Universal Quantum, founded in 2018 as a University of Sussex spin-out and based in Brighton, UK, is building the world’s first million-qubit quantum computer. The company uses a scalable trapped‑ion approach that processes quantum information by applying voltages to a microchip rather than complex laser-based technology. Its electronic quantum computing modules are based on silicon technology and are connected with ultrafast electric field links to form a scalable architecture that does not require cooling to near absolute zero. Universal Quantum is focused on error correction from day one, developing quantum algorithms to identify and fix qubit errors to move toward fault-tolerant operation. The recent £7.5M (approx €6.46M) grant from Innovate UK will fund building a scalable quantum computer that can correct its own errors and apply the technology to high-impact aerospace problems. The company plans to map a combustion-modelling use case in collaboration with partners to address computational fluid dynamics problems for sustainable aviation fuels and next-generation jet engines. Universal Quantum develops a scalable trapped‑ion quantum architecture designed to connect qubits across multiple microchips. The company published Nature Communications data showing qubit transfers at a 99.9% success rate and a connection speed of about 2,424 transfers per second. Its platform underpins plans to build both single‑chip and multi‑chip systems, including a multi‑chip system with capacity for 100 qubits. Two new quantum computers to test the technology are being funded under a €67 million quantum grant award. Those machines will be delivered by Universal Quantum’s German subsidiary as part of a German federal government quantum initiative. The spinout has also joined a UK government quantum consortium with partners including Rolls‑Royce to develop quantum modelling for more fuel‑efficient aviation turbines. Universal Quantum is a 2018 University of Sussex spin-out developing trapped-ion quantum computing systems that execute gates using microwave radiation rather than large numbers of lasers. Its engineering approach emphasizes modularity, electric-field connections between modules and operation at milder temperatures to simplify scaling. The company says this removes the need for substantial laser infrastructure and aims to build the world’s first large-scale quantum computer. Leadership includes Professor Winfried Hensinger as Chief Scientist & Chairman and Dr. Sebastian Weidt as Chief Executive Officer. Universal Quantum emerged from stealth after raising an oversubscribed £3.6 million seed round. With backing from prominent tech investors, the company plans to move from research into engineering and construction of practical, large-scale machines.

Total raised

$86M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Grant

Latest activity

Mar 2024