Insider Brief
- Welinq and QphoX have partnered to develop optical quantum interconnects for superconducting quantum computers, enabling scalable, cluster-based quantum systems.
- The collaboration combines QphoX’s quantum transduction technology with Welinq’s quantum link system to facilitate seamless communication between different quantum processor modalities.
- This partnership strengthens European leadership in modular quantum computing and aligns with the EU’s support for quantum interconnect initiatives.
PRESS RELEASE — Quantum technology leaders Welinq and QphoX have announced a partnership to develop optical quantum interconnects for superconducting quantum computers, enabling a significant increase in computing power. These interconnects will link quantum processors, allowing them to work together in clusters, a major step toward building larger, more powerful quantum systems.
Addressing the Challenges of Scaling Quantum Computing
Superconducting quantum computers are among the most promising and widely used technologies for achieving large-scale quantum systems, and recent advances in error correction on these devices have shown very promising results. However, increasing the number of qubits (quantum bits) on a single quantum processing unit (QPU) becomes increasingly complex. More qubits lead to manufacturing challenges, interference between qubits, reduced performance, and limitations from the cryogenic systems they need to be operated in. Networking smaller QPUs into clusters offers a clear solution to scaling while avoiding these issues. This approach has become the market consensus, and key players in the quantum ecosystem are now explicitly mentioning interconnection in their roadmaps.
Welinq and QphoX are combining their expertise to solve this challenge. QphoX specializes in converting quantum signals for transfer between superconducting and optics-based QPUs and is already working with suppliers such as IQM and Rigetti Computing. Welinq provides advanced quantum interconnection systems that help manage and synchronize quantum information. This partnership reinforces Welinq’s full-stack, multi-platform positioning and QphoX’s qubit modality-agnostic approach to quantum interconnects and complements Welinq’s existing partnerships with neutral-atom QPUs (Pasqal) and photonic QPUs (Quandela).
Together, they aim to create robust connections that allow processors to communicate and collaborate effectively.
Connecting Quantum Processors with Precision
QphoX’s fully integrated quantum transduction technology enables the conversion of quantum information between vastly different frequency domains, such as microwaves used by superconducting qubits, telecom signals, and visible light, the domain of quantum memories and optics-based QPUs, and telecom wavelength optical signals—providing the missing link between various quantum computation modalities and quantum communication systems.
Building on Welinq’s recent announcement of its compiler (araQne), Welinq’s quantum link is a full-stack solution that integrates laser-cooled neutral atom quantum memories, photonic interconnects, and an advanced compiler for distributed quantum algorithms. This compiler enables efficient orchestration of circuits over quantum links that interconnect quantum processors. Thanks to Welinq’s world-record quantum memories, QPUs can synchronize their operations, forming robust distributed networks that function as cohesive systems.
By combining these technologies, the partnership provides a scalable solution for connecting quantum processors, paving the way for more powerful quantum systems.
Driving European Leadership in Quantum Technology
Welinq and QphoX, the two main European players in quantum interconnection, are joining forces to position Europe at the forefront of modular quantum computing. Their joint efforts aim to build the infrastructure needed for advanced quantum computing, supporting the continent’s ambitions to lead globally in this transformative field. The European Union has demonstrated its commitment to this approach through its support for innovative startups in the field. Welinq and QphoX are both EIC Accelerator Laureates, and the EU also supports large-scale initiatives such as the Quantum Internet Alliance.
Tom Darras, CEO of Welinq, said: “This partnership with QphoX perfectly aligns with Welinq’s mission to interconnect all types of quantum computers, all around the world. Together, we are actively working to ensure that all types of quantum processors can seamlessly communicate, strengthening Europe’s position as a leader in the global quantum race.”
Simon Gröblacher, CEO of QphoX, added: “The complementary technologies of Welinq and QphoX joined together are the critical missing link to scaling quantum processors and networks. This partnership will boost the capabilities of quantum systems in Europe and beyond.”
