This week, the University of Twente launched the Center for Quantum Nanotechnology Twente (Quant), which will develop quantum (nano)components and technology. The new institute, composed of several UT research groups, deliberately doesn’t choose one single direction for future quantum computers: both qubits at cryogenic temperatures or photons operating at room temperature are considered to be viable candidates. In fact, smart combinations of the two may be the best way forward.
Even before Quant was officially founded this week, it has started a spinoff: Quix. The startup is building quantum processors based on integrated photonics. By directing photons through a matrix of photonic components on a chip, non-classical processing power emerges from quantum mechanical interactions along the way. Quix was started in 2019 and recently completed an investment round.