Siquance, a spin-off of the CEA and CNRS, was officially launched on November 29 in Grenoble. The ambition of its three co-founders is to become a leader in universal quantum computing by developing and marketing a large-scale universal quantum computer based on microelectronics technologies, exploiting the capabilities of European semiconductor producers.

Quantum computing should make it possible to solve complex equations, currently beyond the reach of conventional computers, up to 1 billion times faster while reducing energy consumption. It addresses a variety of strategic and/or cutting-edge industrial sectors: health, engineering, meteorology, finance… Disruptive, it offers an opportunity for Europe to re-establish the balance of power with the United States and China, who are fighting for supremacy in this field.

Although the latter two are investing massively in quantum technology, France has undeniable assets in this field: excellent research, Nobel prizes, quantum simulators from Atos, Prometheus, Quandela‘s first photonic qubit generator, Pasqal’s quantum information processors…

The CEA has been exploring the quantum field for more than thirty years, and is present across the entire quantum computing value chain, from materials to algorithms to integration in high-performance computing centers. Alongside the CNRS and INRIA, it plays a central role in developing scientific knowledge and mastering key quantum technology areas, as well as strengthening synergies between industrial gems, research organizations, universities and start-ups.

Jean-Philippe Bourgoin, head of the CEA’s quantum program, said:

“The CEA is conducting a large-scale program on quantum technologies, aimed at bringing about the breakthroughs that are essential for their development, particularly in quantum computing. It also aims to anticipate the revolution in information processing that will accompany its deployment. As a long-standing player in quantum and semiconductor research, we are delighted to see our scientific advances, our technological building blocks and our joint work with the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) at the root of new deeptech companies in this field, which is a major challenge for industrial and strategic sovereignty.

To be at the forefront of French and European sovereignty in the field of quantum computing.

Founded by Maud Vinet (CEO, from CEA, ERC laureate), Tristan Meunier (CTO, from CNRS, ERC laureate) and François Perruchot (COO, from CEA), international experts in silicon technologies, quantum engineering and strategic marketing, Siquance is based on years of research at CEA and CNRS, where its founders have been working together for the past six years, and was awarded the I-lab 2022 Grand Prix.

The start-up is strongly supported by the CEA and CNRS, both of which have a stake in its capital, and has benefited from their expertise and R&D capabilities, their intellectual property, their technological resources and their solid ecosystems covering all the technological challenges of quantum technology, from fundamental research to industrialization.

It aims to develop a silicon-based quantum computer, i.e. based on the same technologies as those used for standard integrated circuits. The main technological breakthrough lies in the transformation of a transistor, the basic unit of classical computing, into a quantum bit, the basic unit of quantum computing. Assembled, these quantum bits will form a new type of computer, capable of solving many problems that are currently inaccessible to classical computers.

Maud Vinet states:

“Thanks to the industrial sector of semiconductors and quantum computing, which can address all areas of industry, Siquance wants to quickly establish itself and deploy on a global market that ultimately aims to create a value of several hundred billion euros for all these areas.

As part of an R&D program with the CEA and CNRS, two joint laboratories, forms of collaboration between public research and companies, will be set up.

Jean-Luc Moullet, Deputy Director General for Innovation at CNRS, concludes:

“The CNRS continues its strategic investment in the field of quantum computing with the creation of Siquance. We are delighted to contribute, together with another research organization, to the emergence of a new key player in the sector in France. We are confident in the potential of our ecosystem to reproduce a similar partnership approach, in line with the challenges of technological and industrial sovereignty of our country.

Translated from Lancement de Siquance, start-up issue du CEA Leti et du CNRS dédiée au calcul quantique