PsiQuantum
Overview
PsiQuantum is a pioneering company in the field of quantum computing, specifically focusing on photonic quantum computing technologies. It was founded in 2016 by Jeremy O'Brien, Mark Thompson, Terry Rudolph, and Pete Shadbolt. Based in Palo Alto, California, PsiQuantum has set a mission to build the world’s first commercially viable quantum computer using photonic qubits. This innovative approach leverages the manufacturing precision of semiconductor fabs and aims to scale to millions of qubits necessary for practical computing applications. As of June 2025, PsiQuantum has raised over $1.6 billion from leading investors, including BlackRock and NVIDIA.
Recent Developments
- May 2025: PsiQuantum has entered strategic talks with NVIDIA to secure a $750 million funding round to further its quantum computing endeavors. This investment aligns with NVIDIA's move into quantum technology, signaling a significant shift in their long-term outlook.
- April 2025: PsiQuantum announced a groundbreaking partnership with Linde Engineering to build a large cryogenic plant in Brisbane, a vital component for its quantum computing facilities.
- 2024-2025: The company has partnered with various governments to establish quantum computing centers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois. These centers are expected to house utility-scale, million-qubit systems aimed at addressing complex computational problems.
- 2024: PsiQuantum introduced the Omega chipset, a significant technological leap toward manufacturing scalable quantum computers using silicon photonic technology. These advancements were published in Nature, demonstrating substantial progress in quantum component integration and fidelity.
- 2024: A partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) was announced, pushing forward utility-scale quantum computing projects under the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2016 |
| Headquarters | Palo Alto, California, USA |
| Founders | Jeremy O'Brien, Mark Thompson, Terry Rudolph, Pete Shadbolt |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | NVIDIA, BlackRock, GlobalFoundries |
| Industry | Quantum Computing |
| Number of Employees | Estimated over 400 |
Early History
PsiQuantum was established in 2016 by a group of physicists and engineers with a vision to create a fault-tolerant quantum computer using photonics. The founders had previously demonstrated photonic qubit logic gates and turned their focus towards scalability and manufacturing challenges. Early adoption of standard semiconductor wafer technology allowed PsiQuantum to make significant headway in the production-ready quantum hardware. Rapid partnerships with major fabrication companies like GlobalFoundries set PsiQuantum apart as a leader in photonic quantum computing.
Company Profile and Achievements
PsiQuantum aims to revolutionize computing through the development of a photonic quantum computer built on scalable manufacturing techniques. Key achievements include:
- Photonic Qubits: Utilizing photons avoids the exotic materials required by other quantum computers and enhances integration with existing semiconductor processes.
- Omega Chipset: Integrates quantum photonic components manufactured in standard fabs, enabling high-volume production.
- Cryogenic Systems: Simplifies cooling requirements with novel high-power cryogenic solutions developed in collaboration with Daresbury Laboratory.
- Partnerships: Includes collaborations with the US Department of Energy, various government entities, and leading universities to bolster quantum technology ecosystems.
- Milestone Publications: PsiQuantum's research is frequently published in high-impact journals, detailing breakthroughs in scalability and fidelity of quantum systems.
Current Operations and Market Position
PsiQuantum is spearheading the development of a million-qubit quantum computing system utilizing photonic technology, which sets it apart in the quantum computing landscape. With facilities under development in Brisbane and Chicago, and support from major tech industry players, PsiQuantum is positioned as a leader in the race towards utility-scale quantum computing. The company’s technology promises to address computational challenges that are currently beyond the reach of conventional supercomputers.
Conclusion
PsiQuantum represents a bold and innovative approach in the quantum computing sector, harnessing photonics to achieve scalable and manufacturable quantum systems. The company’s partnerships and technological advancements signal a promising future in this rapidly evolving field. Its efforts to develop utility-scale quantum computers capable of solving real-world challenges could redefine technological capabilities and drive significant advancements in various sectors.