University of Edinburgh spinout Singular Photonics has raised $2.15 million to accelerate development and commercialization of its SPAD-based image sensor technology. The funding was led by ACF Investors, with participation from Wren Capital, Cambridge Angels, Scottish Enterprise, QEG and Old College Capital, the University of Edinburgh’s venture investment fund.
Singular Photonics plans to use the capital to expand engineering capacity and accelerate time-to-market for new image sensors.
The company is targeting applications spanning machine vision, industrial automation, physical AI, scientific discovery and medical imaging.
Its technology uses single-photon avalanche diode, or SPAD, sensors designed to detect extremely low levels of light.
Singular Photonics is working to move these technologies beyond passive image capture toward intelligent sensing systems capable of interpreting more information directly at the sensor level.
That approach could support smaller and more efficient systems for edge computing and AI-driven applications.
Singular Photonics was spun out of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering in 2025.
The company was co-founded by Professor Robert Henderson, Dr. Aravind Venugopalan, Dr. Neil Finlayson and CEO Shahida Imani.
Henderson previously designed the first SPAD image sensor on a silicon CMOS chip, technology that has subsequently been integrated into 170 different smartphone models.
The company also appointed Dr. Dipesh Patel, former CTO of semiconductor company Arm, to its board.
His appointment follows Singular Photonics’ collaboration with Renishaw, which specializes in microscopy, metrology and analytical instrumentation.
KEY QUOTES:
“Singular Photonics is transforming image sensors from passive imaging devices into intelligent sensing platforms. SPADs have long been viewed as highly sensitive photon-counting devices, but Singular is showing the world that a far greater opportunity is now emerging, and I’m looking forward to helping the company capitalise on that opportunity.”
Dr. Dipesh Patel, Board Member At Singular Photonics
“We’re pleased to continue to invest into our spinout Singular Photonics, as they bring their on-chip computation to wider customer markets. Their pioneering optical sensor technology is a step-change in the levels of precision sensing currently available. We look forward to seeing how their continued push on technical innovation and commercial traction accelerates development capabilities and impact for their downstream customers.”
Katharine Fox, Head Of Investment At Old College Capital
“This has been a phenomenal year for Singular Photonics. This oversubscribed round means we can respond faster, expanding our sensor portfolio and bringing new features to market on our customers’ timelines, not just our own.”
Shahida Imani, CEO Of Singular Photonics
