Quantum Light

Quantum Light Inc. is a materials science company operating at the intersection of nanotechnology and industrial design, focused on commercializing a new class of pigments based on quantum dots. The company was founded in 2023 by a team that combines artistic vision with deep technical and operational expertise. The journey began when Olga Alexopoulou, a painter and graduate of the Ruskin School of Art at Oxford University, envisioned using the unique optical properties of quantum dots in art. In 2018, she collaborated with scientists at Berkeley Laboratory to create a novel pigment, Quantum Blue. This project captured the attention of Professor Paul Alivisatos, a leading authority in quantum dots, who facilitated its development at Nanosys, where he connected Alexopoulou with Jason Hartlove. Hartlove, the former CEO of Nanosys and an inventor of the optical mouse, brings extensive experience in commercializing emerging technologies and scaling manufacturing. Together, Alexopoulou (CEO), Hartlove (Co-Founder), and Alex Sifniotis (COO), a global operations expert, established Quantum Light to revolutionize how color is produced and perceived.

The company’s core business is the development and production of pigments, dyes, coatings, and inks that utilize quantum dots—semiconductor nanocrystals whose optical properties are governed by quantum mechanics. Unlike conventional pigments that work by reflecting a portion of the light spectrum, Quantum Light's pigments absorb light and then re-emit it at a specific, tunable wavelength. This process results in colors that are significantly brighter and are illuminant-independent, meaning their appearance does not change under different lighting conditions. The technology enables precise spectral control, offering superior emission purity and color durability compared to traditional dyes and compounds. Quantum Light is targeting a diverse client base across multiple industries, including cosmetics, textiles, packaging, and aerospace coatings. The business model centers on supplying these advanced materials to global manufacturers, supported by a scalable, low-emissions manufacturing process. In May 2025, the Oxford-affiliated startup secured $1 million in a pre-seed funding round from investors including Venrex, the Oxford Seed Fund, Light Ray Ventures, and I2BF Global Ventures, which will be used to expand research, enhance manufacturing partnerships, and bring its initial products to market.

Keywords: quantum dots, pigments, coatings, material science, nanotechnology, color technology, quantum confinement, dyes, inks, Olga Alexopoulou, Jason Hartlove, advanced materials, spectral control, illuminant-independent color, high-purity pigments, aerospace coatings, cosmetic pigments, textile dyes, sustainable manufacturing, Oxford University startup