#France #Quantum Computing #Grenoble #Quobly #STMicroelectronics

Quobly and STMicroelectronics Team Up for Quantum Innovation

In an exciting development for the quantum computing landscape, Quobly, an innovative startup dedicated to quantum technologies, has announced a strategic partnership with STMicroelectronics, a globally recognized semiconductor manufacturer. This collaboration aims to enhance the manufacturing processes of quantum processors on a massive scale, paving the way for more affordable and scalable quantum computing solutions.

The agreement leverages ST's advanced 28-nm FD-SOI (Fully Depleted Silicon-On-Insulator) semiconductor technology, which promises to facilitate the mass production of Quantum Processing Units (QPUs). Quobly and STMicroelectronics anticipate that their first commercial products will be available as early as 2027, targeting application markets such as material development and system modeling.

Goals for the Future

Quobly has set an ambitious target to surpass the 1-million-qubit threshold by 2031. The applications for these processors span multiple sectors, including pharmaceuticals, finance, materials science, and the simulation of complex systems such as climate and fluid dynamics. This joint effort aims not only to show advancements in quantum technology but also to address market demands for scalable and economical quantum computing processors.

In the initial phase of this collaboration, both companies will adapt ST’s 28-nm FD-SOI process to meet Quobly’s specific requirements, focusing initially on producing a 100-qubit quantum machine while ensuring the scalability beyond 100,000 physical qubits. STMicroelectronics will utilize its model as an integrated device manufacturer, offering Quobly the expertise needed for co-design, prototyping, industrialization, and mass production in 300-mm fabs utilizing FD-SOI technology. This proven technology has been effectively employed by STMicroelectronics for various automotive, industrial, and consumer applications over the years.

Leadership Insights

Maud Vinet, CEO of Quobly, expressed enthusiasm over this collaboration, stating, “This partnership is unique in the quantum computing world. Working closely with STMicroelectronics will accelerate the industrialization of our quantum processor technology by several years. We are thrilled to leverage ST's semiconductor manufacturing know-how, which will expedite the development of a fully fault-tolerant quantum computer.” Quobly's vision emphasizes extensive applications that stretch across numerous industries, with significant prospects in modeling complex systems.

Echoing this sentiment, Remi El-Ouazzane, President of Microcontrollers, Digital ICs, and RF products Group at STMicroelectronics, commented, “Quantum computing will transform the world, with implications for AI, chemistry, security, and supply chain applications. This collaboration capitalizes on ST’s strengths and merges our expertise in process research and development, circuit design, and volume manufacturing. We firmly believe that combining Quobly’s quantum expertise with ST’s FD-SOI knowledge and manufacturing capabilities will enable us to fast-track the creation of economically viable, large-scale quantum computing solutions.”

Looking Ahead

To succeed in the future landscape, quantum technologies must address SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost) considerations effectively. Eric Mounier, Chief Analyst at Yole Group, noted that semiconductor qubits hold an advantage regarding scalability, as they can be produced in the standard size of CMOS wafers. The timeline for investing in quantum technologies is ripe for action, and the MoU between STMicroelectronics and Quobly could signify a substantial leap forward.

About Quobly and STMicroelectronics

Quobly is pioneering the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers based on semiconductor qubits. With groundbreaking methods, it tackles both the technical scientific challenges and the practical industrial production aspects, facilitating the mass production of millions of qubits essential for operational quantum computers. Established in Grenoble in 2022, Quobly emerges from over 15 years of collaborative research involving renowned research and technology organizations like CEA Leti and CNRS. The company gained attention in 2023 with a record-breaking Seed funding round of €19 million, setting a new benchmark for quantum startups in Europe.

In parallel, STMicroelectronics employs over 50,000 developers and manufacturers throughout the semiconductor supply chain, reinforcing its commitment to building products, solutions, and ecosystems that promote sustainability and intelligence across numerous applications, from smarter mobility solutions to effective power management. ST aims for climate neutrality by 2027 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and partly for Scope 3 emissions, demonstrating its resolve towards environmental responsibility.

For more details, visit Quobly’s official website and learn about STMicroelectronics at ST's platform.