Arctic Instruments raises €2.35M for quantum amplifiers

Finnish spinout Arctic Instruments has raised €2.35M  for the research, development and commercialisation of its superconducting microwave amplifier technology.

The quantum startup aims to scale up the development and production of superconducting microwave amplifiers that enable the construction of bigger and better quantum computers.

The round was led by Lifeline Ventures, one of Finland’s biggest VCs. Lifeline is known for identifying and supporting potential category leaders in their early stages. Current quantum computers typically have around 100 qubits and require 10 to 20 amplifiers for measuring the qubit states. To increase computing power, the number of qubits must be scaled up, and thus, the number of amplifiers must increase accordingly. A quantum computer with 10,000 qubits will require thousands of near-quantum-limited amplifiers of consistent quality. Near-quantum-limited means that the amplifiers add as little noise to the measurement as the laws of physics allow.

Arctic Instruments is the only manufacturer that supplies thousands of amplifiers to quantum computer builders; their ability to manufacture near-quantum-limited amplifiers consistently and in volume is critical for enabling the construction of large-scale quantum computers with accurate qubit state readout.

Quantum computers with more qubits and higher-quality operations have higher performance, enabling them to solve more complex, real-life problems in multiple industries. Chemicals, life sciences, finance, and mobility are likely to be at the forefront of the quantum impact.

The company is a spinoff of VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, a state-owned research and development organization. The company’s amplifiers were developed as part of VTT’s research.

“We have reached a level of maturity where our capability to fabricate and test our amplifiers in volume is industry leading. In the bigger picture, the development of quantum computers remains very much a challenge, and their potential applications also remain an active topic of research. What is clear is the need to scale up, without compromising the quality of any of the critical components. We contribute to this effort by constantly improving both the quality and consistency of our near-quantum-limited amplifiers, which are key to accurate qubit state measurements. The dedicated company and funding we now have allows us to boost our development efforts significantly,” said Joonas Govenius, CEO and Co-founder.

“Arctic Instruments is a competent team that has been able to create a product that solves one of quantum computing’s most critical challenges. The product is based on several years of research. It is very difficult to produce a component that is accurate and reliable at the same time, and works today,” added Timo Ahopelto, founding partner at Lifeline Ventures.