Dutch quantum hardware scale-up Delft Circuits raises €6.3M to scale its Cri/oFlex tech

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Delft Circuits, a scale-up that provides quantum hardware, announced on Thursday, September 7, that it has secured €6.3M in a Series A round of funding.

The investment came from existing investors, including High-Tech Gründerfonds. Eindhoven-based DeepTechXL (DTXL) contributed €5M specifically for upgrading and expanding Delft Circuits’ production and organisational capabilities.

Guus Frericks, founder and managing partner of DTXL, says, “Their (Delft Circuits’) cryogenic cable technology platform represents a pivotal step towards unlocking the full potential of quantum computing, and we are excited to be a part of this groundbreaking journey.”

The Cri/oFlex technology

In 2016, Delft Circuits recognised the challenge of transferring data between cryogenic and room temperature components in quantum systems. To address this, they pioneered the development of Cri/oFlex technology, which enables large-scale data transfer over the thermal bridge.

Delft Circuits
Cri/oFlex i/o module for a quantum computer | Image credit: Delft Circuits

This innovation has been crucial in facilitating the growth and advancement of quantum technologies, including quantum computing, communication, and sensing, which require cooperation between cold and warm parts of the system.

The Dutch scale-up stands out by integrating all circuitry onto ultrathin, flexible superconducting circuits using semiconductor industry techniques. This reduces mechanical parts, points of failure, and costs per input/output channel by a factor of 20. Additionally, it minimises cabling volume and heat transfer. 

Delft Circuits, with its Cri/oFlex platform, says it is positioned to facilitate the scaling of quantum technologies towards thousands of quantum bits, marking a significant step forward in quantum computing.

DARPA has recognised Cri/oFlex as a “state-of-the-art” technology. 

DTXL’s role in Delft Circuits’ growth

Delft Circuits has partnered with DTXL, a deep tech VC with a €100M fund. DTXL is supported by ASML, Philips, PME pension fund, and RVO Seed Capital, among others. The firm also has strong ties to the high-tech hub in Eindhoven known as Brainport, which includes companies like ASML and Philips. 

According to Delft Circuits, this move will help advance its position in the quantum industry while benefiting from the resources and expertise within the Brainport network. 

Sal Jua Bosman, founder of Delft Circuits, says, “As a child, I had a vintage Philips product collection and had the ambition to start an electronics factory. Fast forward nearly three decades, we have built a quantum electronics supplier providing many leading players in the quantum field and beyond, such as NASA.”

“That now childhood industry icons such as Philips and ASML indirectly join our company makes my journey full circle. A new chapter for Delft Circuits has begun and we can now get ready to boast the quantum industry with our products and work,” adds Bosman.

Capital utilisation

Delft Circuits’ partnership with DTXL, backed by major players in the semiconductor industry and situated within the European high-tech hub, offers valuable resources and networking opportunities. 

This collaboration will facilitate Delft Circuits in scaling up its operations and further developing its Cri/oFlex technology platform. 

Cri/oFlex addresses a critical challenge in quantum systems by addressing cabling bottlenecks, making this partnership crucial for both Delft Circuits and the quantum industry’s advancement.

Delft Circuits has supplied their Cri/oFlex cabling solutions to a diverse range of customers, including global corporations, laboratories, universities, startups, and government agencies like NASA, on five continents. 

With over 40 employees and a 400-square-metre cleanroom facility, Delft Circuits claims to play a crucial role in advancing quantum technology on a global scale.

Daan Kuitenbrouwer, co-founder of Delft Circuits, says, “The race for quantum advantage is on – we see an increase in the number- and quality of companies bringing quantum computing to the market.”

“Consequently, such companies want to focus on their core products and seek to buy (rather than build) integrated, high quality and highly scalable cabling solutions.”

“Delft Circuits is the leading supplier of such integrated cabling systems which are intrinsically scalable. Our new partners will help us scale up so we can enable even more of our customers to bring quantum computing to the market!” adds Kuitenbrouwer.

About Delft Circuits 

Delft Circuits specialises in quantum industry i/o cabling solutions. It is committed to advancing quantum technologies by providing dedicated quantum hardware to enable groundbreaking innovations in quantum computing, communication, internet security, and sensing.

With quantum computing, new possibilities will be added to the ecosystem of high-performance computing, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Delft Circuits aims to supply the quantum industry, academia, and national laboratories with the best tools, technology, and services. This support allows their customers to focus on advancing quantum technologies.

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Vishal Singh

Vishal Singh is a News Reporter and Social Media Marketing Lead at Silicon Canals. He covers developments in the European startup ecosystem and oversees the publication's social media presence. Before joining Silicon Canals, Vishal gained experience at the Indian digital media outlet Inc42, contributing to its growth with insightful content. Despite being a college dropout, his passion for writing has driven his career in journalism.

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