➀ IonQ acquires Oxford Ionics for $1.08 billion to advance quantum computing, aiming to develop 256-qubit systems by 2025 and 2 million qubits by 2030;

➁ The deal combines Oxford Ionics' ion-trap chip technology with IonQ's quantum stack, targeting fault-tolerant systems for enterprise applications;

➂ Both companies will expand UK operations and maintain partnerships with governments, focusing on fields like defense and pharmaceuticals.

➀ Researchers demonstrated that even small-scale quantum computers can enhance machine learning algorithms through a photonic quantum processor experiment;

➁ The study, involving the University of Vienna and international collaborators, showed quantum-enhanced kernel-based machine learning outperforming classical counterparts in specific tasks with fewer errors;

➂ Photonic quantum platforms also exhibited potential energy efficiency advantages, addressing rising energy demands in traditional machine learning workflows.

➀ Fraunhofer IAF has deployed Quantum Brilliance’s QB-QDK2.0 quantum accelerator, the first in Europe based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, enabling hybrid quantum-classical computing without cryogenics;

➁ The compact system integrates quantum processors with classical co-processors (NVIDIA GPUs/CPUs) in a server rack, supporting real-world quantum applications like machine learning;

➂ Quantum Brilliance’s diamond-based technology offers long coherence times and environmental stability, positioning it as a key platform for industrial quantum advancements at room temperature.

➀ Fraunhofer IOF researchers advanced thin-film lithium niobate (LNOI) technology to develop photonic integrated circuits (PICs), enabling energy-efficient, high-speed optical systems for quantum computing and AI;

➁ The PhoQuant project aims to build a photonic quantum computer using LNOI-based optical components, eliminating the need for complex cooling and enabling scalable quantum internet applications;

➂ LNOI circuits achieve 100 GHz processing speeds with low-voltage control, offering high bandwidth and multi-wavelength signal processing for AI tasks, showcased at World of Quantum 2025.

➀ Fraunhofer IOF researchers developed thin-film lithium niobate (LNOI) technology to create integrated photonic circuits, enabling energy-efficient and scalable photonic systems for high-speed applications;

➁ The LNOI-based technology is applied in the PhoQuant project to build photonic quantum computers requiring no cryogenic cooling, using quantum light sources and processing in integrated circuits;

➂ The circuits also enhance AI and data processing capabilities, operating at 100 GHz speeds with low voltage, offering higher bandwidth and energy efficiency compared to conventional electronics.

➀ Alice & Bob is building a $50 million quantum computing laboratory in Paris, partnering with Quantum Machines and Bluefors;

➁ The lab will develop next-gen quantum chips (Lithium, Beryllium, Graphene) and aims to launch a 100-logical-qubit quantum computer by 2030;

➂ Funded by $103 million Series B, the facility includes a cleanroom and cryogenic systems, leveraging cat qubit technology to reduce errors and resource demands.

The researchers at Fraunhofer IZM have developed a glue-free laser welding process for coupling photonic integrated circuits (PICs) with optical fibers, which can also be used in cryogenic environments of up to four Kelvin, equivalent to -269.15°C. This technology offers a more reliable, faster, and cheaper fiber-PIC coupling through a direct quartz-quartz connection, revolutionizing applications in quantum technology.

Low-temperature environments are essential for observing quantum effects, which can greatly improve human quality of life, such as in big data processing for personalized medicine and hospital information management. The development of cryogenic systems for quantum computing is currently being actively promoted. Quantum technological systems with implemented PIC-based modules offer a compact solution for secure communication and networking in quantum computing. Reliable fiber optic connections are, however, a fundamental requirement for such photonic quantum systems.

The focus of the QWeld research project is on realizing this connection technology for applications in cryogenic environments. Standard CMOS-manufactured PICs with a silicon dioxide (SiO2) coating are used, which is necessary for glass-glass laser welding. A vertical coupling of the fiber with the PIC, typically with a specific angle, is a special feature. The laser meets the contact point between the PIC and the fiber on both sides during welding and creates a material-bonding connection within seconds. This manufacturing process offers significant time savings.

➀ Element Six and Bosch have formed a joint venture called Bosch Quantum Sensing for the production of quantum sensors.

➁ Element Six will hold a 25% stake in the joint venture, having collaborated with Bosch on the technology since 2023.

➂ The specially developed synthetic diamond by Element Six is a key component for Bosch's quantum sensors, making them portable, less expensive to produce, and commercially scalable.

The Center Nanoelectronic Technologies (CNT) at the Fraunhofer IPMS has recently acquired new cryostats for researching qubits and qualifying superconductor systems. These low-temperature measurement devices, particularly useful for analyzing quantum systems, have been fully operational since March. The facilities were supported by the Saxony State Ministry of Science, Culture, and Tourism.

Quantum computing is expected to play a central role in research in the future, especially in medicine, material development, and traffic planning. Qubits, storage components for developing complex quantum mechanical systems, are versatile but fragile and prone to errors. Superconducting chips or circuits stabilize the fragile qubit states but require cooling down to the millikelvin range.

To ultimately realize a complex system like a quantum computer, all other technical components, such as circuits, memory chips, or thermal isolation components, must also function under these temperatures. The cryostats at CNT enable testing of various structures, materials, and circuits under these extremely cold conditions.

➀ Many people, including the author, sold quantum computing shares after Jensen Huang's CES remark;

➁ The author believes that tech shares may be overvalued due to the emergence of DeepSeek and the rise of open-source AI programs in China;

➂ The author suggests investing in Greenland's publicly traded companies, which have seen significant growth in the past year.

➀ KiviCore and CAST have released a new post-quantum cryptographic IP core, the KiviPQC™-KEM ML-KEM Key Encapsulation IP Core;

➁ This enables quantum-safe key exchange between two communicating parties;

➂ The technology is aimed at enhancing the security of cryptographic solutions in the face of quantum computing threats.

➀ SEEQC of New York has installed a Cross-Qubit Scaling Platform at the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) in Oxfordshire.

➁ SEEQC uses digital ICs to deliver quantum computing and will develop and test technologies to improve quantum efficiency and build scalable architectures.

➂ The SFQ chips from SEEQC can be integrated with quantum computers, creating a quantum/classical processor with ultra-low latency readout and control.

➀ The Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) has initiated the QR.N project to develop interconnected quantum repeaters for secure end-to-end communication networks.

➁ The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and is set to run from January 2025 to December 2027.

➂ Quantum networks ensure secure data transmission through the principles of quantum mechanics, particularly quantum entanglement, making any tampering or query of quantum states immediately detectable.

The Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) is developing networked quantum repeaters for secure communication networks, part of the QR.N project. Quantum networks use quantum mechanics principles to ensure secure communication. The project aims to extend data transmission range and connect quantum computers securely. QR.N is coordinated by Saarland University and involves various research and industry partners.

➀ Crypto Quantique is demonstrating the QuarkLink Hybrid PQC security platform at Embedded World 2025.

➁ QuarkLink is a scalable, cloud-based software platform designed to reduce the time and cost of implementing security functions in embedded device IoT networks.

➂ The platform manages device identities, supports secure boot and firmware updates, and handles security keys and digital certificates.

➀ An international team has achieved precise control over light emitted from nanoscale sources in 2D materials;

➁ The research could lead to advancements in ultra-high-resolution displays and ultra-fast quantum computing;

➂ Researchers demonstrated how to modulate light by embedding a second 2D material inside them, creating nanodots that can alter the color and frequency of emitted light.