TNO invests in Irish quantum startup Equal1

Dutch applied research organization TNO (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek) has invested in quantum computing startup Equal1 Ltd. (Dublin, Ireland).

The size of the investment was not disclosed but Equal1 already has a partnership with TNO and has agreed to relocate part of its R&D activities to Delft.

Equal1 is developing a full-stack quantum computer with an AI layer leveraging semiconductor technology. The company uses silicon spin qubits, a technology that TNO and Delft University of Technology have co-develop in recent years. Equal1 was founded in 2018 as a spin-off from University College Dublin and currently employs about 45 people.

The Dutch lab is based in the House of Quantum, a hub for quantum technology research that provides direct access to a network of quantum research and industry expertise, as well as equipment.

“This investment in Equal1 is a first tangible illustration of our new strategy to support promising deep-tech startups and scale-ups and while strengthening the Dutch high-tech ecosystem,” said Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi, CEO of TNO, in a statement. “This way, TNO helps companies create a global impact more quickly, thereby strengthening the Dutch economy, accelerating transitions, and promoting employment,” he added.

Jason Lynch, CEO of Equal1, said: “TNO’s investment in Equal1 accelerates the realization of our vision to build rack-mounted quantum computers capable of scaling to millions of high-performance qubits on a single quantum chip.”