Exploring the Quantum Frontier: SEEQC’s Vision to Revolutionize Computing
While Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang suggests that “very useful quantum computers” are still two decades away, Nvidia isn’t leaving anything to chance. The tech giant is making strategic investments and partnerships in the quantum computing realm. One such partnership is with SEEQC, a burgeoning quantum computing startup that’s just announced a significant funding boost.
SEEQC has successfully raised $30 million in funding, co-led by Booz Allen Ventures and NordicNinja, a Japanese-European VC firm, with additional support from SIP Capital and other existing investors. This Series A extension aims to bolster SEEQC’s financial strength and strategic positioning across geographical landscapes.
SEEQC’s Unique Approach to Quantum Computing
SEEQC stands out in the field of quantum computing by focusing on the integration of classical computing systems to optimize the management of quantum processors. This approach is crucial for handling a large number of qubits—quantum computing’s basic units—efficiently. The aim is to seamlessly align these advanced processors with data center and enterprise needs.
“It’s a combination of financial, geographic, and strategic strengthening,” SEEQC CEO John Levy remarked about the funding round.
John Levy
The Quest for Scalable, Energy-Efficient Systems
The name SEEQC stands for “Scalable, Energy Efficient Quantum Computing,” aptly pronounced “seek.” Their mission is to simplify today’s bulky quantum hardware by developing chips capable of powering an entire quantum computer’s core functions. This innovation could streamline control over numerous qubits using just a single cable—a need SEEQC identifies as critical.
Levy has noted Google’s advancements with its Willow quantum chip and its error correction capabilities as “fantastic,” but he also highlights the excess cabling involved. He stresses the necessity for systems engineering to resolve issues related to cabling, speed, latency, and cost for scalable enterprise-grade quantum data centers.
The Intersection of AI Advancements and Quantum Computing
The rapid progression of artificial intelligence underscores the urgent need for more energy-efficient data centers—an area where quantum computing holds promise. It also opens avenues for new applications such as accelerating material development and pharmaceutical innovations.
- German chemical company BASF has joined the SEEQC-led QuPharma project in collaboration with Merck to explore quantum computing’s role in drug discovery.
- Merck’s venture capital arm, M Ventures, was an early investor in SEEQC in 2020.
- This has attracted further investment from EQT Ventures and LG Technology Ventures.
Nvidia Partnership: Bridging Quantum Computers and GPUs
In 2023, SEEQC announced a partnership with Nvidia aimed at developing an “all-digital, ultra-low-latency chip-to-chip link” between quantum computers and GPUs. This innovation promises compatibility across all quantum computing technologies. The recent funding will expedite the commercial rollout of their chips while enhancing their functionalities.
“We actually started with mature technology…IP, and a core team who had built whole superconducting systems,” Levy explained, highlighting the company’s robust foundation.
John Levy
The Path Ahead: A Resilient Chip Supply Chain
Despite being founded only in 2019 as a spinout from Hypres—a chip company established by former IBM employees—SEEQC has rapidly progressed. Operating specialized chip foundries in Elmsford, NY, London, UK, and Naples, Italy, they aim to expand further amidst growing demand for resilient chip supply chains amid geopolitical tensions.
The landscape of quantum computing is diverse, with different companies exploring approaches like photonics, silicon-based chips, and trapped ion qubits. Which approach will ultimately lead remains uncertain; however, Levy emphasizes the importance of thinking beyond qubits:
“We need to have an overall system architecture that can actually take us where we need to get to, and chips are going to be at the very center of that.”
John Levy
