Quantum technology start-up QphoX has raised two million euros to launch its Quantum Modem™, a technology poised to have a major impact on the future of quantum computing. We spoke with co-founder Simon Gröblacher to learn more about his journey. He is the first founder to launch through the LightSpeed program by Quantum Delta NL, so we got his story on this special project too.

Quantum computing is widely regarded as the next big step forward in computing, allowing for certain complex problems to be solved that are not feasible with standard computers. This has the potential to transform what’s possible in fields like cybersecurity, A.I., and drug development. To connect different quantum computers and have them exchange information, you need a quantum internet. Such a network will allow you to combine different quantum technologies, increase the combined computational power of the computers and bridge large distances using quantum communication channels.

QphoX co-founder Simon Gröblacher. Photo Rebekka Mell

The challenge however is finding a way for quantum computers to be able to start talking to each other. QphoX was started by Simon Gröblacher, Professor of Quantum Physics at TU Delft and physicists Robert Stockill and Frederick Hijazi, to tackle this problem. They developed the Quantum Modem™, a breakthrough device that will allow quantum computers to talk to one another by unlocking the potential of the ‘quantum internet’.

“It’s the missing link to enable  quantum computers to exchange quantum information with one another over large distances”, Simon explains. “We named it the Quantum Modem™ because it’s really like a classical modem that connects  computers together over the internet. We do the same in the quantum domain by converting an electrical quantum signal into an optical quantum signal.”

QphoX’s Quantum Modem close up. Photo Rebekka Mell

Where some quantum companies take years to get off the ground, QphoX shot to prominence as their Quantum Modem™ quickly led to interest from major investors and  eventually a two million euro seed funding ticket, in a funding round led by Quantonation, Speedinvest and High-Tech Gründerfonds, with participation from TU Delft.

“We couldn’t have had a better start”, Simon admits. “Before starting the company, we have built proof of concept devices in the lab, so we know it works. Thanks to this investment, we will be able to develop the QphoX Quantum Modem™ into a commercial product, combining the fields of quantum computing and quantum communications.”

Steep learning curve
QphoX got off to a hot start, but in truth, Simon and his two co-founders had been laying the groundwork for their success for many years before QphoX was founded. “I joined TU Delft in November 2014 and together with my research group have been focused on investigating quantum effects in large mechanical systems using lasers and cryogenic systems. This research forms the basis of our technology and we had therefore already been working on this for several years in my group. Last February, we began to consider the idea of commercializing the microwave to optical transduction technology and to brainstorm how to move from lab to market. Despite previous experience of some of us both working in and founding start-ups, as well as a clear vision of the business model and market potential, we still had trouble gaining traction. We simply were lacking a network of investor contacts.

Shortly thereafter we were introduced to Ton van t’ Noordende, who onboarded QphoX to the LightSpeed program.”

Ton van ‘t Noordende, Simon Gröblacher and Freeke Heijman

Personal support
LightSpeed is a personal support program for promising quantum start-ups in every stage, initiated by Quantum Delta NL, helping start-ups with everything from fundraising, rapid scenario planning, cap table assessment and finding investors.

Simon: “That really kick-started our entrepreneurial skills. The program is specially designed to address the hardest question for any start-up founder: are you ready to scale and, if so, where do you start with discovery around investment related parties that can help secure your vision? Together with Ton we tackled how to discover and address the best possible investors. He said: ‘You shouldn’t approach everyone at the same time. Choose your favorite VCs and approach them. Learn from their feedback and continually sharpen your story.’ It’s been incredibly helpful being a part of the LightSpeed program and having the input of inspirational entrepreneurs like Ton.”

Funding
Fast forwarding one year, QphoX is now the first dedicated company to take quantum transduction beyond university labs. Simon is excited about the opportunities the funding will provide. “Thanks to this investment, we can further enhance the performance of the Quantum Modem™, and develop a product to begin working with potential partners and customers like Google, IBM, IQM and Microsoft, companies that build quantum processors. We’ve talked to some of them already and have received extremely positive feedback and excitement to engage with us on our next steps.”

But does that also mean that we can now interconnect quantum computers within a few months? Unfortunately, it will take a little longer, Simon says: “You have to remember: this is really deeptech. This is not an area in which we will be ready to sell the fully functioning product within half a year. It is going to take us a few years to get to the final product. We are now on the fast track, hitting our first technical milestones as we work to build an initial product demonstrator.”

Ton van ‘t Noordende, Freeke Heijman and Simon Gröblacher. Photo Rebekka Mell

One thing is certain: in this exciting quest, Simon will stay in touch with LightSpeed and Ton van ‘t Noordende. “If you start and stay on your own, you will never get there. You need  people like Ton to bring you further.” And, fortunately, there is no shortage of experts in the Netherlands and Delft, he concludes. “In the seven years I’ve been here now, I’ve seen an immense growth of the quantum ecosystem. In Delft, a whole new ecosystem of research and companies has emerged and the way the Dutch government has chosen to invest and to pursue quantum physics in a very focused manner is very impressive. Everyone sees the importance of quantum. That makes it so much easier and so much more fun to work here. So, we’re definitely not leaving this place anytime soon…”