SPINnovate

NCCR SPIN Innovation Seed Grant

The SPINnovate Innovation Seed Grant is an exclusive initiative tailored to accelerate pioneering ideas stemming from your research within the NCCR SPIN or associated domains, driving their transformation into practical technology for quantum computing.

Did you have a great idea in your SPIN or related research which could be developed into a useful technology for quantum computing? Are you leading a recently founded startup, or are you thinking of founding a startup bringing innovations for quantum computing to the market? If so, the SPINnovate Tech Transfer Grants are tailor-made for you!

Introduction

NCCR SPIN is excited to announce two distinct funding schemes to support innovative ideas in quantum computing technology at different stages of development:

  1. Early-Stage Ideas Grant: For researchers with promising concepts in the initial phases of development.

  2. Advanced Technology Grant: For more structured ideas or or technologies that have already achieved proof of concept. This grant is suitable for projects that are further along in development, including those associated with recently founded startups or initiatives ready to transition innovations to market.

Overview

NCCR SPIN aims to accelerate technology advancements and facilitate the transition from research breakthroughs to commercial success in quantum computing. We offer non-dilutive funding of up to CHF 30,000 per project through the Early-stage Ideas Grant and up to CHF 60,000 per project through the Advanced Technology Grant. These grants are designed to support initiatives at NCCR SPIN institutions related to your spin-off, including activities like hiring personnel or developing prototypes.

Eligibility

The call for proposals is open to internal applicants of NCCR SPIN. Eligibility criteria differ based on the grant type:

  1. Early-Stage Ideas Grant: Open to researchers with innovative concepts in quantum computing technology.

  2. Advanced Technology Grant: Open to applicants who have already founded or are about to found a startup.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: October 31, 2024

  • Decision Announcement: December 2024

  • Starting Date: Between January 1st, 2025 and April 1st, 2025

  • Project Duration: 6 to 18 months.

Selection Criteria for Success: We are seeking projects that meet the following criteria:

  • Innovative Technology for Quantum Computing: Proposals should demonstrate pioneering solutions that significantly advance technological capabilities in quantum computing. The project should clearly articulate how it pushes beyond the current state-of-the-art and contributes to overcoming existing challenges in the field.

  • Scientific Merit: Proposals should show strong scientific foundations and a clear understanding of the state-of-the-art in the field.

  • Market Potential: Convince us that your technology addresses real-world challenges and possesses the potential to make a significant impact on industries and society.

  • Strong Team: Demonstrate that you have assembled the right team with the expertise and dedication needed to transform your vision into reality.

  • Founding of spin-off: if not already founded in 2024, the spin-off should be founded before project end.

How to Apply

To initiate the application process fill out the application form provided below.

  1. Application form for Early-Stage Ideas Seed Grant

  2. Application form for Advanced Technology Seed Grant

The call for proposals is available for download here.

Kindly forward all completed applications via email to Dr. Carmen Pietropaolo at carmen.pietropaolo@unibas.ch.

Contact

Should you have any inquiries or require additional information, do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Carmen Pietropaolo at carmen.pietropaolo@unibas.ch for support during your innovation journey.

In its quest to bolster technological advancements and expedite the transition from groundbreaking research to commercial viability, NCCR SPIN opened in 2023 the SPINnovate grant offering up to CHF 75,000 in non-dilutive funding per project. This grant opportunity, marked a significant milestone during the 4th year of the NCCR, and aimed to empowering initiatives within NCCR SPIN institutions, focusing on spin-off endeavors. Eligible activities encompassed personnel recruitment, prototype development, and other spin-off-related ventures.

Eligibility

The call for proposals was exclusively extended to internal applicants of NCCR SPIN who had either established or were on the verge of founding a startup entity.

Selection Criteria for Success

Several key criteria were outlined to guide the selection process:

  1. Innovative Technology for Quantum Computing: Projects were encouraged to showcase pioneering solutions that challenged the current technological boundaries.

  2. Market Potential: Applicants were tasked with demonstrating how their technology addressed real-world challenges and exhibited the potential for significant societal and industrial impact.

  3. Strong Team: The assembly of a proficient and dedicated team was paramount, showcasing the expertise necessary to realize the envisioned technological transformation.

  4. Founding of Spin-off: If not already established in 2023, the spin-off entity was required to be founded before the conclusion of the project.

Contact Information

For inquiries or additional information, applicants were encouraged to reach out to Carmen Pietropaolo at carmen.pietropaolo@unibas.ch. The support and guidance offered aimed to facilitate the innovation journey of prospective applicants.

NCCR SPIN awards 2023 SPINnovate grants to trailblazing start-up projects

The grant committee was positively impressed with the quality of the applications and the potential of the projects presented in 2023. We rejoice in the realization that technological applications are already surfacing from the research carried out within the NCCR.

Two projects, in particular, distinguished themselves with their visionary approach, technological excellence, robust research, potential market impact, and clear implementation pathways. We are thrilled to announce the 2023 SPINnovate deserving awardees.

Quamplify

From left to right: Miguel José Carballido, Rafael Eggli, Tara Patlatiuk, the team behind Quamplify

In the field of quantum computing, scientists utilize specialized sensors to detect minuscule radio-frequency signals originating from qubits. These signals play a pivotal role in understanding the behavior of the qubits. In order to ensure precise measurements, the signals are conditioned and amplified at extremely low temperatures, positioned in close proximity to the qubits. This setup effectively diminishes unwanted background noise, thereby enhancing measurement accuracy.

The key component enabling this process is cryogenic amplifiers and other components designed to operate optimally in cold environments. However, current devices exhibit limitations with regards to their noise performance and resilience to magnetic fields, sparking considerable interest in exploring alternative solutions.

Quamplify’s mission is to develop cryogenic radio frequency electronic components utilizing quantum paraelectric perovskite materials as a core technology. These devices significantly enhance signal strength while maintaining minimal background noise levels. Moreover, they demonstrates resilience to external factors such as magnetic fields and extreme cold, offering a distinct advantage over traditional technologies. As such, Quamplify has the potential to revolutionize the landscape of quantum computing!

cryoProbe

From left to right: Richard Warburton , Andreas Kuhlmann,  Sascha Martin, the team behind cryoProbe

cryoProbe is designed for rapid and precise testing of solid-state quantum hardware, particularly semiconductor-based qubits, at very low temperatures.  Operating quantum devices at very low temperatures is essential for quantum computing and requires efficient testing at low temperatures to drive progress. cryoProbe makes this possible through a specialized cryogenic probe station designed to meet the unique demands of quantum hardware. A key advantage is the probe station’s compact dimensions, allowing it to fit into standard cryogenic magnet systems. This compatibility means it can be used with cryostats commonly found in research labs, significantly reducing the acquisition costs and making it a valuable tool for a wider range of users.