Pasqal has announced the acquisition of AEPONYX, a Canadian company specializing in photonic integrated circuits (PICs), as part of its strategy to accelerate the development of fault-tolerant quantum computing. The integration of AEPONYX’s light-control chip technology is expected to enhance Pasqal’s neutral-atom quantum computing platform by increasing control precision, system robustness, and scalability—critical factors in the transition toward large-scale, enterprise-grade quantum systems.
Pasqal’s neutral-atom architecture relies on laser-based manipulation of individual atoms held in optical traps. Achieving fine-grained control over these light fields is essential for qubit arrangement, entanglement, and error correction. AEPONYX’s silicon nitride-based PICs provide a compact, stable alternative to traditional bulk optics, enabling chip-scale integration of complex optical functions. This technological merger will allow Pasqal to replace fragile optical assemblies with scalable photonic circuits, improving fidelity and simplifying hardware expansion from hundreds to thousands of qubits.
The acquisition includes AEPONYX’s 27-person team, which will continue development under CEO Philippe Babin within Pasqal. Their expertise in MEMS-enabled PIC design and scalable photonics manufacturing aligns with Pasqal’s broader roadmap toward digital fault-tolerant quantum processors. The move positions Pasqal to deliver practical quantum advantage through improved control fidelity and resilient system architectures.
Read the official announcement and acquisition details here.
June 3, 2025
