C12 introduced that it just lately raised €18 million in funding ($19.4 million at as we speak’s change charges). The corporate, initially based in 2020 as a spin-out of the École Normale Supérieure’s physics laboratory, has been engaged on a novel course of to create quantum computer systems primarily based on carbon nanotubes.
Whereas the idea of quantum computing shouldn’t be new, it’s nonetheless a piece in progress. Many scientific groups have been learning this subject from completely different angles. Our aim is to create a large-scale quantum pc able to performing low-error calculations.
However wait, why do we want quantum computer systems within the first place? At present’s computer systems are totally primarily based on digital transistors. We have gotten actually good at making transistors smaller so we are able to pack extra of them on a single die. In consequence, computing energy has grown exponentially over the previous 60 years.
Nevertheless, present pc structure has its limitations. At the same time as firms begin constructing bigger information facilities, some issues merely cannot be solved with conventional computer systems. It is unclear whether or not Moore’s Regulation will nonetheless maintain true within the coming years.
That is the place quantum computer systems can come into play.
C12 co-founder and CEO Pierre Desjardins (pictured proper) stated: “If we need to create a mannequin – an in depth simulation of a chemical response – to know how a brand new drug will work together with our cells, it’s tough to make use of conventional The strategy is unattainable.
“Whether or not it is in transportation, logistics or manufacturing, there are lots of optimization issues that should be solved. They’re unattainable to run on a conventional pc as a result of there are too many variables, too many doable eventualities,” he continued.
His brother Matthieu Desjardins has a PhD in quantum physics and serves as the corporate’s chief expertise officer. At one level throughout our dialog, Pierre Desjardin even referred to as his brother a “scientific genius.”
And since it is 2024, even from a man-made intelligence perspective, that ought to lead you to consider that quantum computing analysis is necessary. “At present, coaching giant language fashions additionally means consuming lots of vitality,” stated Pierre Desjardins. “And quantum can also be a way of computing that consumes much less vitality.”
Learn how to construct a quantum pc
C12 says the 2 most important variations from different groups engaged on quantum computer systems are that it makes use of a unique materials — carbon nanotubes — and that it has a particular manufacturing course of — a now-patented nanoassembly Craftsmanship.
“At present, I believe we’re the one ones on the planet who can management this very particular course of, which entails placing carbon nanotubes on prime of a silicon wafer. What is totally fascinating is the size. The diameter of the carbon nanotubes 10,000 occasions smaller than a human hair.
Analysis groups working for giant firms similar to Google, IBM or Amazon are presently specializing in completely different processes. Most of them use superconducting supplies, similar to aluminum, on a silicon substrate.
In response to C12 reviews, though this methodology has achieved early breakthroughs. Nevertheless, once you begin including extra qubits, utilizing aluminum will not work at scale resulting from interference. Whereas quantum expertise shouldn’t be but mature, C12 believes it’s engaged on the following era of quantum computing in comparison with these aluminum-based processes.
The corporate arrange its first manufacturing line in a basement close to the Pantheon in Paris. On the facility, they make carbon nanotubes, management the tubes, after which combine them with silicon substrates.
“It is up and working now. At present, we’re producing about one wafer per week after which testing it in our mini information heart. However do not anticipate to see a quantum pc simply but. We’re nonetheless simply validating the essential components,” he added highway. The corporate is presently specializing in wafers with one or two qubits.
simulated quantum
As R&D work progresses, the C12 staff can also be engaged on its industrial ecosystem. Like many quantum firms, C12 created a simulator referred to as Callisto. The simulator permits builders to put in writing and run some quantum code on a classical pc.
They will not get the outcomes that you’d get with a quantum pc, however not less than they’re going to be able to put them to make use of as quickly as they grow to be accessible.
“We’re presently specializing in two vertical industries: the chemical business and the vitality business. The chemical business makes use of it to simulate chemical reactions, and the vitality business primarily makes use of it to resolve optimization issues,” stated Pierre Desjardins. Specifically, the startup has a partnership with Air Liquide.
If we return to the funding spherical, Varsity Capital, EIC Fund and Verve Ventures are all investing; current traders 360 Capital, Bpifrance Digital Enterprise Fund and BNP Paribas Développement are additionally taking part once more on this spherical.
At present, C12 has 45 workers from 18 completely different nations, together with 22 PhDs. Leveraging the just lately raised funds, C12 plans to signal further partnerships with business companions. However the firm additionally has analysis targets.
“One other aim is to carry out quantum operations for the primary time between two qubits which are very far aside,” says Pierre Desjardins. By lengthy distance he means “tens of microns” between one another. That will not look like a lot, however will probably be key in scaling quantum computing.
