Equal1 Labs, under the leadership of CEO Jason Lynch, is poised for success with its unique approach to quantum computing. Lynch firmly believes that the company's success lies in its integration of quantum computing within the semiconductor industry ecosystem. This integration can be achieved either monolithically or alongside traditional chiplet technology.
Founded in 2017, Equal1 Labs initially focused on commercializing research related to quantum confinement and computing based on electron charge and spin. Over time, the company's research has evolved, with a current emphasis on electron spin in single-electron transistors. Lynch revealed that the company has secured significant funding amounting to US$30 million from sources like Atlantic Bridge and the European Innovation Council.
Equal1 Labs has dedicated substantial resources to developing test chips and patenting intellectual property, including implementations on standard foundry processes. Notably, the company's work encompasses electron-spin quantum on silicon-germanium and the 22FDX fully-depleted silicon-on-insulator process from Globalfoundries Inc. in Dresden, Germany.
"Quantum computing presents a massive opportunity that can leverage the existing silicon ecosystem, which has seen trillions of dollars in investment," Lynch explained. He emphasized the importance of integrating quantum computing at the chip or chiplet level, highlighting the role of silicon and CMOS technology in enabling advancements in computing.
Despite the challenges posed by the need for extremely low temperatures close to absolute zero for quantum operations, Lynch remains optimistic. While some quantum techniques require temperatures in the tens of millikelvin range, Equal1 Labs' research is being tested at 1K, which Lynch considers more feasible. He drew parallels with existing cryogenic cooling technologies used in medical electronics like MRI scanners.
Looking ahead, Equal1 Labs is gearing up to launch its entry-stage product in mid-2025, featuring a datacenter-ready rack form factor. The UnityQ quantum hardware, compressor, cryocooler, and vacuum pump will create a controlled environment at 500mK while consuming 2kW. Lynch envisions scalability from 6 to 1,000 qubits, with plans to reach assemblies of 1,400 physical qubits within the next 24 months.