Finnish company SemiQon and Canada’s CMC Microsystems have announced a collaboration to advance silicon-based quantum processor technology. SemiQon will supply CMC with prototypes of its semiconductor-based quantum processor chips for research. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of processors for more powerful quantum computers. SemiQon’s silicon-based quantum processors address challenges of scalability, price, and sustainability in quantum computing. CMC, with a history of supporting semiconductor technology, will provide access to quantum hardware and software technologies. Key individuals involved include Janne Lehtinen at SemiQon and Udson Mendes, Quantum Team Leader at CMC Microsystems.
SemiQon and CMC Microsystems Collaborate on Quantum Computing Development
SemiQon, a Finnish company, and CMC Microsystems from Canada have announced a partnership aimed at advancing silicon-based quantum processor technology. As part of the agreement, SemiQon will provide CMC with prototypes of its semiconductor-based quantum processor chips for research. The collaboration aims to expedite the development of processors for more powerful quantum computers, specifically targeting the upcoming million-qubit era of quantum computing.
The Potential of Quantum Computing and the Challenges Ahead
Quantum computing holds immense potential, with the capability to address some of the most pressing issues faced by humanity, such as the development of life-saving drugs and achieving climate neutrality. However, the widespread adoption of quantum computing is currently hindered by the limitations of existing quantum computation hardware. SemiQon is developing a new type of quantum processor unit made from silicon, a semiconductor, as opposed to the current approaches that use atoms or superconducting materials. This semiconductor-based solution aims to address three major challenges slowing the global development of quantum computers: scalability, cost, and sustainability.
CMC’s Role in Quantum Computing and Semiconductor Technology
CMC Microsystems has a long history of supporting and delivering advanced semiconductor technology for researchers and industry. Since 2020, they have offered quantum services, with a strategy to democratize access to state-of-the-art quantum hardware and software technologies across various sectors of the Canadian quantum ecosystem. CMC’s quantum team provides coding services and training on a variety of platforms, as well as design and fabrication services for microelectronics, MEMS, silicon photonics, and superconducting devices.
The Synergy Between SemiQon and CMC
Both Finland and Canada have national quantum roadmaps with shared goals to advance quantum computing and help bring its benefits to organizations and companies globally. Janne Lehtinen at SemiQon sees the collaboration with CMC as an ideal opportunity for growth. CMC’s commitment to providing simplified access to advanced quantum computing platforms and services aligns with SemiQon’s vision to deliver scalable, resilient, and cost-effective quantum processor technology. The two firms already have a foundation to build on, with CMC having previously worked with SemiQon’s other partner, VTT, to fabricate superconducting devices.
About CMC Microsystems and SemiQon
CMC Microsystems is a not-for-profit organization that accelerates research and innovation in advanced technologies. Founded in 1984, CMC lowers barriers to technology adoption by creating and sharing platform technologies, including access to state-of-the-art design, manufacturing, and testing capabilities. CMC enables research, development, and the training of highly qualified personnel, benefiting a network of over 10,000 academic participants and 1,000 companies developing innovations in advanced technologies.
SemiQon, on the other hand, is focused on building silicon-based quantum processors for the million-qubit era. SemiQon’s mission is to realize the potential of quantum computing by delivering powerful, resilient, and cost-effective quantum processors. SemiQon’s technology builds upon decades of development and know-how from the semiconductor industry, making its silicon processors commercially competitive and well-suited for mass manufacturing.