The concepts of quantum mechanics, created in the early 20th century to describe nature at the size of atomic and subatomic particles, serve as the foundation for quantum technology.
Applications in encrypted transmission, disaster management through improved prediction, computers, simulations, science, medicine, cryptography, and medical imaging are just a few examples of how quantum technology can be used.
Even though the layman can be confused by definitions, the use of quantum technology in our everyday lives is all pervasive. From phones and computers to television and cars, applications of quantum technology can be found everywhere.
The Netherlands has of late become a hub of quantum technology research and application. Many startups in the country are working in the field to make the technology accessible and useful to humanity.
We have listed out the top quantum technology startups in the Netherlands. Do take a look:
Fermioniq
Fermioniq is a quantum software company based in Amsterdam. Co-founded by Jorgen Sandig, Ido Niesen, Chris Cane, and Prof. Harry Buhrman, it is one of the top Dutch-based quantum technology startups with a highly competitive teamare the co-founders of Fermioniq.
The company makes softwares to run specifically on quantum computers.
QuiX Quantum
QuiX Quantum is a photonic quantum technology startup based in Enschede, the Netherlands. Dr. Jelmer Renema, a specialist in quantum photonics, and a group of professors from the University of Twente formed the company in January 2019 with the help of Dr. Hans van den Vlekkert, a seasoned businessman and veteran of the photonics sector.
The company counts RAPH2Invest, FORWARD.one and Oost NL among its investors.
The company’s product portfolio includes:
- Quantum Photonic Processor: A plug-and-play control box that houses an optical chip where interference occurs. It is a fully calibrated quantum photonic processor with stable temperature and specific control software.
- Photonic Quantum Computer: The company says even the most advanced supercomputers cannot address the problems that this photonic quantum computer can tackle.
- Customised products: The company provides technological solutions for quantum technologies, including sensing, computing, and communication (QKD).
QuantWare
Founded in July 2021, QuantWare is a quantum technology startup with the single goal of growing the field, democratising hardware, and advancing the usability of the quantum computer.
The Dutch company focuses on the quickest route to practical quantum computation, building on its unrivalled know-how in scaling up superconducting QPUs. They are a cooperative business that collaborates with industry leaders and specialists to provide complementary solutions.
Their products include:
- Contralto: With 25 qubits, Contralto is the largest commercially accessible supercharged QPU in the world.
- Soprano: As the first superconducting QPU to be made available for commercial use, Soprano enables revolutionary research options for all.
- Crescendo: A travelling wave parametric amplifier (TWPA) that is nearly quantum-limited, allowing for ultra-low noise microwave detection for qubit readout and other applications.
- Foundry service: They also customise client design with a 45-day typical lead time.
Qu & Co
Qu & Co creates quantum software and algorithms. The company wants to make quantum advances while maintaining outstanding standards of objectivity.
The first quantum computing platform designed exclusively for chemistry and materials science, QUBEC, is made available to clients of Qu & Co.
OphoX
QphoX is a quantum transduction company. The first quantum modem developed by OphoX will link quantum computers in a quantum network. The foundation of the upcoming quantum internet will be their technology.
Through optical interconnects operating at room temperature, it will enable remote communication between quantum computers. They use a mechanical intermediary resonator to couple microwave and optical photons to create a quantum transducer. This synchronised, reversible method is based on the piezoelectric and optomechanical effects.
Orange Quantum Systems
Quantum chips must be conceived, made, and tested in order to achieve a commercial quantum advantage. Orange Quantum Systems is developing the test system and protocols to get important information on quantum chip performance.
The company also provides diagnostic tools to improve quantum chip design.
- Quantum Diagnostic Libraries: These software libraries are part of their product range for advanced quantum device measurement and control, and they may be used with Quantify, an online system for data collection and analysis.
- Quantum Systems: A product line called Quantum Systems contains hardware items that speed up the characterisation of quantum devices.
- Quantum Care: To ensure that their solutions speed up their clients’ R&D in quantum computing, the company offers customisation, maintenance, and education services under the umbrella of Quantum Care.
QuantERA
To ensure high-quality research in quantum technologies, 39 research funding organisations have come together to form QuantERA.
The programme’s objectives are to:
- Successfully distribute calls for proposals in quantum theory to the European quantum community
- Promote excellent research in quantum theory
- Foster international collaborations in QT
- Network research funders in quantum theory
- Disseminate the best research across the European Research Area (ERA).
Delft Circuits
Delft Circuits brings quantum technology to life in collaboration with their clients as an independent, committed supplier of quantum hardware. The company’s products include:
- Cri/oFlex 1: This thin, flexible cable is intended for applications requiring little mechanical coupling. The product was designed with maximum flexibility in mind from the beginning, which makes SPM applications a natural fit.
- Cri/oFlex 2: Specially made for cryogenic situations, when thermal load, microwave performance, tiny form factor, and phase stability are crucial.
- Cri/oFlex 3: With the help of flexible multi-channel cabling, this product provides customers with a one-stop solution for lowering their microwave signals from room temperature all the way down to milliKelvin.
QuompleX
By mapping exposures and executing real-time attack detection with their Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) solution suite, QuompleX decreases cyber risk and attack surfaces.
Researchers from the Netherlands, Italy, and Austria are the firm’s participants.
