Prof. Mark Thompson (PsiQuantum)
Overview
Prof. Mark Thompson is a prominent figure in quantum computing as the Co-Founder and Chief Technologist of PsiQuantum, a leading company in the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers. With over two decades of experience in photonics and quantum technologies, Thompson has significantly contributed to the field through academia and industry. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cambridge and has been involved in foundational work in silicon photonics. His efforts focus on using photonic qubits to advance quantum computing, aiming to construct a utility-scale quantum computer that can solve commercially significant problems.
Recent Developments
Recent years have seen several developments related to Prof. Mark Thompson and his work at PsiQuantum:
- October 2025: PsiQuantum announced the development of the Omega quantum photonic chipset, designed for utility-scale computing, with plans to break ground on Quantum Compute Centers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois.
- September 2024: PsiQuantum is to collaborate with five Queensland universities to advance educational programs in quantum computing and collaborative research, bolstered by significant government investment.
- May 2025: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves visited PsiQuantum's facilities at Sci-Tech Daresbury, where Thompson showcased their R&D operations, highlighting their approach to developing utility-scale quantum computers.
- February 2025: PsiQuantum's R&D facility at STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory, led by Thompson, received funding to support cryogenic infrastructure critical for hosting large-scale quantum computers.
- October 2023: PsiQuantum began a collaboration with the Hartree Centre to develop fault-tolerant quantum computing applications, supported by the National Security Strategic Investment Fund.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mark Thompson |
| Born | Not Available |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Chief Technologist, Co-Founder at PsiQuantum |
| Known For | Quantum Computing, Photonic Technologies |
| Net Worth | Not Publicly Available |
| Education | PhD Electrical Engineering, University of Cambridge; Master's in Physics, University of Sheffield |
Early Life and Education
Mark Thompson grew up in the UK, where he developed an early interest in physics and engineering. Pursuing higher education, he attended the University of Sheffield, earning a Master’s degree in Physics. He later advanced his academic journey at the University of Cambridge, where he completed a PhD in Electrical Engineering. Thompson's education laid a strong foundation in photonics and electrical systems, which would later influence his professional pursuits. During his educational career, he distinguished himself as a promising scholar, contributing to his decision to focus on quantum technologies and photonics in his professional career.
Career and Notable Achievements
Prof. Mark Thompson’s career exemplifies his commitment to advancing quantum computing and photonic technology:
- Early Career: He held engineering roles at Corning and Bookham Technology, where he honed his skills in silicon photonics and integrated systems.
- Academic Contributions: As a faculty member at the University of Bristol, Thompson was instrumental in establishing the Bristol Quantum Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training (QECDT) and the Quantum Technology Enterprise Centre (QuTEC).
- PsiQuantum: Since 2016, as the Chief Technologist and a co-founder, Thompson has focused on leveraging photonic qubits to build scalable quantum computing systems.
- Publications: With over 100 publications and patents, Thompson has made significant contributions to quantum technology research.
- Awards: He has received numerous UK and European research fellowships and prizes for his work in quantum technologies.
Current Work and Impact
Today, Prof. Mark Thompson’s work at PsiQuantum involves leading efforts to construct the first utility-scale quantum computer. His work focuses on incorporating photonic qubits and leveraging existing semiconductor technology to achieve this goal. The potential applications of these quantum systems span industries including healthcare, finance, and energy, promising transformative impacts on computational capabilities. Under Thompson's technological leadership, PsiQuantum is poised to alter the landscape of computational science with practical, robust quantum solutions.
Conclusion
Prof. Mark Thompson’s contributions to the field of quantum computing through his work at PsiQuantum are groundbreaking. As a pioneer in silicon photonics and quantum technologies, Thompson’s approach to combining photonics with semiconductor manufacturing is setting new standards in the quest for utility-scale quantum computation. With ongoing projects aimed at developing fault-tolerant, scalable systems, Thompson’s work is leading toward revolutionary advancements in various sectors. His legacy in the scientific community is shaping the future of computational technology and offers significant potential for advancements across multiple domains.