Lightsynq, a quantum interconnect startup, has secured $18 million in Series A funding to advance its technology for scaling quantum computing. The funding round was led by Cerberus Ventures, with participation from several other investors, including Murata Electronics North America Inc., IAG Capital Partners, Safar Partners, QVT, Element Six, and In-Q-Tel. Founded by former Harvard quantum networking experts and Amazon Web Services Center for Quantum Networking leaders, Lightsynq aims to address the challenges of connecting individual quantum computers into a broader network.
The company’s optical quantum interconnects link quantum processors, overcoming the limitations of scaling single systems. Dr. Mihir Bhaskar, CEO of Lightsynq, emphasized the importance of reaching million-qubit systems for real commercial applications in fields like chemistry and cybersecurity.
The raised funds will be used to build Lightsynq’s quantum interconnect technology, which relies on color centers in diamond photonic devices. This technology combines a leading quantum networking platform with scalable photonic fabrication, providing a pathway to high-volume production of quantum interconnects.
Element Six’s strategic investment in Lightsynq
Morgan Mahlock, Director at Cerberus, expressed excitement about supporting innovators like Lightsynq, who are revolutionizing traditional computing by solving complex problems beyond the reach of today’s systems. Quantum computing has the potential to bring significant benefits across various industries, including healthcare, materials science, and environmental engineering. Element Six, a global leader in synthetic diamond innovation, has invested in Lightsynq to extend its long-standing research collaboration with the startup’s founders. Prof.
Daniel Twitchen, CTO at Element Six, stated that their investment in Lightsynq marks the culmination of their strategic partnership and opens new frontiers in processing capabilities and connectivity through diamond-enabled quantum computing. Simone Severini, Director of Quantum Technologies at AWS, expressed excitement for Lightsynq’s work in bringing scalable optical quantum interconnects to the quantum industry. He noted that their technology is well-positioned to address core challenges, such as the scale-up of ion, atomic, and photonic quantum processors.
Lightsynq’s diamond-based quantum interconnects are set to enable hardware providers in developing optically controlled quantum computers. The company’s mission is to create the world’s best optical quantum interconnects, enabling hardware providers to link quantum processors and overcome single-system scaling bottlenecks.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
