Quobly and STMicroelectronics Partner to Advance Quantum Processor Manufacturing
Geneva, Thursday, 12 December 2024.
Quobly joins forces with STMicroelectronics to enhance quantum processor production, targeting over 1 million qubits by 2031, focusing on sectors like pharmaceuticals and finance.
Strategic Partnership Details
The collaboration, announced on December 11, 2024, will leverage ST’s advanced 28nm FD-SOI semiconductor processes to develop cost-competitive quantum computing solutions [1]. This partnership marks a significant milestone as Quobly, a quantum computing startup founded in 2022, brings its expertise from 15 years of collaborative research with CEA Leti and CNRS [1]. The company’s impressive trajectory includes raising a record €19 million in seed funding in 2023, establishing itself as a leading European quantum startup [1].
Technical Innovation and Timeline
The initial phase of the collaboration focuses on adapting ST’s 28nm FD-SOI process for a 100-qubit quantum machine, with plans to demonstrate scalability beyond 100,000 physical qubits [1][4]. Quobly’s technology utilizes silicon spin qubits and cryogenic control electronics operating at temperatures between 500 mK to 1 K [4]. According to CEO Maud Vinet, ‘By the end of 2025, we expect to have all the quantum equipment in ST at Crolles, and by 2026, we aim to have a 100-qubit chip with embedded cryogenic logic’ [4].
Market Impact and Industry Perspective
Industry experts view this collaboration as transformative for the quantum computing landscape. Remi El-Ouazzane, President at STMicroelectronics, emphasizes that ‘quantum computing will transform the world, starting with AI, chemistry, security and supply chain applications’ [1]. Eric Mounier, Chief Analyst at Yole Group, notes that this partnership ‘could mark a major step for cost-efficient and more scalable quantum computing processors’ [1]. The collaboration aims to address critical SWaP-C (size, weight, power, and cost) challenges that currently limit quantum computing adoption [1].
Future Outlook and Commercial Plans
Looking ahead, Quobly plans to secure €65 million in Series A funding in early 2025 to support development efforts [4]. The company expects to launch its first generation of commercial products by 2027, initially targeting materials development and systems modeling markets [1]. This timeline aligns with STMicroelectronics’ broader sustainability goals, as the company aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2027 [1]. The ultimate objective remains breaking the 1-million-qubit barrier by 2031, which could revolutionize applications across pharmaceuticals, finance, and materials science [1][4].