Q-CTRL Raises $ 15 Million for Software to Reduce Errors and Noise in Quantum Computing Hardware – TechCrunch



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While hardware manufacturers continue to look for ways to make quantum computing a reality, an Australian start-up that is building software to reduce noise and errors on quantum computing machines, has mobilized many funds to fuel its expansion in the United States.

Q-CTRL designs microprograms for computers and other machines (such as quantum sensors) that perform quantum computations to determine the potential for error making machines more resilient and able to stay in operation longer. Q in his name is a reference to qubits, basic element of quantum computing).

The start-up announced today raised $ 15 million, the money it intends to use to double its team (currently 25) and set foot on the west coast, specifically in Los Angeles.

This Series A comes from a list of funders that testifies to the success of the startup so far, which has seduced quantum companies as customers. Led by Peg Capital Square – a prolific Australian industry that has supported local startups such as Bugcrowd and Canva, as well as more distant companies such as Stripe – it also includes new investor Sierra Ventures as well as Sequoia Capital, Main Sequence Ventures and Horizons Ventures.

CTRL-Q Customers are among the biggest names in quantum computing and computer science such as Rigetti, Bleximo and Accenture, among others. IBM – which unveiled its first commercial quantum computer at the beginning of the year – singled it out last year for its work in quantum technologies.

The problem that Q-CTRL seeks to solve is fundamental but undeniably essential if quantum computing is hoping to make a leap into the lab and into the real world.

Quantum computers and other machines, such as quantum sensors, based on a quantum physics architecture, are able to perform calculations far beyond what conventional computers can do today, with applications such as as cryptography, bioscience, advanced geological exploration and much more. But we know that quantum computing machines are unstable, partly because of the fragility of the quantum state, which introduces a lot of noise and errors, which leads to accidents.

As Frederic recently pointed out, scientists are convinced that it is ultimately a problem that can be solved. Q-CTRL is one of the hopes that is working on it, providing a set of tools running on quantum machines, visualizing noise and decoherence, and deploying controls to "overcome" these errors.

Q-CTRL currently offers four products on the market: Black Opal, Boulder Opal, Open Controls, and Devkit – for students / people exploring quantum computing, hardware manufacturers, the research community, and developers, respectively. / users of algorithms.

Q-CTRL was founded in 2017 by Michael Biercuk, Professor of Quantum Physics and Quantum Technology at the University of Sydney and Principal Investigator at the Australian Center of Excellence of the Australian Research Council for Quantified Systems, with a doctorate. in Harvard physics.

"Being in the vanguard of the birth of a new industry is extraordinary," he said in a statement. "We are also pleased to be one of the most impressive investor unions in quantum technologies. It is almost magical to find investors who understand and accept both the promises and the challenge of building quantum computers. "

Why choose Los Angeles to create an American presence, could you ask? Southern California has emerged as a key area for quantum research and development, with several universities in the region building dedicated labs for the region and companies like Lockheed Martin and Google also contributing to the ecosystem. It means a great potential for talent and conversation in what is still an emerging field.

Given that quantum computing technology is still in its infancy, this gives a lot of potential options to a company like Q-CTRL in the long run: the business could continue to grow its business as it does today, selling its technology to a plethora of companies. equipment manufacturers and field researchers; or a company specializing in computer hardware could seize closer integration of Q-CTRL's solutions on its machines (and away from the competition).

Or, it could look like a quantum particle and follow these two paths at the same time.

"Q-CTRL impressed us with their strategy; By providing infrastructure software that enables research and development teams and end-users to improve quantum computers, they can play a central role in bringing this technology to life, "said Tushar Roy, a partner at Square Peg. "Their technology also has applications that go beyond quantum computing, especially in quantum detection, a growing market. In Q-CTRL, we found a rare combination of world-leading technical expertise with an understanding of the customers, products, and elements needed to create a successful business. "

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