11 Sep 2024
QuiX Quantum is EIC Scaling Club’s Next-Gen Computing group member with a core mission to “revolutionize computing by leveraging quantum photonics.” QuiX Quantum is based in the Netherlands – a country renowned for its expertise in integrated photonics. The company’s CEO Dr. Ing. Stefan Hengesbach walked us through QuiX Quantum’s path to building a European quantum computer from A to Z.
Quantum computers excel at tackling complex mathematical problems that far surpass the capabilities of even today’s most powerful supercomputers. Unlike traditional personal computers, QuiX Quantum’s systems are designed to be housed in data centers. One of their key strengths lies in their ability to simulate quantum-level systems, such as molecules and atoms. This ability makes quantum computers invaluable for industries like drug development, helping researchers significantly reduce the time and resources required to develop new medications. Similarly, the development of new energy sources, such as advanced battery technologies, can be greatly accelerated using quantum computers.
While quantum computers hold immense promise for scientific advancement and innovation, they also challenge global security. One of the quantum computer's most potent abilities is its capacity for rapid factorization – breaking down large numbers into their prime components. This can have profound implications for the encryption systems that safeguard our digital world, from personal emails to online banking and government communications. In other words – data encrypted today using current methods could be vulnerable to decryption by future quantum computers.
Photonics powering the quantum future
QuiX Quantum differentiates itself in the quantum computing landscape by utilizing photonics, a technology distinct from the neutral atoms, ion traps, or superconducting qubits employed by competitors. A key advantage of photonics is its operation at room temperature, eliminating the need for costly and complex cooling systems, and reducing energy consumption.
The startup designs quantum computer chips that are then manufactured by specialized foundries. Instead of traditional electrical currents, these chips process information using light, which exhibits quantum properties. This photonic approach facilitates scalability, as multiple chips can be interconnected using standard telecom fiber optic cables – a technology with proven reliability and high production volumes.
QuiX Quantum currently employs a team of 35 dedicated professionals. As a fabless company, QuiX Quantum outsources the manufacturing of its photonic chips, opting to focus its resources on research, development, and intellectual property. This strategic approach allows QuiX Quantum to partner with specialized manufacturing facilities, accelerating time to market and actively seeking growth opportunities.
A dream team of diverse experts
In 2019, quantum optics expert Dr.Jelmer Renema’s groundbreaking research on silicon nitride's low photon loss properties laid the foundation for QuiX Quantum's technology. Dr.Renema (now Chief Scientist) co-founded the company with seasoned entrepreneur Dr.Hans van den Vlekkert, who retired in 2022 and appointed Dr.Stefan Hengesbach as the new CEO.
As an engineer who has been in the photonics industry for over a decade, Dr.Hengesbach possesses an extensive background in photonics, quantum optics, and also management. But the company’s expertise in photonics doesn’t end there. CTO Dr.Devin Smith is a world-traveled photon sources and quantum computer architecture expert.
Finally, CFO Kathy Willing brings a wealth of financial expertise from her Wall Street career and subsequent roles in deep tech and investment. Her experience in taking companies public and leading financial operations for large corporations is invaluable to QuiX Quantum's growth strategy.
QuiX Quantum leadership team’s strength lies in its diversity. That said, everyone shares a vision for the potential of photonic quantum computers and their role in complementing classical high-performance computing.
Challenges and triumphs
As one of the few companies generating revenue from quantum computing products, namely, processors, QuiX Quantum faces unique challenges. The company balances customer demands for immediate performance improvements with the development of a long-term universal quantum computer.
Stefan revealed that meeting customer expectations while simultaneously advancing cutting-edge research is demanding. Additionally, securing funding for quantum technology in Europe, particularly amid the AI investment frenzy, presents significant hurdles:
“Our solution to this challenge is to be successful. It helps that we've recently won a €15 million equity investment through the EIC Accelerator program and secured a €14 million contract with the German Aerospace Center to build a universal quantum computer. While these achievements are significant, raising capital for deep tech ventures like ours remains challenging due to the inherent high risk, high reward profile.”
Securing a contract with the German Aerospace Center marked a major breakthrough. This project, currently on track, has accelerated the company's transition from components to full quantum computing systems. Additionally, QuiX Quantum is launching a cloud-based quantum computing service in September, in partnership with QMware Cloud.
To add to the impressive list of achievements, QuiX Quantum also holds multiple world records for large-scale photonic processors. In addition to all these milestones, Stefan is incredibly proud of their team's sense of ownership:
"Seeing pictures of employees celebrating completed products in our group chat is incredibly rewarding. These small victories, shared openly, demonstrate a strong team spirit and a deep connection to our work."
Beyond the quantum bubble: Insights from the EIC Scaling Club
QuiX Quantum's membership in the EIC Scaling Club marks a crucial step in its growth trajectory. Seeking external mentorship to broaden its perspective beyond the “quantum bubble,” the company has found invaluable support. Stefan explains:
“As I expected, the EIC Scaling Club mentorship is on a very high level. Club mentors are excited and experienced, and our intense one-hour sessions consistently yield actionable insights, helping us reshape our strategy and messaging. With their guidance, we're refining our pitch and value proposition, striving to differentiate ourselves from other quantum computing companies.”
About the EIC Scaling Club
The EIC Scaling Club is a curated community where 120+ European deep tech scale-ups with the potential to build world-class businesses and solve major global challenges come together with investors, corporate innovators and other industry stakeholders to spur growth.
The top 120+ European deep tech companies will be carefully selected from a pool of high-growth scale-ups that have benefitted from EIC financial schemes, other European and national innovation programmes, and beyond.
The EIC Scaling Club is an EIC-funded initiative run in partnership by Tech Tour, Bpifrance (EuroQuity), Hello Tomorrow, Tech.eu (Webrazzi), EurA and IESE Business School.
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