SemiQon to Develop Affordable and Scalable Quantum Computers
- QCR by GQI
- Mar 14, 2023
- 1 min read
By Carolyn Mathas
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland just launched quantum computing spinout SemiQon with a mission to power the scale up of quantum computers with silicon-based quantum processors. This new quantum processor chip is made from silicon semiconductors versus a variety of non-standard materials. In this case, the use of easy-to-replicate silicon quantum dot-based technology provide both scalability and manufacturability, while functioning at warmer temperatures for greater operability and sustainability. According to SemiQon, this capability could enable quantum processors requiring millions of qubits for fault-tolerant operation. And, in order to tackle truly complex problems, quantum computers will need to operate with millions of qubits instead of hundreds of qubits available today.
Himadri Majumdar, SemiQon’s CEO, says that the solution addresses three challenges that currently slow down quantum computer development globally--scalability, price and sustainability. Lowering cost includes the large-scale manufacturing processes and facilities already exist for silicon and SemiQon currently operates in such a pilot manufacturing facility in Finland. The use of inexpensive quantum dot technology, and warmer-temperature operation that requires a fraction of the energy currently used by competing solutions all contribute to lower cost and sustainability.
Voima Ventures is backing the development of quantum computer chips that will result in future quantum computers being more affordable and scalable. According to Jussi Sainiemi, partner at Voima Ventures, most quantum investments have addressed superconducting and other qubit approaches, leaving silicon semiconductor qubit technology underfunded. Silicon, however, is not burdened with the scalability challenges inherent in the other solutions.
SemiQon officially began post-spinout operations in February 2023.
March 14, 2023
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