are considered a key technology for higher yields and lower costs in semiconductor manufacturing. They enable faster analysis and help to detect production defects early.
David Su, former head of failure analysis at Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer TSMC and now a consultant for Quantum Diamonds, explains:
"The ability to test chips accurately and non-destructively is something the industry has been looking for for 15 years."
Part of the European semiconductor strategy
The investment is part of the European Chips Act, with which the European Union aims to increase its share of global chip production from around ten percent to twenty percent by 2030. While Europe is one of the largest consumers of high-performance chips, it is heavily dependent on Asian manufacturers.
According to the company, Quantum Diamonds is already working with nine of the world's ten largest chip manufacturers. Initial systems are in operation in Europe, with further installations planned for the USA and Taiwan in 2026.
Fleming Bruckmaier, co-founder and technical director of Quantum Diamonds, says:
"Our systems give manufacturers layer-by-layer insight into current paths in microstructures without opening the housing. This type of inspection becomes indispensable with increasing complexity."
Bavaria's Minister of Economic Affairs, Hubert Aiwanger, also sees the project as an important impetus for Bavarian industrial policy and emphasizes that the Free State will support companies that "drive technological innovation and industrial strength in Bavaria".
