March 12, 2024 -- From batteries and semiconductors to energy storage, the transition to green technologies requires the development of new, sustainable materials at an unprecedented pace. German startup Quantistry believes it can fast-track the discovery of such materials using a mix of quantum tech, physics-based simulations, and machine learning. By automating the process, it looks to sidestep the “high costs, fragmented expertise, and slow innovation” inherent to classical R&D. Quantistry has developed a cloud-based platform powered by small-scale quantum computers and AI, that allows users to determine material and molecular properties in simulation, rather than in real-life. This removes much of the trial and error in material discovery, enabling companies to focus on developing those materials with the most promise from the outset. In a vote of confidence for the budding company, it has just bagged €3mn in funding, which includes backing from Chemovator, the business incubator of German chemical giant BASF. The investment round is led by Ananda Impact Ventures, one of the oldest and most established European impact funds. Quantistry will use the cash to further develop its simulation platform and secure new customers. Marcel Quennet, CEO of Berlin-based Quantistry, said the company isn’t just looking to speed up industrial R&D, but also make it more accessible to companies who may not have the budget for more traditional, labour-intensive methods. “It’s clear: simulations not only transform the industrial R&D landscape but also steer it towards a greener future — yet, they remain out of reach for many. Together, we’re democratising this technology, shaping the future of chemical R&D and materials science,” said the co-founder, who holds a PhD in Quantum Chemistry. Quantistry’s new funding round comes amid a surge in AI investment, as companies tap machines to accelerate the development of everything from medical treatments to fusion energy. The German startup isn’t the only one using AI to speed up material discoveries either. Google DeepMind recently unveiled a deep learning tool that predicted the structure of over 2.2 million crystalline materials — 45 times more than the number discovered in the entire history of science. Quantistry was founded in 2019 by Quennet and co-founders Arturo Robertazzi, computational chemist and science communicator, and Stefan Kupferberg, finance expert and serial entrepreneur.

QuantrolOx (Espoo, Finland) and Zurich Instruments (Zurich, Switzerland) are pleased to officially announce their partnership. As of March 2024, the Zurich Instruments’ Quantum Computing Control System (QCCS) is integrated into the QuantrolOx’s Quantum EDGE, the leading automation tool for bringing-up, characterizing, tuning and controlling different qubit systems. The QCCS seamlessly unites RF Signal Generators (SG), Quantum Analyzers (QA) and Qubit Controllers (QC), and offers advanced features such as over 1 GHz instantaneous bandwidth for streamlined parallel qubit tune-up. The integration of QCCS into the Quantum EDGE empowers users to obtain outstanding results, reduces complexity, and enhances performance of quantum computing experiments.

Quantum Dice, a spinout from the University of Oxford’s world-renowned quantum optics laboratory, proudly announces its collaboration with HSBC to explore the advantages of its Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) for financial Monte Carlo simulations in a planned commercial proof of concept (PoC).

SBQuantum, the first company developing diamond quantum magnetometers to accelerate critical mineral discovery, today announces a new partnership with Silicon Microgravity, a disruptive technology company developing innovative inertial and gravity sensors. The project will see the development of a drone-based system of sensors combining magnetics and gravimetry to accelerate the location and analysis of underground mineral deposits for the mining industry. This joint approach will significantly reduce the time and capital required for locating and analysing deposits in the field, while also improving 3D geological readouts.

Diraq, a global leader in quantum computing using silicon ‘quantum dot’ technology, today announced the official opening of its new state-of-the-art commercial quantum computing laboratory located on the campus of UNSW in Sydney, Australia.

Xanadu, a world leader in photonic quantum computing, received a repayable contribution from the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), to help companies advance and commercialize their quantum products. This funding, through the Regional Quantum Initiative (RQI), will accelerate the development of PennyLane, Xanadu's open-source, cloud-based software framework for quantum machine learning, quantum chemistry, and quantum computing.

IQM Quantum Computers, a global leader in building quantum computers, implements a dual leadership structure, appointing two Co-CEOs as part of its next growth phase, effective today. 

Arqit Quantum Inc. (Arqit), a leader in quantum-safe encryption, and Carahsoft Technology Corp., The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider®, today announced a partnership. Under the agreement, Carahsoft will be Arqit’s Master Government Aggregator®, making Arqit’s unique Symmetric Key Agreement Platform available through Carahsoft’s reseller partners and NASA Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) V, Information Technology Enterprise Solutions – Software 2 (ITES-SW2), National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) ValuePoint, E&I Cooperative Services Contract and OMNIA Partners contracts.

Xanadu, a world leader in photonic quantum computing, will support Hamad Bin Khalifa University's (HBKU) Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2) on a PhD fellowship in quantum machine learning. This collaboration is an extension of the partnership established in November 2023 which aims to train and educate a quantum-ready workforce in Qatar.

IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leader in the quantum computing industry, today announced co-founder Dr. Jungsang Kim has been named a 2023 fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors.