Dutch startup QphoX raises €2M to enable quantum computers “to talk to one another”; here’s how

Quantum computing is widely regarded as the next step towards computing evolution. It is poised to elevate industries from finance to cybersecurity to healthcare, and beyond. However, only a few understand how quantum computers actually work. Delft, Netherlands-based quantum tech company QphoX is one such startup.

In a recent development, the quantum tech company has raised €2M in a fresh round of funding led by Quantonation, Speedinvest, and High-Tech Gründerfonds, with TU Delft also participating.

Simon Gröblacher, CEO & co-founder of QphoX, says, “Thanks to this investment, we will be able to create and provide the missing link between quantum computers and the quantum internet, and further help scaling quantum processors to realise their computing power.”

“Our technology will form the backbone of the future quantum internet.”

Founded in 2021 by Simon Groeblacher, Frederick Hijazi, and Robert Stockill. QphoX is a developer of quantum modems and transducers. The company has developed the Quantum Modem, a “breakthrough” device that will allow quantum computers to talk to one another by unlocking the potential of the ‘quantum internet’. QphoX says it is the first company to take quantum transduction beyond university labs. 

The company will develop the Quantum Modem it conceived at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) into a commercial product, combining the fields of quantum computing and quantum communication. By networking separate processors together, the modem will let quantum computers scale beyond 10’s or 100’s of qubits, enabling them to process complex tasks inaccessible to traditional computers.

Quantum computing relies on quantum bits, or “qubits”, which can also represent a 0 or a 1. Qubits can also achieve a mixed state, called a “superposition”, where they are both 1 and 0 at the same time. This ability to both “be” and “not be” is key to the power of quantum computing.

Connecting quantum computers across a quantum network:

• Our quantum transducer is based on coupling microwave and optical photons through a mechanical intermediary resonator. This process is based on the piezo-electric and optomechanical effects and is fully coherent and works bi-directionally
• By converting quantum information between the microwave domain and optical telecom frequencies, our transducers allow for low-loss and high-fidelity transmission of quantum states
• Low thermal conductivity optical fibres carry the quantum states in and out of the cryostat, where they can be measured or routed through an optical network.

Funds for commercialisation of Quantum Modem

QphoX will further enhance the performance of the Quantum Modem and develop its first standalone product to begin working with customers and partners. The company believes the continuous progress of both quantum processors and networks will become the catalyst that accelerates interaction between the two technologies. And this will enable new applications in networked quantum information processing, such as accessing quantum resources remotely and certified quantum computing.

Rick Hao, Principal with Speedinvest’s Deep Tech team, says, “ We want to invest in seed-stage deep technology startups that shape the future and QphoX is well-positioned to make a major impact. Over the next couple of years, there will be rapid progress in quantum computers. Quantum Modem, the product developed by QphoX, enables the development of quantum computers that demonstrate quantum advantage by combining separate quantum processors. And we are proud to support Simon, Fred and Rob on this journey.”

About TU Delft University

TU Delft is an international university that combines science, development, and design. It claims that generations of its engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem solvers in business and social contexts. Its eight faculties offer 16 bachelor’s and more than 30 master’s programmes. The university has more than 25,000 and 6,000 employees.

TU Delft participates in QphoX via Delft Enterprises. Investment Director Ronald Gelderblom says, “Quantum technology is one of the main focus areas of our university. TU Delft not only conducts ground-breaking research into quantum computing and quantum internet but wants to make an impact for a better society as well. That is why we support the development of spin-off companies that aim to realise the promise of quantum technology. We are proud of the QphoX founding team, and we are happy that this investment enables them to realise their ambitions.”