SEEQC's $30 Million Funding Boost: Pioneering Chips in Quantum Computing
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently suggested that "very useful quantum computers" might still be a couple of decades away. However, Nvidia is not standing still; it is investing in quantum computing through partnerships and financial stakes, including backing the startup SEEQC.
SEEQC, focusing on the intersection of classical and quantum computing, announced a successful funding round of $30 million. This round was co-led by Booz Allen Ventures and the VC firm NordicNinja, with additional backing from SIP Capital and existing investors. CEO John Levy remarked on the strategic growth in the company's financial, geographic, and strategic dimensions, calling it a Series A extension.
The Role of Chips in Quantum Computing
SEEQC operates by exploring how classical computing can effectively manage quantum processors, crucial for handling large qubit volumes, which are the core units of quantum computing. The company aims to align its hardware with data center and enterprise needs. SEEQC’s ambition is to streamline quantum hardware complexities through chips capable of managing all primary functions, thereby enabling centralized qubit control.
John Levy highlighted the notable bulkiness of current quantum prototypes, likening them to old-school IT equipment. He praised Google's recent progress on quantum error correction but noted the entangled mess of cables involved. "For us to build scalable enterprise-grade quantum data centers, resolving cabling, speed, and latency issues is crucial," Levy commented.
Industrial Partnerships and Future Prospects
In response to the fast-paced advancements in AI and energy demands, quantum computing offers potential efficiency boosts and breakthroughs in fields like material and pharmaceutical development. German chemical giant BASF has joined SEEQC to explore quantum’s role in speeding up drug discovery processes through the QuPharma project, indicating a growing recognition of quantum's potential.
Moreover, SEEQC's ties with Nvidia, aiming to develop a "digital, low-latency chip-to-chip link between quantum computers and GPUs," mark a significant step. Such innovations promise compatibility across quantum technologies, facilitating diverse applications.
Expansion and Growth Post-Funding
The recent funding will accelerate SEEQC’s commercial rollout of its advanced chips. Despite being founded in 2019, SEEQC is progressing swiftly, partly because it evolved from Hypres, a company established by former IBM superconducting electronics experts.
"We began with a solid foundation, including mature technology, our specialized chip foundry, and a team experienced in superconducting systems," Levy explained. The company has since tripled its workforce across key locations, including Elmsford, NY, where it plans to enhance its chip production capabilities.
Amid global chip supply challenges, SEEQC’s efforts align with the increasing demand for a resilient supply chain, essential in the current geopolitical climate. As companies explore various tech avenues, including photonics and silicon-based chips, Levy emphasizes the importance of an integrated system architecture where chips are central to future development.