PostScriptum Invests in SemiQon to Scale Quantum Control Electronics

PostScriptum has made a significant investment in SemiQon, a Finnish company developing silicon chips designed to operate near absolute zero. These chips are a critical step toward scaling quantum computers from hundreds of qubits to the hundreds of thousands, or even millions, needed to outperform the most powerful classical computers. SemiQon’s technology, born from research at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, is already deployed in working quantum systems with customers including quantum computer manufacturers and system integrators. “Quantum computing will define the next era of compute, and the million-qubit era will be powered by developments in control electronics,” says Peter Sarlin, founder and Chairman of PostScriptum, signaling a commitment to establishing Finland as a leading hub for quantum technology globally.

PostScriptum Investment Accelerates SemiQon’s Quantum Hardware Commercialization

PostScriptum’s investment bolsters SemiQon’s position as a key player in the rapidly evolving quantum hardware sector. The founder’s office, led by Peter Sarlin, describes the commitment as a significant undertaking. The financial injection is intended to accelerate the commercial rollout of SemiQon’s technology, specifically its silicon chip designed for operation, a critical component in the pursuit of scalable quantum computing. This chip is engineered to bridge the gap between current quantum systems, limited to hundreds of qubits, and the million-qubit processors anticipated to outperform classical computers. SemiQon’s technology addresses a fundamental challenge in quantum scaling by integrating control and readout electronics directly within the cryostat, minimizing the complex wiring infrastructure that currently hinders larger systems. The company’s Cryo-CMOS platform, leveraging existing silicon semiconductor manufacturing standards, allows for industrial-scale production using established methods, with design and manufacturing currently taking place in Otaniemi, Espoo.

SemiQon’s Cryo-CMOS Platform Enables Scalable Quantum Computing

SemiQon is addressing a fundamental challenge in quantum computing: the complex infrastructure required to control and read data from qubits. This investment signals confidence in SemiQon’s silicon chip, specifically engineered for operation, and its potential to dramatically increase qubit counts. The core of SemiQon’s approach lies in its Cryo-CMOS platform, a technology that brings the readout and control electronics closer to the quantum processor itself, within the cryostat, the ultra-cold environment necessary for qubit stability. This proximity is critical because it minimizes the extensive wiring currently needed to connect the quantum processor to room-temperature electronics, a major bottleneck in scaling. “By enabling control and readout inside the cryostat, the technology can significantly reduce the wiring infrastructure currently required between the quantum processor and room-temperature electronics,” explains Himadri Majumdar, Co-Founder and CEO of SemiQon. Compatibility with current manufacturing processes is a key advantage, as is SemiQon’s modality-agnostic approach.

According to Majumdar, “Our support for multiple quantum computing modalities is a significant advantage as we build critical enabling technologies for the future and strengthen Europe’s position in the global quantum industry.” Peter Sarlin emphasizes the broader implications, stating that SemiQon anticipates applications for its Cryo-CMOS technology in fields like space technologies and high-performance computing, further solidifying its position as a versatile technology provider.