Arctic Instruments, a spinout of VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, has raised 2.35 million euros to develop next-generation amplifiers for quantum computers. The company’s technology enables the construction of larger and more powerful quantum computers with accurate qubit state readout. Led by CEO Joonas Govenius, Arctic Instruments is working to scale up production of its superconducting microwave amplifiers, which are critical for increasing computing power in quantum computers.
Timo Ahopelto, founding partner at Lifeline Ventures, which led the funding round, praised Arctic Instruments’ ability to create a product that solves one of quantum computing’s most critical challenges. Tauno Vähä-Heikkilä, Vice President at VTT, noted that the company’s goal is to make its research and development results available to companies, with Arctic Instruments being a great example of how top research is commercialized and scaled up into a global business.
The development of more robust quantum computers has the potential to solve complex problems in industries such as chemicals, life sciences, finance, and mobility.
Introduction to Quantum Computing and Amplifier Technology
Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize various industries by solving complex problems that are currently unsolvable with traditional computers. However, the development of large-scale quantum computers requires significant advancements in various components, including superconducting microwave amplifiers. These amplifiers play a crucial role in measuring the state of qubits, which are the fundamental units of quantum information. Arctic Instruments, a spinout of VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, has raised EUR 2.35 million to develop and commercialize its superconducting microwave amplifier technology.
The company’s ability to manufacture near-quantum-limited amplifiers consistently and in volume is critical for enabling the construction of large-scale quantum computers with accurate qubit state readout. Current quantum computers typically have around 100 qubits and require 10 to 20 amplifiers for measuring the qubit states. To increase computing power, the number of qubits must be scaled up, and thus, the number of amplifiers must increase accordingly. A quantum computer with 10,000 qubits will require thousands of near-quantum-limited amplifiers of consistent quality.
Near-quantum-limited means that the amplifiers add as little noise to the measurement as the laws of physics allow. Arctic Instruments is the only manufacturer already capable of supplying thousands of amplifiers of the required quality and consistency. The company’s founding team consists of seasoned scientists with ample experience in superconducting circuit research, and its amplifiers were developed as part of VTT’s research.
Superconducting Microwave Amplifier Technology
Superconducting microwave amplifiers are a crucial component in quantum computing, as they enable the measurement of qubit states with high accuracy. These amplifiers operate at very low temperatures, near absolute zero, and use superconducting materials to amplify weak signals while minimizing noise. The development of high-quality superconducting microwave amplifiers is essential for scaling up quantum computers, as they require a large number of amplifiers to measure the state of thousands of qubits.
Arctic Instruments’ amplifier technology has been developed over several years of research at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The company’s amplifiers have been designed to meet the stringent requirements of quantum computing, including high gain, low noise, and high dynamic range. The amplifiers are also highly reliable and can operate for extended periods without degradation.
The company’s CEO and Co-founder, Joonas Govenius, stated that “we contribute to this effort by constantly improving both the quality and consistency of our near-quantum-limited amplifiers, which are key to accurate qubit state measurements.” The dedicated company and funding will allow Arctic Instruments to boost its development efforts significantly, enabling the company to meet the growing demand for high-quality superconducting microwave amplifiers.
Funding and Partnerships
Arctic Instruments has raised EUR 2.35 million from Lifeline Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies. The funding will be used to develop and commercialize the company’s superconducting microwave amplifier technology. Timo Ahopelto, founding partner at Lifeline Ventures, stated that “Arctic Instruments is a competent team that has been able to create a product that solves one of quantum computing’s most critical challenges.”
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has also invested in the research and development of superconducting and quantum technologies for several decades. The organization’s goal is to make these results available to companies, and spin-off companies like Arctic Instruments are an important way to do this. Tauno Vähä-Heikkilä, Vice President, Microelectronics and Quantum Technology at VTT, stated that “Arctic Instruments is a great example of how results of long-term top research are commercialized and scaled up into a global business.”
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