QphoX

QphoX builds quantum transduction systems, offering a proprietary "quantum modem" device. This technology converts quantum information between microwave frequencies, used by superconducting qubits, and optical frequencies for long-distance fiber network transmission. Its core capability establishes a critical link, enabling integration and networking of diverse quantum architectures.

Founded in 2021 by Simon Groeblacher, Frederick Hijazi, and Robert Stockill, QphoX emerged as a spin-off from Delft University of Technology. Recognizing isolated quantum processors, their insight focused on creating a reliable interface bridging microwave quantum systems with optical infrastructure, conceptualizing the quantum modem.

QphoX primarily serves advanced quantum research entities, including academic institutions and industrial laboratories scaling quantum computation and developing quantum networks. Its long-term vision is to accelerate a global quantum internet, enabling secure communication and distributed computing via essential connectivity.

High-Level Overview

QphoX is a Dutch quantum technology startup founded in 2021 as a spin-off from TU Delft, developing quantum transduction hardware—specifically, a "quantum modem"—that converts quantum signals from microwave to optical domains. This enables networking of superconducting quantum processors over fiber optic links, addressing key scaling challenges for quantum computing by allowing connectivity, parallelization, and integration into quantum data centers and networks.[1][2][3] The company serves quantum hardware developers, research institutions, and future quantum data center operators, solving the problem of isolated qubits by providing room-temperature optical interconnects for distributed, scalable quantum systems.[1][5] With €8 million raised in a 2023 Series A (following €2 million in seed funding), QphoX has demonstrated world-leading transducer performance, published in *Nature Nanotechnology*, and launched pilot projects, positioning it as a leader in quantum networking with rapid team growth from 15 to over 30 employees.[3][4][7]

Origin Story

QphoX emerged in 2021 from research at TU Delft, where co-founder and CEO Simon Gröblacher and team identified the need for quantum interconnects to scale beyond single-processor limits.[2][3] Gröblacher, a physicist with expertise in quantum optics, leads a diverse team of scientists and engineers united by the mission to deliver networking solutions for quantum computing's toughest scaling issues.[1][3] Early traction came swiftly: after €2 million in initial funding, the company achieved breakthroughs like single-qubit optical readout and peer-reviewed transduction results in October 2023, establishing technical leadership and attracting Series A investors including QDNL Participations, High-Tech Gründerfonds, Quantonation, SpeedInvest, and the European Innovation Council.[3][4] Pivotal moments include collaborations like the Meet-Q project with Welinq and Sorbonne University to integrate transduction with quantum memories, accelerating hybrid quantum networks.[6]

Core Differentiators

QphoX stands out in quantum transduction through:

• Patented coherent conversion technology: Translates quantum information between microwave (cryogenic qubits) and optical/telecom frequencies with world-leading fidelity, enabling unbroken quantum links for computation, storage, and networking—currently the only hardware at performance levels allowing optical quantum channels.[1][3][4]
• Scalability focus: Devices leverage photonic, MEMS, and superconducting nanofabrication for high-performance single-photon interfaces, supporting intra-data-center scaling and quantum internet backbones via room-temperature optics.[1][2][5]
• Proven milestones and pilots: Demonstrated optical readout of superconducting qubits; active customer pilots and partnerships (e.g., Meet-Q); peer-reviewed leadership in *Nature Nanotechnology*.[3][6]
• Diverse, intentional team culture: Grew to 50-50 gender balance (nearing female-majority) by prioritizing DEI in hiring across gender, culture, and background, fostering innovation in a male-dominated field.[7]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

QphoX rides the quantum scaling wave, where modular architectures replace monolithic processors, driven by trends like distributed quantum computing and secure quantum networks.[2][5] Timing is ideal amid EU priorities for strategic autonomy in quantum tech—reducing reliance on non-European (e.g., Chinese) infrastructure—bolstered by significant EU/national funding and NATO-relevant secure comms potential.[2] Market forces favor it: superconducting qubits dominate near-term quantum hardware, but lack networking; QphoX's transduction bridges this to optical repeaters/memories, enabling quantum data centers and internet prototypes.[1][6] It influences the ecosystem by partnering with leaders (e.g., Welinq), integrating with commercial systems, and accelerating Europe's quantum stack from processors to networks.[3][6]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

QphoX is primed to deliver the first commercial quantum modems, with Series A funds fueling product integration, pilot expansions, and hardware scaling toward fault-tolerant systems.[3][4] Trends like hybrid quantum networks and EU Quantum Flagship initiatives will propel it, potentially evolving from transduction leader to backbone provider for global quantum clouds.[2][6] As quantum processors mature, QphoX's optical gateways could unlock distributed computing at scale, cementing its role in Europe's tech sovereignty and the quantum internet era—transforming isolated qubits into a connected quantum potential.[1][2]