Lightsynq Technologies Inc., a quantum interconnect startup, has emerged from stealth with $18 million in Series A funding to scale quantum computing through advanced optical interconnect solutions. The funding round was led by Cerberus Ventures, with participation from In-Q-Tel (IQT), Element Six, Murata Electronics North America, IAG Capital Partners, Safar Partners, and QVT.
Founded by Harvard quantum networking experts and former AWS Center for Quantum Networking leaders, Lightsynq aims to address the scaling challenges of quantum computing by developing diamond-based optical interconnects. These interconnects will enable the linking of quantum processors, overcoming bottlenecks in single-system scaling to pave the way for million-qubit systems. A key issue in linking processors today is that it is difficult to construct high quality transducers with many of the modalities use in quantum computers today. So the channels between processors are lossy and LightSynq’s diamond-based quantum memory technology can help compensate for that.
Element Six, a global leader in synthetic diamond innovation and part of the De Beers Group, has invested in Lightsynq to extend its longstanding research collaboration with the startup’s founders. The company’s Oregon-based manufacturing facility will play a critical role in enabling scalable photonic fabrication.
Lightsynq’s proprietary quantum interconnects leverage color centers in diamonds, combining quantum networking capabilities with scalable manufacturing. CEO Mihir Bhaskar emphasized the importance of scalable systems, noting that such advances are critical for realizing the commercial potential of quantum computing in areas like chemistry, healthcare, and cybersecurity.
For more information, you can access a press release provided by Lightsynq located here about their company and the Series A investment. In addition, a press release from Element Six announcing their investment in Lightsynq has been posted on the Element Six website here.
November 19, 2024
