5 Startups to Watch: Quantum Tech

1. Alice & Bob

Founded: 2019 | Location: Paris, France

French startup Alice & Bob is a spin-off from ENS Paris and ENS de Lyon that builds universal and error-free quantum computers to help industries and researchers solve the most challenging problems. Earlier this year, the company raised $28 million to build its first fault-tolerant 'cat qubit' quantum computer named after the Schr?dinger’s cat thought experiment. Alice & Bob is using a superconducting cat qubit approach to make theirs more fault-tolerant to address the long-standing challenge of quantum computers producing too many errors. The superconducting circuit corrects bit-flip errors, which is when a qubit (the unit of quantum computing analogous to a bit in traditional computing) unintentionally switches from 1 to 0 or vice versa.

2. Oxford Quantum Circuits

Founded: 2017 | Location: Reading, UK

Oxford Quantum Circuits?builds the UK's most advanced superconducting quantum computer, the only one commercially available in the country. The quantum computer is a complete functional unit with the control system, hardware, and software. The company has also developed a private Quantum Computing-as-a-Service (QCaaS) platform, the first in the UK and in Europe, to provide customers and partners a competitive edge in improving operations to demonstrate how far-reaching quantum can be.

3. Quantum Base

Founded: 2013 | Location: Lancaster, UK

Quantum Base, a startup based at Lancaster University, is delivering the next generation of 100% unbreakable quantum security. Solutions include Q-ID Optical, which is atomic-scale fingerprint technology designed at the nanoscale (1000x smaller than the diameter of a human hair). The unique quantum ID is derived from an atomic structure enabling absolute secure authentication. Other solutions include electronic quantum EPUF devices, which are 100% physically unclonable devices and nanoscale quantum random number generator devices governed by the randomness of quantum physics at room temperature.

4. PASQAL

Founded: 2019 | Location: Paris, France

PASQAL builds programmable quantum processors and quantum computers made of 2D and 3D arrays of neural atoms. The company develops lasers, vacuum technology, electronic controls, and software stack to make the individual atoms accessible to quantum programmers. The company hopes that its technology will open the door for applications in carbon capture, energy, and sustainability. PASQAL is exploring use cases including working with the R&D department of a leading French utility company, EDF, to optimize charging schedules for electric vehicles to combat climate change.

5. Alpine Quantum Technologies

Founded: 2018 | Location: Innsbruck, Austria

Alpine Quantum Technologies uses electric fields and single-charged atoms trapped inside vacuum chambers for quantum information processors. Trapped ions represent quantum bits or qubits, which are manipulated and measured using timed laser pulses. The trapped-ion technology is compatible with green energy goals, operates at room temperature, and can be powered from a single wall-mounted power plug.