Pasqal & Aeponyx Build Photonic Packaging Center

Aeponyx, a subsidiary of Pasqal, is spearheading a new center dedicated to overcoming a critical obstacle in scaling quantum technology: the complex process of packaging photonic integrated circuits, or PICs. Based at C2MI in Bromont, Quebec, the Center of Competency in PIC Packaging will house equipment from German manufacturer Aixemtec Gmbh, enabling the assembly of components for both quantum and advanced sensing applications. This initiative, supported by the Canadian government and involving HOP Technologies and Phantom Photonics, aims to standardize and expand access to advanced packaging capabilities. “Building on more than a decade of strong collaboration with C2MI on silicon nitride PICs, this initiative directly supports Pasqal’s roadmap by enabling a reliable, domestic supply chain for advanced photonic packaging in Canada,” said Philippe Babin, CEO of Aeponyx. The $7.9 million project’s first phase will establish low-volume manufacturing, with plans to eventually scale production beyond 500,000 modules annually.

Aeponyx and Pasqal Establish PIC Packaging at C2MI

Pasqal, through its Canadian subsidiary Aeponyx, has launched this initiative at C2MI, bringing together a consortium of companies to bolster domestic expertise in advanced photonics. This effort focuses on perfecting the complex process of assembling and protecting these delicate components, a step often overlooked but vital for real-world deployment. Central to this effort is the installation of equipment at C2MI, sourced from Aixemtec Gmbh, a leading German manufacturer. This investment signifies a commitment to advanced manufacturing, moving beyond research and development. “With Aeponyx, we validated our active-alignment technology on quantum photonics prototypes, and we believe the collaboration has created a strong foundation for scalable production,” said Tobias Müller, Chief Commercial Officer at Aixemtec GmbH, highlighting the proven synergy between the two companies.

The center will focus specifically on PIC packaging tailored for quantum technologies, recognizing that standard packaging methods often fall short when dealing with the unique demands of quantum systems. This specialization is crucial, as current packaging limitations directly impede the scalability of PIC-based quantum computing. Aeponyx is spearheading this initiative, leveraging its established expertise in silicon nitride PICs and its acquisition by Pasqal to create a vertically integrated supply chain. The $7.9 million project, backed by $4 million in combined federal and provincial support including $3 million from Next Generation Manufacturing Canada, is structured in two phases. The initial phase will focus on establishing low-volume manufacturing, capable of producing thousands of devices, while the second phase aims for a substantial scale-up to over 500,000 modules annually.

The consortium extends beyond Pasqal and Aeponyx, incorporating HOP Technologies, specializing in photonic integration for health monitoring, and Phantom Photonics, with expertise in LiDAR and optical sensing. This diverse collaboration reflects the broad applicability of the packaging technologies being developed at C2MI. Marie-Josée Turgeon, CEO of C2MI, emphasized the center’s role in activating existing expertise, stating that the center is now activating that expertise at scale, partnering with new players and unlocking new applications to fast-track the development and commercialization of next-generation photonic and quantum technologies. Loïc Henriet, CTO of Pasqal, further clarified the strategic importance of this center, stating

HOP Technologies, Phantom Photonics, and Consortium Expertise

The field of integrated photonics is rapidly encountering a critical scaling challenge; while advances in chip design continue, the ability to reliably and efficiently package these complex photonic integrated circuits, or PICs, has become a significant bottleneck hindering widespread adoption and commercialization. This center isn’t operating in isolation; it represents a deliberate effort to consolidate and expand existing strengths within Canada’s growing quantum and sensing technology ecosystem. Anchoring this new competency center is a consortium comprised of Aeponyx, HOP Technologies, and Phantom Photonics, each bringing distinct capabilities. The installation of this equipment at C2MI is not merely an upgrade, but a strategic investment intended to standardize advanced packaging processes specifically tailored for quantum technologies. HOP Technologies, for instance, focuses on utilizing photonic integration for physiological monitoring and wearable biosignals, aiming to translate research into tangible health benefits.

Their work centers on creating wearable sensors that can detect subtle changes in a patient’s health, potentially enabling earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment. Phantom Photonics contributes expertise in next-generation LiDAR and optical sensing, targeting demanding applications in autonomous systems and defense. This phased approach reflects a pragmatic strategy for building a domestic supply chain and addressing the immediate needs of the quantum and sensing industries while simultaneously preparing for future growth.

$7.9 Million Investment Scales PIC Packaging Production

Aeponyx, a subsidiary of quantum computing firm Pasqal, is driving a significant expansion of domestic capabilities in photonic integrated circuit (PIC) packaging with a new Center of Competency established at C2MI in Bromont, Quebec. This initiative isn’t simply about bolstering Canadian manufacturing; it directly addresses a critical bottleneck hindering the scalability of PIC-based quantum technologies, a challenge that has long constrained progress in the field. The center will focus on assembling and packaging the delicate components essential for both quantum computing and advanced sensing applications, aiming to standardize processes and broaden access to these specialized capabilities. This partnership highlights an international collaboration designed to accelerate innovation and demonstrates a commitment to leveraging established expertise. The equipment’s arrival at C2MI will enable the creation of a dedicated space for refining and scaling PIC packaging techniques. The $7.9 million project includes plans for a significant scale-up, aiming for production exceeding 500,000 modules annually. This diverse expertise reflects the broad applicability of the developed packaging capabilities, extending beyond quantum computing to encompass a range of high-stakes applications.

Silicon Nitride PICs Support Pasqal’s Quantum Roadmap

The demand for increasingly sophisticated quantum processors is driving innovation not just in qubit technology, but also in the intricate components that control and connect them. The center’s focus on silicon nitride PICs is particularly noteworthy. Unlike some materials, silicon nitride offers low optical loss and compatibility with advanced fabrication techniques, making it ideal for the precise control of photons required in quantum systems. This equipment is specifically designed for the unique demands of PIC-based quantum computing applications, highlighting the international collaboration necessary to advance this field. The initial $7.9 million investment, however, extends beyond this initial phase. The second phase aims to scale production to over 500,000 modules per year, a significant leap towards commercial viability.

Loïc Henriet, CTO of Pasqal, clarifies that the center “helps turn advanced integrated photonics into repeatable, industrial-grade capabilities in Canada — a key step toward more robust, scalable controls for our neutral-atom quantum processors.” Aeponyx, acquired specifically to bring in-house PIC expertise, will play a vital role in enhancing the precision and scalability of Pasqal’s quantum systems, solidifying their position in the rapidly evolving landscape of quantum computing.