Press release Quix Quantum, 7 July 2022
(Featured image: QUIX | Forward.one – Vrijdag 22 januari 2021 | © Verkijk)
Enschede, Netherlands; 7th July 2022: QuiX Quantum, a leading producer of quantum processors, has secured a €5.5 million Seed Round investment from PhotonDelta, FORWARD.one and Oost NL.
The funding will take QuiX a step closer to creating the world’s most powerful photonic quantum computer. It also marks the first major investment by PhotonDelta since it secured €1.1 billion in investment to expand the Dutch photonics ecosystem.
QuiX’s processors are already the de facto standard for photonic quantum processing in the UK, France, Germany and Hungary due to its record breaking 12 and 20-qumode* power. The funding follows the appointment of industry veteran Dr. Stefan Hengesbach as QuiX’s new CEO.
Photonics uses photons (light) to transfer information. Photonic chips, also called photonic integrated circuits (PICs), integrate photonic functions into microchips to create smaller, faster and more energy-efficient devices. PICs can process and transmit data much more effectively than their electronic counterparts. As a result PICs have emerged as the ideal technology for quantum computing.
Most of the components of a photonic quantum computer can operate at room temperature – a major step forward in reducing their cost and size. QuiX expects to launch a full system photonic quantum computer based on its 20 qumode processor in early 2023 and launch a new generation 50 qumode processor in 2023. Increasing the number of Qumodes from 20 to 50 takes the quantum machine from the equivalent of a laptop to a supercomputer.
Dr. Stefan Hengesbach, CEO of QuiX Quantum, said: “QuiX Quantum’s processors are already world leading and ideally suited to create the most powerful photonic quantum computer we have yet seen. This round brings us a huge leap forward towards this goal and will enable us to start production of a game changing 50 qumode processor.
“The technical terms around quantum computing can be very complicated, however, what we need to keep in mind is just how radical this technology is. It will impact every part of our lives from enabling truly smart cities and developing new drugs to answering some of the most profound questions about the nature of our universe.”
Ewit Roos, CEO of PhotonDelta, said: “QuiX Quantum is one of the Netherland’s most exciting startups. In only three years it has become an industry leader and now, with this initial investment, it will be able to make a serious breakthrough in quantum computing.
“Photonics is an incredibly powerful new technology that has scores of applications. QuiX Quantum is showcasing how it can be applied to overcome some major hurdles in quantum computing and underscoring why it is so important that we build our own European photonics industry.”
Paul Pruijmboom, Partner at FORWARD.one, said: “QuiX Quantum will play a vital role in the adoption of quantum computing because of its scalability and stable plug and play systems. This distinguishes it from competitors in the industry. Multiple systems are already shipped throughout Europe and it is a matter of time till other parts of the world will recognize QuiX Quantum’s unique capabilities as well.”
Chimwemwe de Gaay Fortman, Director of Capital at regional development agency Oost NL, said: “Because of its groundbreaking achievements, QuiX Quantum has become one of the key players in the quantum computing industry with the use of photonic chips. Our region has a strong profile in the field of this key technology, QuiX plays an important role in this ecosystem. We are impressed by the outstanding performance of the team.”
*Qubits represent the speed with which a quantum computer can do calculations, comparable to a computer processor speed. Qumodes are the optical equivalent of qubits. The quality of the processor is determined by the amount of light that is lost passing through the processor; the less the better. QuiX Quantum has succeeded in producing a processor that simultaneously has very low optical losses and the largest number of qumodes.
About QuiX Quantum
QuiX Quantum is a photonic quantum technology startup, located in Enschede, the Netherlands. QuiX Quantum is a fabless, horizontally integrated company, focussing on quantum computing using integrated photonics. The company’s goal is the continued disruption of quantum computing with high-tech, scalable, future-proof, plug-and-play integrated photonic solutions.
About PhotonDelta
PhotonDelta is an ecosystem that researches, designs, develops, and manufactures solutions with integrated photonics technology. Connecting pioneers in the field with investors, and viable markets, PhotonDelta helps to take the industry forward with funding, investments and R&D roadmaps. PhotonDelta is located in the Netherlands but connects and collaborates around the world.
In April 2022, PhotonDelta secured €1.1 billion in public and private investment to transform the Netherlands into the leader of the next generation of semiconductors. The programme will run for six years and will enable PhotonDelta and its partners to further invest in photonic startups and scaleups, expand production and research facilities, attract and train talent, drive adoption, and develop a world-class design library. By 2030, PhotonDelta aims to have created an ecosystem with hundreds of companies, serving customers worldwide and a wafer production capacity of 100,000+ per year.
About FORWARD.one
FORWARD.one is a venture capital fund focused on high-tech hardware start-ups and scale-ups. FORWARD.one manages 180 million euros across multiple funds, with investments in robotics, semiconductors, photonics, sensors, virtual/augmented reality, biomanufacturing and audio technology. With a team of financial professionals and technology entrepreneurs, FORWARD.one actively supports their portfolio companies to achieve their goals and ambitions. https://www.forward.one/
About Oost NL
Oost NL (East Netherlands Development Agency) is an agency that focuses its activities and projects on strengthening and stimulating the economy of the provinces of Gelderland and Overijssel, the Netherlands. With our investments, we support starting and growth-phase SMEs. We do this partly with risk capital from various revolving innovation funds, and partly through our knowledge, networks and personal contacts. Through the revolving funds, we provide for direct as well as indirect investment and take care of the fund management. In addition, we stimulate and support public and private investors. https://oostnl.nl/nl
