Ruhr University Bochum
Prof. Dr. Clara Saraceno
PULS – Photonics and Ultrafast Laser Science
Förderprojekt: HoLa – EXIST Forschungstransfer
Postfach: ID 17
Universitätstr. 150
44801 Bochum
Germany
RayVen Laser GmbH Officially Founded
On March 17, 2025, RayVen officially became RayVen Laser GmbH. What began as a collaborative research effort at Ruhr University Bochum has now taken the legal and strategic step into becoming a fully incorporated company. The foundation of RayVen Laser GmbH is more than a formality. It marks a shift in focus: from technology development in an academic context to market-driven innovation in an industrial one. As a company, RayVen can now enter into partnerships, raise investment, hire talent, and prepare for scalable production of its first-generation laser systems.
RayVen’s mission is to make ultrafast laser technology at 2 µm wavelength accessible, reliable, and industry-ready. This spectral range opens new possibilities in micromachining, particularly for challenging or bio-sensitive materials, while offering energy-efficient processing and lower environmental impact. In a world of growing demand for precision, flexibility, and sustainability, we believe 2-µm lasers are part of the answer.
Our founding team combines expertise from physics, laser engineering, and entrepreneurship:
- Dr. Celia Millon, expert in ultrafast laser technology and technology transfer.
- Dr. Michael Müller, physicist specialized in high-power lasers and precision applications.
Together, we have translated years of research into a product vision that meets real industrial needs. Supported by the EXIST Transfer of Research program, we have built a working prototype, tested first applications, and defined a roadmap for development and commercialization.
With the incorporation of RayVen Laser GmbH, we are now able to:
- Enter formal industry collaborations and pilot programs
- Begin the process of IP transfer and licensing
- Attract new team members
- Engage investors and prepare for initial market entry
We remain closely connected to our academic roots at Ruhr University Bochum, and we are proud to be part of a growing ecosystem of deep-tech innovators in the Ruhr area. This is just the beginning. We are building RayVen not only as a technology provider, but as a company committed to precision, simplicity, and impact.
RayVen Receives the 2025 Gründungspreis+
We are proud to announce that RayVen has been awarded the Gründungspreis+ as part of the 2025 edition of the “Gründungswettbewerb – Digitale Innovationen”, an annual startup competition hosted by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). The award was officially presented during the #Transform event on April 17, 2025, in Berlin. The Gründungspreis+ is one of the highest distinctions within the competition and is awarded to startups whose digital innovations demonstrate not only high technological potential but also exceptional relevance for the future of industry and society. The award includes €32,000 in non-dilutive funding and provides national visibility, mentoring opportunities, and access to a network of fellow innovators.
Out of more than 200 applicants, RayVen was selected as one of only six startups to receive the Gründungspreis+ in 2025. This recognition confirms the strategic importance of next-generation laser technologies in the context of Germany’s broader industrial transformation and digital agenda. RayVen develops ultrafast lasers at 2 µm wavelength for precision material processing. The combination of short pulses, novel wavelength, and system simplicity enables new use cases in micromachining and advanced manufacturing — from semiconductors to bio-compatible materials. As a spin-off from Ruhr University Bochum, we bring together deep scientific expertise with a clear commitment to real-world application.
Our co-founders Dr. Celia Millon and Dr. Michael Müller represented RayVen on stage in Berlin. They were joined by other outstanding early-stage deep-tech teams, including mechIC, another spin-off from Ruhr University Bochum and long-standing companion in the Worldfactory Start-up Center (WSC). The WSC and the EXIST – Start-ups from Science program have been critical partners on our journey from lab to market.
This award is a significant milestone for RayVen – not just because of the recognition, but because of what it represents: the growing awareness of photonics and laser technology as enabling tools for a more efficient, resource-conscious industrial future. We thank the BMWK and the jury for their trust, and we look forward to scaling our technology with a strong sense of purpose and responsibility.
RayVen at Photonics West: Visit Us at Booth 4205
RayVen is excited to announce our participation in Photonics West 2025, taking place from January 28 to 30 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. This event is a key meeting point for the photonics industry, and we are proud to be part of it.
We will be showcasing our innovative 2 µm ultrashort pulse laser technology at the German Pavilion, Booth 4205. Designed for precision and sustainability, our laser solutions are tailored to meet the demands of industries ranging from advanced manufacturing to medical applications. This is an excellent opportunity to see our technology in action and learn how it can enhance your processes.
Photonics West is more than just an exhibition—it’s a platform to connect with industry leaders, explore new trends, and discuss the future of photonics. We invite you to visit our booth to discuss your challenges and discover how RayVen’s technology can provide solutions. Our team will be on hand to answer your questions and explore potential collaborations.
? Find us: German Pavilion, Booth 4205
? When: January 28–30, 2025
We look forward to meeting you in San Francisco and sharing how RayVen is advancing laser technology for a sustainable future.
