Quantum Machines and QuEra Computing are two companies that are working on developing practical quantum computers. Quantum Machines provides quantum control solutions that can orchestrate quantum and classical operations, while QuEra Computing offers neutral atom quantum computing platforms that can solve various problems using a flexible programmable geometry approach.
The two companies have received an innovation grant from the Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation to jointly develop over a 24 month period a photonic control unit (PCU) that can significantly accelerate the computational power of quantum computers. The PCU is based on QuEra’s advanced photonic microchips and Quantum Machines’ high-speed analog controllers. The PCU will be integrated into QuEra’s quantum computers and Quantum Machines’ testing facilities and product lines.
The PCU can also address other types of optically driven quantum systems, such as ions, NV centers, and optically addressable spin qubits. This will allow for scaling up quantum computers and providing value to other quantum market segments, such as quantum sensors and communications devices.
The BIRD Foundation supports projects without receiving any equity or intellectual property rights from the participating companies or the projects themselves. BIRD funding is repaid as royalties from sales of products that were commercialized because of BIRD support. The Foundation provides funding of up to 50% of a project’s budget, beginning with R&D and ending with the initial stages of sales and marketing. The Foundation shares the risk and does not require repayment if the project fails to reach the sales stage.
Additional information about this award is available in a news release located on the QuEra website here.
November 11, 2023