#France #Quantum Computing #Grenoble #Quobly #STMicroelectronics

Strategic Partnership between Quobly and STMicroelectronics

In a significant advancement for the field of quantum computing, Quobly, an emerging leader in quantum technology, has announced a strategic collaboration with STMicroelectronics, a prominent name in the semiconductor industry. This partnership aims to fast-track the production of quantum processors, paving the way for practical quantum computing solutions on a large scale.

The Vision for Quantum Computing

Quobly's vision is ambitious: to break through the barrier of one million qubits by 2031. The applications of this technology are expansive, ranging from pharmaceuticals to finance, materials science, and complex system modeling, including climate simulations and fluid dynamics. This collaboration is set to deliver quantum computing solutions that are not only powerful but also competitive in cost, thus making the technology accessible to a broader range of industries.

Leveraging Semiconductor Expertise

The collaboration will utilize STMicroelectronics' cutting-edge FD-SOI (Fully Depleted Silicon On Insulator) semiconductor manufacturing processes, specifically in 28 nm technology. This process is tailored to meet Quobly’s requirements, facilitating the development of a quantum computer prototype with 100 qubits, and demonstrating scalability for over 100,000 physical qubits. Through ST's integrated device manufacturing model, the partnership aims to combine Quobly's quantum expertise with ST's capabilities in co-design, prototyping, and large-scale production.

Maud Vinet, CEO of Quobly, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "This partnership is unparalleled in the quantum computing landscape. Working closely with STMicroelectronics will accelerate the industrialization of our quantum processor technology by several years. We are excited to leverage ST's semiconductor manufacturing expertise to develop a fault-tolerant quantum computer. Our goal is to surpass the million qubit threshold by 2031."

Transforming Industries

Remi El-Ouazzane, General Manager of Digital Microcontroller ICs and RF Products at STMicroelectronics, emphasized the transformative potential of quantum computing across various sectors. He noted that industries such as artificial intelligence, chemistry, security, and supply chain management would greatly benefit from advancements in quantum technology, which is at the forefront of industrial innovation today.

Eric Mounier, a principal analyst at Yole Group, reflected on the importance of SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost) in the success of quantum computers. He stated that semiconductor qubits provide excellent scalability by exploiting the large-scale wafer fabrication capabilities of CMOS technology. The collaboration between Quobly and STMicroelectronics could indeed serve as a major step forward towards affordable and scalable quantum processors.

Future Directions

As the collaboration unfolds, both companies are set to make groundbreaking contributions to the quantum computing field. By 2027, they anticipate releasing the first generation of commercially available quantum processors. These developments could radically change how industries leverage technology for various applications and could significantly elevate the standards of computing capabilities globally.

Quobly, founded in 2022, has already made headlines with its seed funding of 19 million euros, marking a significant milestone in the European quantum technology sector. With a robust foundation laid over 15 years of collaborative research, the startup aims to revolutionize quantum computing through innovative approaches to technical and industrial challenges.

Meanwhile, STMicroelectronics continues to drive advancements in semiconductor technology, committed to achieving sustainability in its operations and contributing to a more digitally connected world.

For more information, visit Quobly's official site and STMicroelectronics' website.