A tour of PsiQuantum’s facilities in the San Francisco Bay Area formed part of Imperial College London’s San Francisco Tech Week activities, directly engaging the university with a key player in quantum computing. The visit, alongside a five-day program for Imperial startup founders, highlighted the university’s commitment to supporting deep tech entrepreneurship and transatlantic partnerships.
Amanda Wolthuizen, Imperial’s Vice-President (Strategic Engagement and Communications), participated in a panel discussing London’s AI and deep tech ecosystem. “Quantum technologies will reshape a great deal about how we live and work, and Imperial has the people, the facilities and the partnerships to help lead that change,” said Professor Peter Haynes, Provost of Imperial College London.
Imperial Showcases Quantum Tech and Deep Tech Expertise
Professor Terry Rudolph of Imperial’s Department of Physics joined Provost Professor Peter Haynes for an event focused on quantum computing applications and the creation of high-value startups stemming from deep tech research. PsiQuantum, where Rudolph also serves as Co-Founder and Chief Architect, is actively building a large-scale, error-corrected quantum computer using photons of light, a technology presented during the visit.
Imperial’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship extended to a five-day program specifically designed for a cohort of startup founders originating from London’s innovation ecosystem. These founders travelled to the United States to establish international connections and explore new investment opportunities, facilitated by Imperial Enterprise Lab and Imperial Global USA.
Beyond direct research collaboration and startup support, Imperial actively positioned itself within the transatlantic conversation surrounding tech hubs. This participation, alongside convening tech and industry leaders at the GBx Gala and Imperial Global USA board members, emphasises the university’s role as a voice in shaping the future of innovation. Imperial Global USA is a dedicated platform for forging partnerships and connections between the UK and US innovation ecosystems, further solidifying its commitment to international collaboration.
PsiQuantum Partnership Highlights Photonic Quantum Computing Advances
PsiQuantum’s approach to building a quantum computer using photons distinguishes it from many competitors pursuing superconducting or trapped ion technologies. The company aims to create a large-scale, error-corrected machine, a significant challenge given the delicate nature of quantum states, and recently hosted representatives as part of San Francisco Tech Week. “Through QuEST, our Centre for Quantum Engineering, Science and Technology, we are working right across that span,” he said.
“From discovery science at the frontier, to quantum navigation that can deliver precise positioning, to the expertise government now draws on directly.” This breadth, according to Haynes, is what sets Imperial apart, with the same research groups involved in fundamental physics, application development and policy shaping. Beyond hardware development, Imperial is also encouraging the translation of quantum research into commercial ventures. The university highlighted the new Centre for AI-Driven Innovation (CADI), a partnership with the World Economic Forum and the UK’s Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
Quantum technologies will reshape a great deal about how we live and work, and Imperial has the people, the facilities and the partnerships to help lead that change.
CADI Aims to Accelerate AI Impact Across Key Sectors
CADI’s initial focus will be on three sectors: life sciences, robotics within advanced manufacturing and clean energy, aiming to bridge the gap between innovation and practical application. Imperial intends to connect AI developers with the necessary resources and partners to maximize the reach of their work. Professor Peter Haynes, while touring PsiQuantum’s facilities, emphasized the university’s unique position in encouraging both fundamental research and its translation into real-world solutions.
The university’s Venture Trek program, culminating in a roundtable event hosted by Haynes, further demonstrated a commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and facilitating international expansion for Imperial-based startups. The roundtable, titled “From Research to Real-World Impact: Imperial Innovation in the Bay Area,” brought together startup founders with alumni, research partners and representatives from the San Francisco tech community, including London & Partners. Discussions covered practical aspects of launching or scaling a company in the Bay Area, encompassing legal structures for international operations and cultural nuances in investor relations.
Engagement extended beyond the startups to include members of the Imperial Global USA board and venture capitalists at the GBx Gala, encouraging broader dialogue within the innovation community.
See today’s quantum computing news on Quantum Zeitgeist for the latest breakthroughs in qubits, hardware, algorithms, and industry deals.
