Quantum computing architecture startup Iceberg Quantum has raised $2 million AUD ($1.26M USD) in pre-seed funding led by Blackbird Ventures and UK-based LocalGlobe. The announcement coincides with a new strategic collaboration with PsiQuantum to develop fault-tolerant architectures for PsiQuantum’s silicon photonic quantum computing platform, currently under development in Brisbane.
Iceberg Quantum is addressing the challenge of quantum error correction overhead, a major bottleneck to scalable quantum computing. By applying low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes—pioneered in part by co-founders Felix Thomsen, Larry Cohen and Sam Smith during their PhD work at the University of Sydney —the company aims to reduce the qubit overhead required for fault tolerance by more than an order of magnitude. These architectures are intended to enable more efficient error correction and bring forward the timeline for commercially useful quantum systems.
The PsiQuantum partnership will provide Iceberg with a real-world platform to validate its designs and contribute to the development of a utility-scale quantum computer targeted for 2027. The collaboration highlights the growing role of Australian quantum expertise in shaping global quantum fault-tolerance approaches, with Iceberg leveraging deep academic roots from the University of Sydney.
The funding will support the expansion of Iceberg’s technical team focused on LDPC-based architectures. By narrowing its focus entirely on fault-tolerant design, the company aims to accelerate the transition to scalable quantum systems and reduce the time required to achieve practical quantum applications.
Read the full announcement from Business News Australia here and from Iceberg Quantum here.
March 26, 2025
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