
Akhetonics is pioneering the world's first all-optical general-purpose processor (XPU), aiming to revolutionize computing and AI with ultra-low power consumption and high performance. Their novel architecture moves beyond traditional von Neumann designs by integrating digital, analog, and quantum computing principles on a single photonics platform. Key advantages include near-lossless data transmission and processing, THz clocking speeds, and a purely European supply chain for enhanced security. The company's proprietary photonic design automation tools, like AtetDesigner, facilitate the creation of complex photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Akhetonics addresses critical industry challenges like the memory bottleneck and energy inefficiency in AI and High-Performance Computing (HPC) by leveraging the inherent strengths of photonics.

Akhetonics is pioneering the world's first all-optical general-purpose processor (XPU), aiming to revolutionize computing and AI with ultra-low power consumption and high performance. Their novel architecture moves beyond traditional von Neumann designs by integrating digital, analog, and quantum computing principles on a single photonics platform. Key advantages include near-lossless data transmission and processing, THz clocking speeds, and a purely European supply chain for enhanced security. The company's proprietary photonic design automation tools, like AtetDesigner, facilitate the creation of complex photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Akhetonics addresses critical industry challenges like the memory bottleneck and energy inefficiency in AI and High-Performance Computing (HPC) by leveraging the inherent strengths of photonics.
Product: All-optical general-purpose processor (all-optical XPU) on a photonic integrated circuit
Headquarters: Berlin, Germany
Founded: 2021
Founders / Leadership: Michael Kissner (Co-founder / CEO), Leonardo Del Bino (Co-founder / CTO)
Recent funding: Seed round announced Nov 28, 2024 (~€6M)
Energy-efficient high-performance computing and AI hardware (memory bottleneck, energy consumption, throughput limits).
2021
DeepTech
€2.3M
Reported early-stage round including Runa Capital, Interface Capital, Rheingau Founders and angels
€6M
Seed round announced Nov 28, 2024; syndicate includes multiple investors
“Syndicate includes European deep-tech and VC investors (Matterwave Ventures as seed lead; other named investors include 468 Capital, Runa Capital, Rheingau Founders, Interface Capital, Constructor Capital, Bayern Kapital)”
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We are looking for a Photonic Design Engineer with a strong foundation in integrated photonics and hands on experience designing, simulating and implementing photonic circuits and components. Going beyond layout work: You will be tasked with translating device concepts into manufacturable designs, validating them through simulation and ensuring compliance with process design rules.
At Akhetonics , we work on large scale photonic chip designs which often push the boundaries of foundry processes, space limitations and design rules. As a part of the photonic design engineer team you would be collaborating closely with system architects and packaging specialists to develop high performance digital photonic systems as well as solving complex multi-disciplinary design challenges, in a transparent, review-driven workflow. We operate in a Kanban-style environment where designs move quickly from concept, simulation, review and everyone is expected to give and receive feedback regularly. If you enjoy open technical discussions, rapid iteration and contributing to a culture where clarity and accessibility matter as much as experience, then you will fit right in.
Responsibilities
Experience
Skills
Knowledge
Education
Nice to have