Delft-based quantum technology firm, Orange Quantum Systems, has announced a significant milestone, securing €12 million in an oversubscribed seed funding round. This injection of capital is set to catalyze the development of their innovative solutions designed to expedite the quantum computing process. As support for quantum technologies rises globally, this funding marks a notable stride for the Netherlands’ burgeoning quantum sector, promising a future where advanced computation becomes increasingly mainstream.
Previously, various reports highlighted the sluggish pace of quantum chip testing as a persistent hurdle for the industry’s growth. Historically, the testing period spanned weeks, hindering quick iteration and enhancements. The introduction of product improvements aims to resolve these time constraints, providing a pathway for more efficient quantum chip evaluation and production. Additionally, past insights have underscored the immense potential and challenges of scaling up quantum computing to address practical and industrial applications comprehensively. Together, these developments reflect the evolving landscape of quantum technology.
What Will the Funds Achieve?
Orange Quantum Systems plans to channel the newly acquired funds towards creating advanced testing machines capable of evaluating quantum chips in days instead of weeks. This investment is aligned with the firm’s objective of systematically increasing the feasible number of reliable quantum bits, referred to as “qubits,” setting the foundation for a quantum equivalent of Moore’s Law in the sector.
Why is Quantum Chip Testing Challenging?
Testing quantum chips is notably complex due to the intricate nature of quantum hardware. Currently, the process demands precise conditions and elaborate protocols, making it both time-consuming and costly.
“At the moment, testing of quantum chips is slow, it takes days or weeks, making it expensive and blocking fast iteration in quantum chip development,” explains Garrelt Alberts, CEO of OrangeQS.
These challenges highlight the importance of developing scalable and efficient testing methodologies to propel the industry forward.
Orange Quantum Systems is addressing these testing bottlenecks with their flagship product, the OrangeQS MAX. This automated system is designed to evaluate quantum chips faster, significantly reducing the test time per qubit.
“Every generation of our OrangeQS MAX system, we observe how much time each part of the testing process takes… Our ambition is to halve the test time per qubit every two years,” adds Alberts.
Enhancements like these offer quantum computer manufacturers the opportunity to refocus resources once tied up in laborious testing processes.
Founded in 2020 as a spin-off from TNO and QuTech, Orange Quantum Systems distinguishes itself in the development of solutions that facilitate the transition from lab-scale to industrial-grade quantum computing. Their systems are already in use by leading quantum firms, including IQM in Europe, to accelerate chip development processes.
Looking ahead, the company aims to continue innovating in this domain with advancements like OrangeQS FLEX, which offers customizable testing solutions tailored for research and academia. Expanded testing solutions such as the OrangeQS Juice operating system enable comprehensive management of quantum research environments, thereby broadening the applicability and accessibility of quantum technology across sectors.
Quantum computing’s evolution promises significant strides in computational capability; hence, OrangeQS envisions being at the forefront of this technological era. The ongoing development and potential industrial adaptation highlight their readiness to meet the future demands of the quantum chip industry.
“If that is achieved, the chip industry will have to adapt its facilities… OrangeQS will be ready with high-throughput test solutions,” concludes Alberts.
As the quantum ecosystem develops, companies like Orange Quantum Systems play a pivotal role in realizing the full scope of quantum technology’s promise.
