SkyWater Technology is driving U.S. quantum manufacturing beyond the proof-of-concept phase, tackling the complex challenges of scaling these nascent technologies. As quantum programs advance toward utility-scale systems, the focus is shifting from demonstrating functionality to addressing critical manufacturing needs like material access, specialized tooling, and cryogenic testing infrastructure. “The early phase of quantum manufacturing has proven that onshore capability is both possible and necessary,” says Ross Miller, SVP Strategy at SkyWater Technology, highlighting a pivotal moment for U.S. leadership. This transition demands a fully integrated domestic ecosystem—from substrates to EDA tools—to ensure long-term resilience and competitiveness in a diversifying quantum landscape where “no one approach will dominate all use cases.”
Quantum Device Diversity Drives Specialized Manufacturing Needs
Quantum device manufacturing is rapidly evolving beyond simple proof-of-concept builds, demanding a nuanced approach to production that acknowledges a diversifying technological landscape. Unlike many semiconductor advancements, quantum computing isn’t converging on a single device architecture; instead, various modalities are specializing by application, much like Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS). This means manufacturing pathways “must accommodate device diversity rather than force premature standardization,” according to industry observations. Consequently, facilities must prepare for a broad spectrum of fabrication needs, rather than streamlining for a single process.
The shift towards utility-scale systems is driving demand for specific manufacturing resources, including “access to new materials and specialized tooling tailored to quantum-specific structures,” alongside advanced cryogenic testing infrastructure. Advanced 3D integration and heterogeneous packaging are proving increasingly critical, especially for systems operating at extremely low temperatures where thermal, electrical, and mechanical constraints are tightly interwoven. Validating devices under realistic conditions will require “wafer-scale cryogenic testing” to accelerate learning and improve yields. This complexity necessitates a move beyond traditional “run wafers” services; emerging quantum companies require partners capable of co-developing processes and integration platforms.
SkyWater Technology highlights this need, stating their “Technology-as-a-Service model…is purpose-built for this environment,” emphasizing flexibility and customer collaboration. Automated design enablement and EDA tool support will also become increasingly important as design density and system complexity grow, demanding rapid adoption of new materials with workflows tailored to quantum requirements.
