In recent times, the Netherlands has emerged as a focal point for quantum technology research and application. Numerous startups in the country are dedicated to making this technology accessible and beneficial for humanity.
Now, the Dutch quantum technologies startup QuantaMap has secured €1.4 million in early-stage funding to improve the production of quantum computer chips.
Quantum computing has the potential to solve problems that are impossible to address with current technologies, in fields as diverse as material research, drug discovery, logistics, and beyond. But quantum chips are complex and difficult to produce. When they do not work as well as they should (and they often don’t), there is no way to find out why, which component failed, and how to improve the production processes. This is one of the major roadblocks to scaling quantum chips.
The round was led by Dutch quantum fund QDNL Participations (which backed Quantum Delta NL and QuantWare). It also will come combined with a grant for SMEs that is provided by the Quantum Delta NL foundation, which will be used to further develop the technology and scale production capabilities as the startup prepares to go to market.
QuantaMap has developed a novel microscope that will allow quantum researchers and chip manufacturers to closely inspect each chip to assure and improve its quality.
“Imagine if every quantum researcher and manufacturer had a finely tuned compass to navigate the uncharted quantum landscape of their chips; that’s what we are creating,” explains QuantaMap CEO, Johannes Jobst.
Others in this space offer traditional metrology solutions, but QuantaMap stands apart thanks to its combination of cryogenic scanning technology with quantum sensors, both specifically tailored for quantum applications.
The tech is finely tuned to the specific issues that affect quantum chip performance and production yields, particularly around identifying the origin of losses and impurities at nanometer scale. This is done by imaging local temperature rise, electric currents, and magnetic fields. It all happens at low temperatures to ensure the operating conditions of the chip are maintained during imaging.
Competing technologies are all not well suited for quantum chips; either because they disturb the qubits while measuring, or because they have a high chance of damaging the chip while imaging.
“Our unique sensors, IP and cutting-edge, quantum-first approach put us years ahead of any emerging competitive techniques,” says Jobst.
The story so far
QuantaMap was founded in November 2022 by Johannes Jobst, Kaveh Lahabi, Milan Allan, and Jimi de Haan. Lahabi and his research team invented the quantum sensor that is at the heart of QuantaMap’s products, at Leiden University. In the face of a clear need for diagnostic tools in quantum computing, the team moved quickly to fill this gap in the market.
QuantaMap aims to become the backbone of chip R&D and quality assurance in the quantum computing industry; the standard for ensuring that every qubit on every chip performs optimally. The startup also sees potential in helping the traditional semiconductor industry embrace cryogenic computing technology in data centers.
“We are convinced that our technology will be instrumental for making good on the promises of quantum computing, enabling the societal advances that quantum technology can deliver,” says Jobst.
QuantaMap is now hiring, and is actively seeking new development partners and launching customers in academia and industrial R&D labs who want to be first to try its technology.
“By employing a unique combination of cryogenic scanning-probe microscopy and custom quantum sensors, QuantaMap is addressing a crucial challenge in the industry: the difficulty of producing reliable quantum chips,” says Ton van ‘t Noordende, managing director of QDNL Participations.
“We’re excited to support the QuantaMap team on their journey to provide chip diagnostics using quantum sensors.”
