Pasqal is leading a €50 million, three-year project, Q-PLANET, to build an industrial-grade supply chain for neutral-atom quantum computing components across Europe. The consortium of 28 partners from 11 countries will focus on developing key components including lasers at 461 nm, 698 nm, 795 nm and 1013 nm, alongside atom chips and microfabricated vapor cells. Loïc Henriet, CTO of Pasqal, said the project aims to connect quantum hardware with real-world applications like drug and materials discovery.
Q-PLANET: €50M EU Project for Neutral-Atom Technology Development
The consortium intends to move beyond laboratory prototypes by creating Process Design Kits and Assembly Design Kits, tools that will enable consistent and repeatable manufacturing of these delicate components. These kits will also incorporate energy-efficiency monitoring throughout the production cycle, which is an important consideration for large-scale quantum computers.
Pasqal will spearhead the development of chip-based laser sources operating at 1013nm, a core technology stream within Q-PLANET, while simultaneously acting as an end-user for the microfabricated vapor cells and laser sources produced by other partners. This dual role ensures that the developed components meet stringent performance requirements and are directly applicable to building advanced quantum systems.
The project’s scope extends beyond component fabrication to include the establishment of a resilient European quantum supply chain, aiming to reduce reliance on external sources for critical technologies and bolster the EU’s strategic autonomy in this rapidly evolving field. “Three months after our kick-off in Brussels, Q-PLANET has moved from ambition to execution. Together with our 28 partners, we are building a European supply chain for neutral-atom technologies, while bringing quantum industrialization closer to concrete user needs,” said Loïc Henriet, CTO of Pasqal.
The collaborative effort brings together 28 partners across 11 European countries, encouraging cooperation between research institutions, technology companies and academic groups. This pan-European approach is designed to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into practical applications, with a particular emphasis on sectors like drug discovery and materials science.
Q-PLANET’s focus on user needs is intended to drive the development of quantum technologies that address real-world challenges and create a viable European quantum market, the company says. “Q-PLANET reflects commitment to Europe’s quantum ambitions, bridging large-scale industrialization rooted in resilient capabilities with real-world application to build a globally competitive and resilient European quantum industry.” The project’s ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between quantum hardware and practical deployment.
Three months after our kick-off in Brussels, Q-PLANET has moved from ambition to execution. Together with our 28 partners, we are building a European supply chain for neutral-atom technologies, while bringing quantum industrialization closer to concrete user needs.
Loïc Henriet, CTO of Pasqal
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