French quantum computing company Alice & Bob is making a significant advancement in the field of fault-tolerant quantum computing with a $50 million investment in a cutting-edge quantum computing center in Paris. This strategic move signifies the company’s transition from pure research to the commercialization of quantum technologies.
The new facility will serve as a hub for developing Alice & Bob’s next-generation quantum chips, leveraging their proprietary cat qubit technology designed to address longstanding challenges in quantum error correction.
Alice & Bob has formed partnerships with industry leaders Bluefors and Quantum Machines to equip the facility with state-of-the-art infrastructure. This collaboration aims to support the company’s ambitious plans, including the development of their large-scale quantum computer, Graphene, which is projected to boast 100 logical qubits by 2030.
The 4,000 square meter facility will feature a specialized nanofabrication cleanroom for prototyping advanced quantum processing units (QPUs). A cryostat farm outfitted with 20 Bluefors dilution refrigerators will enable researchers to experiment with new chip designs under the ultra-low temperatures required for quantum systems. Quantum Machines will provide advanced control systems to manage the complex interactions between quantum and classical computing environments, essential for optimizing quantum processor performance.
According to Alice & Bob CEO ThĂ©au Peronnin, the new lab represents a crucial milestone for France’s quantum infrastructure and establishes the country as a key player in the global pursuit of practical quantum computing. The company’s focus on commercialization marks a shift from exclusive research to real-world applications.
Alice & Bob’s cat qubit technology is at the core of their approach, offering a hardware-efficient solution to reduce bit-flip errors and enhance quantum computer scalability. This innovative design enables the development of more powerful quantum computers using less space, hardware, and energy compared to traditional methods. The company projects a potential 200-fold reduction in hardware requirements for large-scale quantum computers.
The facility will foster interdisciplinary collaboration, with modern workspaces designed to facilitate innovation among engineers, researchers, and business teams.
Partners Bluefors and Quantum Machines view the collaboration as an opportunity to push the boundaries of quantum technology. Dr. Itamar Sivan, CEO of Quantum Machines, highlights the potential impact of Alice & Bob’s hardware-efficient method in advancing fault-tolerant quantum computing. David Gunnarson, CTO of Bluefors, emphasizes the value of integrating their cryogenic solutions into the facility’s experimental environment.
The establishment of the new center also underscores a broader commitment to enhancing Europe’s position in quantum technology innovation. François Charbonnier, Investment Director at Bpifrance, recognizes the initiative as a significant milestone for the French quantum industry and positions Alice & Bob and Europe as key players in the global race for practical quantum computing solutions.
Founded in 2020, Alice & Bob has secured over €130 million in funding and employs a team of over 100 professionals across its Paris and Boston offices. The company’s cat qubit technology has garnered attention from major tech companies, including Amazon, surpassing industry giants like Google and IBM in trial results. With the launch of the new facility, Alice & Bob aims to expedite the development of market-ready quantum chips and bring practical, fault-tolerant quantum computing closer to realization.
