The success and failure of quantum computing start-ups

Zeki Can Seskir, Ramis Korkmaz, Arsev Umur Aydınoğlu

Abstract The second quantum revolution has been producing groundbreaking scientific and technological outputs since the early 2000s; however, the scientific literature on the impact of this revolution on the industry, specifically on start-ups, is limited. In this paper, we present a landscaping study with a gathered dataset of 441 companies from 42 countries that we identify as quantum start-ups, meaning that they mainly focus on quantum technologies (QT) as their primary priority business. We answer the following questions: (1) What are the temporal and geographical distributions of the quantum start-ups? (2) How can we categorize them, and how are these categories populated? (3) Are there any patterns that we can derive from empirical data on trends? We found that more than 92% of these companies have been founded within the last 10 years, and more than 50% of them are located in the US, the UK, and Canada. We categorized the QT start-ups into six fields: (i) complementary technologies, (ii) quantum computing (hardware), (iii) quantum computing (software/application/simulation), (iv) quantum cryptography/communication, (v) quantum sensing and metrology, and (vi) supporting companies, and analyzed the population of each field both for countries, and temporally. Finally, we argue that low levels of quantum start-up activity in a country might be an indicator of a national initiative to be adopted afterwards, which later sees both an increase in the number of start-ups, and a diversification of activity in different QT fields.

Brennan Michael King

Jeff Kabachinski

Dedy Septono Catur Putranto, Rini Wisnu Wardhani, Janghyun Ji +1 more

Quantum technology has garnered considerable attention for its transformative potential across various industries since the early 2000s, precipitating a surge in quantum start-ups and substantial investments worldwide. However, comprehensive research on quantum technology in industries, particularly start-ups in the quantum field, remains limited. This study analyzes a dataset of 1,200 quantum start-ups from 40 countries, specifically focusing on 430 notable active start-ups. The analysis provides a thorough perspective on the industry’s progress, including trends in growth, geographical distribution, industry categorization, and investment patterns. The study categorizes start-ups into five domains: quantum computing, communication, sensing, hardware, and software. The analysis further captures the progress made by ten prominent quantum start-ups, six major technology companies, and quantum consortia regarding their technological innovations and strategic partnerships. We provide a comparative analysis of prior research to identify current conditions and future implications validated by notable studies, focusing on key parameters such as dataset scope, geographical distribution, growth trends, industry categorization, taxonomy, main interests in quantum fields, key players, and ecosystem identification. This approach underscores the dynamic growth of the quantum industry, which will drive future advancements.

Stefano Patarnello

Marco De Michielis, Elena Ferraro, Enrico Prati +5 more

Abstract Quantum computation (QC) is one of the most challenging quantum technologies that promise to revolutionize data computation in the long-term by outperforming the classical supercomputers in specific applications. Errors will hamper this quantum revolution if not sufficiently limited and corrected by quantum error correction codes thus avoiding quantum algorithm failures. In particular millions of highly-coherent qubits arranged in a two-dimensional array are required to implement the surface code, one of the most promising codes for quantum error correction. One of the most attractive technologies to fabricate such large number of almost identical high-quality devices is the well known metal-oxide-semiconductor technology. Silicon quantum processor manufacturing can leverage the technological developments achieved in the last 50 years in the semiconductor industry. Here, we review modeling, fabrication aspects and experimental figures of merit of qubits defined in the spin degree of freedom of charge carriers confined in quantum dots and donors in silicon devices along with classical electronics innovations for qubit control and readout. Furthermore, we discuss potential applications of the technology and finally we review the role of start-ups and companies in the silicon-based QC era.