TNO participates in Irish quantum startup

Equal1 is an Irish quantum startup with expanding operations in the Netherlands. The company develops a full-stack quantum computer with an AI layer leveraging semiconductor technology. Quantum computers have the potential to solve complex problems that classical computers cannot handle, leading to breakthroughs in climate modeling, financial modeling, and AI in the future.

To build its quantum processor, Equal1 uses silicon spin qubits, a technology that TNO and Delft University of Technology have co-developed in the recent years. Equal1 was founded in 2018 as a spin-off from University College Dublin and currently employs about 45 people.

Quantum Ecosystem

TNO aims to support a network of startups in fields where it conducts research, thereby helping to accelerate the growth of both startups and scale-ups. Through more intensive collaboration, it strengthens an ecosystem of potential customers and partners for the Dutch high-tech industry. Analyses show that too few deep-tech startups successfully transition into scale-ups and that scale-ups do often grow more slowly compared to their American counterparts. TNO seeks to address this challenge.

R&D to Delft

Equal1 operates differently from other quantum startups, it builds on an ‘R&D foundation’ but focuses on developing a commercial product, leveraging well-established semiconductor foundation. They have decided to move part of their R&D activities to the Netherlands to leverage TNO’s technology and expertise in nanofabrication, infrastructure, and advanced materials from Delft University of Technology.

Equal1 is establishing itself in Delft at the House of Quantum, a national campus for quantum startups. As more international companies the field of quantum, the Netherlands is rapidly developing into a global quantum hub.