SemiQon, CMC partner on silicon quantum computing

Under the terms of the agreement, SemiQon will supply CMC with prototypes of its semiconductor-based quantum processor chips for research purposes. CMC scientists will collaborate with SemiQon to accelerate the development of processors for more powerful quantum computers suitable for the next generation of quantum computing – the million-qubit era.

The promise of quantum computing

Ambitions are high for quantum computing, for good reason. Quantum computers have the potential to solve some of humanity’s greatest problems, from developing life-saving drugs to achieving climate neutrality. However, widespread quantum adoption remains a challenge due to the limited capability of the quantum computation hardware currently.

SemiQon builds a new type of quantum processor unit made from silicon, a semiconductor, as opposed to current approaches that are based on atoms or superconducting materials. This semiconductor-based solution responds to three major challenges that are currently slowing the development of quantum computers globally – scalability, price, and sustainability.

CMC has been supporting and delivering semiconductor technology for forty years for researchers and industry. Since 2020, they have offered quantum services, with a strategy to democratise access to state-of-the-art quantum hardware and software technologies to the different sectors of the Canadian quantum ecosystem. CMC’s quantum team offers coding services and training on a variety of platforms, as well as design and fabrication services for microelectronics, MEMS, silicon photonics, and superconducting devices.

SemiQon and CMC: complementary expertise

Both Finland and Canada have national quantum roadmaps with common goals to advance quantum computing and help bring its benefits to organisations and companies around the world.

For Janne Lehtinen at SemiQon, working with CMC was a perfect opportunity for growth. “CMC’s philosophy of providing simplified access to leading-edge quantum computing platforms and services aligns perfectly with our vision to realise the promise of quantum computing by delivering a scalable, resilient, and cost-effective quantum processor technology.”

The two firms already have a foundation to build on, Lehtinen added: “CMC has already worked with our other partner, VTT, to fabricate superconducting devices. They have a proven track record in quantum expertise and the talent to drive quantum research and development forward.”

“SemiQon's technology can be a game changer for scaling up quantum computers using current CMOS technology and infrastructure,” said Udson Mendes, Quantum Team Leader at CMC Microsystems. “Based on our extensive experience with silicon-based semiconductors and a variety of quantum platforms, I am confident that the CMC team will help advance SemiQon’s technology.”

Both SemiQon Technologies and CMC Microsystems commit to publicly disseminate the results obtained from this collaboration. “Our goal is to advance the entire quantum ecosystem worldwide.”