QCi Expands Photonics Platform with Luminar LiDAR Bid

Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) has taken another step toward building out a commercial photonics platform by placing a stalking horse bid for parts of Luminar Technologies’ LiDAR business. The move follows QCi’s earlier agreement to acquire Luminar Semiconductor and signals a more aggressive push into deployed optical systems.

For eeNews Europe readers, the news matters because it links advanced photonics and quantum optics development with real-world sensing platforms already in the field. It also highlights how consolidation in the LiDAR sector could feed directly into future quantum sensing, communications and photonic AI applications.

Stalking horse bid in Chapter 11 process

QCi, a Nasdaq-listed quantum optics and integrated photonics company, said it has been selected as the stalking horse bidder for selected remaining assets of Luminar Technologies. The proposed transaction ties to Luminar’s ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy process and requires approval from a US Bankruptcy Court, along with a court-supervised auction.

Under the agreement, QCi has offered approximately $22 million for the assets, with the usual condition that higher or better bids may emerge during the auction. If the deal clears regulatory and court hurdles, QCi expects it to close in the first quarter of 2026.

The assets include Luminar’s LiDAR hardware and software platforms, which are based on a high-performance optical architecture designed for demanding sensing applications. Customers already deploy these systems, giving QCi access to products, manufacturing know-how and operational experience beyond the lab.

Extending the photonics value chain

Combined with the planned acquisition of Luminar Semiconductor, the deal would significantly broaden QCi’s footprint across the photonics value chain. The company says it would move from photonic chip design and packaging into full system delivery, software integration and customer deployment.

QCi expects the Luminar assets to contribute immediate revenue and expand its operating presence across manufacturing support and field deployment. The company also plans to retain key engineering, technical and manufacturing staff and continue targeted R&D programs to support existing customers and deployed systems.

“Being selected as the stalking horse bidder reflects our conviction in the strategic fit of these assets and our commitment to building a scaled photonics platform with real-world impact,” said Yuping Huang, CEO and Chairman of the Board of QCi. “LSI strengthens our core photonics design, packaging, and manufacturing capabilities, while Luminar brings proven expertise in system integration, software, and scaling complex optical technologies into production. Together, these assets would accelerate our ability to commercialize advanced photonic platforms today while building the operational foundation required for future quantum sensing and emerging applications. If completed, the transaction is expected to bring a group of outstanding engineering and technical personnel to QCi, whose experience and expertise we believe would support the execution of our strategy and long-term growth objectives.”

LiDAR as a bridge to quantum sensing

Strategically, QCi views LiDAR as a near-term commercial market that shares many system-level requirements with next-generation quantum optical technologies. By acquiring a deployed optical platform, the company aims to shorten the path from research to fielded systems, gaining real-world feedback on performance, integration and operations.

In the longer term, QCi believes this foundation will support growth not only in quantum sensing, but also in quantum computing, communications and photonic AI—areas where scalable, manufacturable photonic platforms will be critical.