With €13 million in capital raised, the Munich-based startup Kiutra aims to drive international expansion and further develop helium-3-free cooling systems. These are designed to make supply chains in quantum technologies more resilient. Kiutra’s funding round was led by new international investors NovaCapital and 55 North, accompanied by the High-Tech Gründerfonds and other existing investors. Overall, the deep-tech startup has raised over €30 million in private and public funds to date.
Sustainable cooling technology as a key element for quantum technologies
As quantum technology ecosystems expand across Europe and other regions, the demand for reliable, sustainable cooling technology is growing. Quantum computers and related systems require extremely low temperatures to function. The use of helium-3 is considered a weak point, as the isotope has limited availability and is geopolitically sensitive. Several international initiatives, including the NATO Transatlantic Quantum Community and Quantum Delta NL, have identified this dependency as a supply chain risk.
Kiutra has developed a magnetic cooling technology that works completely without helium-3. The process uses magnetic solid-state materials that are brought to very low temperatures through controlled magnetization and demagnetization. The systems are already in use at research institutions, companies, and quantum startups. According to the company, they enable particularly rapid cooling processes and simplify handling.
Dr. Alexander Regnat, CEO and co-founder of Kiutra, comments:
“This new funding supports Kiutra in expanding our global presence and further developing our portfolio of scalable cooling solutions needed for the growing quantum ecosystem.”
Strategic building blocks in quantum computing
Beyond developing existing products, Kiutra is working on modular platforms for complex quantum chips and complete quantum computers.
Dr. Michael Jobst, investor at 55 North, explains:
“Kiutra is well positioned to deliver one of the critical building blocks in quantum computing: reliable and scalable cooling. The product portfolio stands out distinctly from the market (…)”
Carlo Germano Ravina, Managing Director at NovaCapital, emphasizes the European aspect of the development:
“Kiutra’s scalable magnetic cooling technology is fundamental for quantum applications and demonstrates the potential within Europe’s deep-tech landscape.”
Already in 2024, Kiutra received EIC funding of €4 million to advance the further development of its technology. With the new capital, the company aims to accelerate research and simplify access to cryogenic technology.
The current funding round marks a transition for Kiutra from a research-focused startup to an industrially scaled company. The Munich-based startup aims to contribute to Europe’s technological independence in quantum technologies and to the stability of associated supply chains.
