SPINnovate

2024 SPINnovate Grants Awardees

In 2024, the Advanced Technology Grant and the Early-Stage Ideas Grant have been awarded to two pioneering teams: QanovaTech and The SQUID. These projects were selected for their innovative approaches, scientific merit, market potential, and strong team vision, aligning with our mission to accelerate advancements in quantum computing.

QanovaTech

From left to right, standing: Simone Frasca, Marius Bild, Aleksandra Pac, Hon-Ming Yip
From left to right, sitting: Camille Roy, Antoine Silvin, Philippine Milward
The team behind Qanova Tech.

Advanced Technology Grant Awardee: QanovaTech

Quantum computing holds immense promise, but it also presents unique technical challenges, particularly in managing and interpreting the ultra-small signals critical to its operation. Existing amplifiers add noise and can be limited to specific frequency ranges – reducing the accuracy of the quantum calculations. Secondly, the intricate packaging required for quantum systems demands specialized engineering. As a result, researchers often spend a lot of time solving these engineering problems, instead of focusing on their experiments.

Qanova Tech’s goal is to address these issues by producing TWPAs (Traveling-Wave Parametric Amplifiers) which introduce the minimal amount of noise allowed by the laws of quantum physics, and developing multipurpose packaging solutions based on several years of experience in the field. This allows researchers to work with clearer, more precise signals. The amplifiers are also more versatile, functioning across a range of frequencies, making them suitable for many different experiments and setups. Qanova Tech’s aim is to allow effortless system integration to ensure researchers involved in the quantum race spend their time advancing quantum technology.

The SQUID

From left to right: Antonia Weber, Daniel Jetter, Timur Weber, the team behind THE SQUID

Early-Stage Ideas Grant Awardee: The SQUID

An important current challenge in the field of experimental quantum computation lies in making the transition from realizing few-qubit devices to scaled-up quantum processors comprising the large numbers of qubits required to run useful quantum algorithms and quantum simulations. For solid-state qubits, such as spin qubits or superconducting qubits, the success of this transition relies heavily on advances in the material aspects of the qubit platforms. Issues such as defect-related decoherence, qubit inhomogeneity, and spurious cross-talks, become excessively problematic for large qubit arrays. There is therefore a great need in characterizing and visualizing, as well as mitigating, the sources of these issues. Spatial characterization of local magnetic fields and field gradients, spurious currents, and hotspots of dissipation through scanning probe microscopy will therefore be an important tool in advancing quantum computation.

Most nanoscale magnetic imaging tools at low-temperatures are fragile and expensive or limited in their performance. The SQUID combines excellent tip-sample distance control with an extremely sensitive magnetic imaging sensor. The team recently managed to optimize fabrication and demonstrated the sensor’s magnetic sensitivity, spatial resolution, and robustness. In the next phase, they are going to further improve the imaging performance towards a market-ready state followed by the founding of a start-up. The company will provide sensors for high-performance magnetic imaging at low temperatures and allow for an increasing throughput of quality control studies of qubit devices and supporting elements.

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.