Siquance, a CEA/CNRS-inspired startup, was launched in Grenoble on the 29th of November, 2022. Co-founded and directed by Maud Vinet, Siquance aims to develop and commercialize a quantum computer built on advanced microelectronics technology.
As a fabless startup, Siquance aims to become a global leader in quantum technology by developing a quantum computer that is based on the same technological building blocks as standard silicon integrated circuits. To enable this revolution, a disruptive technology solution was essential to transform a classical transistor so that it could handle quantum bits known as qubits (the quantum equivalent of classical bits). By assembling qubits, a new type of calculator can be created to solve numerous problems that are currently beyond the scope of classical computers.
Designing this quantum computing solution on the basis of existing semiconductor technology offers the quickest path to large-scale industrialization. Siquance is organizing its processes according to existing manufacturing capacities, in particular those available in French and European semiconductor factories.
Siquance was founded by Maud Vinet (CEO, previously of CEA and an ERC laureate), Tristan Meunier (CTO, previously of CNRS and an ERC laureate) and Francois Perruchot (COO, previously of CEA). The founding trio bring to the table international expertise on silicon technology, quantum engineering and strategic marketing. Siquance builds on 15 years of research at CEA and CNRS, where the co-founders collaborated together for the past six years.
The startup is strongly supported by CEA and CNRS, both of which have invested capital and shared their expertise, R&D capacities, intellectual property and technological means. The company benefits from the support of both institutions’ ecosystems, which cover all areas of quantum technology, from fundamental research to industrialization.
A collaborative R&D program with CEA and CNRS will contribute to support R&D development needed for Siquance. This initiative will foster collaboration between public research and the business world as well as enable both institutions to prolong their support of the company. Siquance also benefits from a high-level strategic board committee that will help prepare the path to industrialization.
