Quantifi Photonics (previously known as Coherent Solutions) formed out of Southern Photonics (a company spun out from research developed at The University of Auckland) in 2012.

UniServices made cash investments from the University of Auckland Inventors’ Fund into Quantifi Photonics firstly into their NZD$3 million Series A funding round in 2017, and subsequently into their NZD$25 million Series C funding round in 2022..

Southern Photonics was founded in 2001 by Professor John Harvey who had previously started the University of Auckland Laser Lab in the early 80′s. He has been CEO of Southern Photonics since its inception and left the University in 2013 to focus entirely on the company.

Quantifi Photonics manufactures equipment to test the optical transceivers used to convert electrical data to and from optical data. They make equipment that global companies use to develop and test really fast telecommunications equipment, from subsea cable systems to optical kit in data centres.

Their head office is in Auckland, with other offices in Thailand, the US, and Germany.

Quantifi Photonics purchase by Teradyne has been welcomed by UniServices Director, Investments, Will Charles.

“It’s satisfying to see a company from its very first stages grow and develop into a successful, multi-national business and in doing so, create growth and opportunities for so many people.”

“This acquisition and resulting partnership will propel Quantifi Photonics into a wider global market and see even more opportunities open up for them.” 

The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.