Investment & Fund Management
which was backed by the European Investment
Full Credential Description
Founded in 2011 by a team of three PhDs in quantum physics, Muquans specializes in developing ultra-high technological precision measurement instruments. The company faced a significant challenge when they sought to create a new version of their flagship product, the Muquans Absolute Quantum Gravimeter, which needed to function effectively in variable environmental conditions. To address this challenge, they turned to an EU-guaranteed loan provided by Bpifrance, the French public investment bank, which was backed by the European Investment Fund (EIF) under the Investment Plan for Europe.
The tailored solution involved securing financing through the InnovFin SMEG program, which is designed to facilitate access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises. This financial support enabled Muquans to rapidly expand its operations. Within the first three years, the company successfully established a team of 15 highly skilled research and development engineers, developed a first generation of prototypes, and began commercializing their products, achieving EUR 2 million in orders.
As a result of this strategic financing, Muquans was able to continue its development trajectory, with plans for future improvements to their existing products and the establishment of a national network for transferring highly performant frequencies on fiber optic links. This case exemplifies how targeted financial support can empower innovative SMEs to overcome niche challenges and achieve significant growth in their respective fields.