EQUS start-up Analog Quantum Circuits (AQC) has secured a $3 AUD million investment from Uniseed for the development of key components for quantum computing. AQC, founded by EQUS ( Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems) Chief Investigators Professor Tom Stace and Associate Professor Arkady Fedorov, aims to meet the needs of the growing quantum computing industry. The company develops core microwave technologies for superconducting quantum computers, considered one of the most promising platforms globally. The technology, which has been in development for over five years, is based on research funded by the Australian Research Council through EQUS and Future Fellowships held by the founders.
Quantum Computing Start-up Receives Investment for Development
Analog Quantum Circuits (AQC), an Aussie start-up specialising in quantum computing, has secured an investment of $3 million from Uniseed. This funding will be used to develop essential components needed for the expansion of quantum computing. AQC was established by Professor Tom Stace and Associate Professor Arkady Fedorov, both Chief Investigators at EQUS. They will lead the development to cater to the growing global quantum computing industry.
AQC’s initial CEO, Tom Stace, stated that the company is developing core microwave technologies for superconducting quantum computers. These computers are considered one of the most promising platforms being pursued worldwide. The partnership with Uniseed will help bring this technology to the market.
Building on Funded Research
AQC’s work is built on research funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC), through EQUS ( Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems) and Future Fellowships held by the founders. EQUS Director Andrew White expressed his excitement about seeing EQUS’ fundamental research being used to address real needs in the sector.
“AQC develops core microwave technologies for superconducting quantum computers, which are one of the most promising platforms being pursued globally. We are very pleased to be partnering with Uniseed to bring this to market.”
AQC’s inaugural CEO, Tom Stace
Professor Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop AO, Director of EQUS’ innovative Translational Research Program (TRP), stated that the TRP provided the research team with translation funding and expert support. This assistance helped transform promising research into the business launched today.
Overcoming Challenges in Quantum Computing
Commercial microwave circulators, which are essential for the development of large-scale superconducting quantum processors, are expensive and bulky. This presents bottlenecks for future development. AQC, in collaboration with a theory group led by Prof. T. Stace, has been working on integrating a circulator on a chip using superconducting quantum technology.
A PhD student, R. Navarathna, used electron beam lithography from CMM to fabricate several prototype devices. These prototypes showed promise for the implementation of an integrated circulator. AQC will further develop this technology to achieve performance relevant for commercial applications.
“Tom and Arkady have been working on this technology for over 5 years, and it is fabulous to see EQUS’ fundamental research being translated to address real needs in the sector.”
EQUS Director Andrew White
Advanced Technology in Quantum Computing
AQC utilises advanced technology such as the Raith EBPG 5150 EBL, a high-performance E-beam writer. This technology is hosted in a class 10,000 cleanroom with full 150 mm writing capability. It is the latest and fastest EBL within Australia to date, capable of delivering beam currents from 0.1 to 350 nA at 100 kV, with a 125 Mhz pattern generator.
The company also uses the RAITH e-Line Plus Electron Beam Lithography SEM, a multi-purpose, high-resolution E-beam writer. This system caters to a variety of different applications from nanolithography, to high-resolution large area imaging, material deposition and etching.
“the TRP provided the research team with translation funding and expert support to help turn this promising research into the business we are seeing launched today.”
Professor Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop AO, Director of EQUS’ innovative Translational Research Program (TRP)
Quick Summary
Analog Quantum Circuits (AQC), a start-up from EQUS, has secured a $3 million investment from Uniseed to develop essential components for the expansion of quantum computing. AQC’s technology, which builds on research funded by the Australian Research Council, aims to overcome the challenges of expensive and bulky commercial microwave circulators, a bottleneck for the development of large-scale superconducting quantum processors.
- EQUS start-up Analog Quantum Circuits (AQC) has received a $3 million investment from Uniseed.
- The funding will be used to develop key components for the expansion of quantum computing.
- AQC was founded by EQUS Chief Investigators Professor Tom Stace and Associate Professor Arkady Fedorov.
- The company develops core microwave technologies for superconducting quantum computers, a promising platform in the global quantum computing industry.
- The research is funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC), through EQUS and Future Fellowships held by the founders.
- The technology has been in development for over 5 years.
- Commercial microwave circulators, which are currently expensive and bulky, present a bottleneck for the development of large-scale superconducting quantum processors.
- AQC is working on integrating a circulator on a chip using superconducting quantum technology.
- A PhD student, R. Navarathna, has fabricated several prototype devices showing promise for an integrated circulator.
- AQC will further develop this technology for commercial applications.
- Nano lithography at CMM will be a critical facility for this development.
“Commercial microwave circulators are expensive and bulky which presents bottlenecks for future development of large-scale superconducting quantum processors. In collaboration with a theory group of Prof. T. Stace, our lab has been working on integration of a circulator on a chip using superconducting quantum technology. A PhD student, R. Navarathna, used an electron beam lithography from CMM to fabricate several prototype devices which showed promise for an implementation of an integrated circulator. Analog Quantum Circuits will further develop this technology to achieve performance of these devices relevant for commercial applications. Nano lithography at CMM will be a critical facility for this development”.
Professor Arkady Fedorov