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Six Dutch companies are working together to build commercial quantum computers. The Impaqt consortium’s participants each focus on an individual component. Put together, the components form a scalable quantum computer. The project is currently in the design phase; installation and testing of the first so-called Noisy Intermediate-scale Quantum (NISQ) systems are scheduled to take place in November.
Credit: Quantware
Large corporations such as IBM and Google are also building quantum computers, but their primary goal is to realize as much computing power as possible. However, they do so with components that aren’t specifically developed for quantum technology. This will work for a while, but ultimately, a scaling limit will be reached. Impaqt, co-funded by the Rotterdam-The Hague metropolitan area and Quantum Delta NL, focuses on optimizing components for quantum technology, making them suitable for large-scale systems.
Participants in the consortium are Qu&Co (quantum algorithms and software), OrangeQS (quantum device characterization and control software), Qblox (quantum control hardware), Delft Circuits (cryogenic cabling), Quantware (quantum processors) and Demcon (system integration). Most of them are based in Delft and they hope to make the area into the world’s ‘one-stop shop’ for quantum hardware.
Quantware separately announced the launch of the world’s first commercially available quantum processor (QPU), the 5-qubit Soprano based on superconducting technology. The Delft-based company also secured a 650,000 euro investment from proof-of-concept fund Uniiq, investment fund Forward.one and angel investors. With investments of Rabobank and Quantum Delta NL, and having been granted both a regional and a European subsidy, the company has over 1 million euros available.