Insider Brief
- Welinq and Pasqal expanded their strategic collaboration to develop networked quantum computing architectures based on interconnected neutral-atom processors.
- The partnership includes the €4 million InterQo project, supported by the Île-de-France Region and Bpifrance under the France 2030 i-Demo Régionalisé program, focusing on integrating photon-based interconnects into QPUs.
- The initiative aims to enable scalable, data center–ready quantum systems by linking multiple QPUs through optical entanglement and quantum networking technologies.
PRESS RELEASE — Welinq and Pasqal announce the strengthening of their strategic collaboration to accelerate the development of networked quantum computing based on interconnected neutral-atom quantum processors.
Building on an established collaboration and a shared neutral-atom technology stack, the two companies are moving into a new phase of rapid implementation. This phase tightly aligns quantum computing and quantum networking, aiming to deliver scalable, network-ready quantum architectures designed for deployment in data centers. A landmark achievement in this collaboration is the launch of the InterQo project, an ambitious initiative valued at €4 million. It is supported by the Île-de-France Region and BPI France through the i-Demo Régionalisé (France 2030) call. This project encompasses a bilateral industrial partnership between Pasqal and Welinq, combined with a dedicated research collaboration led by Pasqal alongside experts from the Collège de France, particularly the group led by Alexei Ourjoumtsev, known for their expertise in quantum optics and strong light–matter interactions.
From Individual Machines to Networked Quantum Computers
Initially, quantum computing primarily relied on standalone quantum processing units (QPUs). Despite showcasing promising capabilities and practical value, these individual machines face inherent limitations when it comes to scaling. As quantum computing evolves, the need for integrating multiple QPUs into cohesive networks becomes evident.
Quantum networking radically transforms the deployment and scalability of quantum resources. In essence, it allows separate quantum processors to collaborate as a single, more potent computational entity. The secret ingredient lies in converting quantum information stored in qubits into photons—ideal carriers for flying quantum information. These photons are then used to transmit quantum data optically between processors, facilitating the sharing of quantum entanglement across different QPUs. This innovative approach effectively forms a larger quantum computer, significantly surpassing the qubit capacity of individual machines.
This collective operational strategy offers a pathway to move beyond the vertical scalability constraints currently faced by neutral-atom systems, which typically cap at around 10,000 physical qubits. By enabling multiple QPUs to work as interconnected entities, the architectural framework promotes the execution of more complex quantum algorithms, paving the way for scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computation.
Neutral-Atom Technologies Aligned from Computing to Networking
Both Pasqal and Welinq are pioneering advancements in neutral-atom technologies that seamlessly integrate quantum computing with quantum networking, operationally aligned at identical optical wavelengths. Pasqal has emerged as a leader in the industry, boasting two quantum manufacturing facilities in France and Canada. The company has deployed operational QPUs at various high-performance computing centers across Europe, including sites such as CEA and Jülich, with plans for deployments in additional regions like Saudi Arabia and Canada.
On the technological front, Pasqal is designing QPU architectures that are inherently suited for networking configurations. Features include vacuum chamber designs that support the required photonic interfaces while ensuring optimal conditions for the QPUs, as well as dynamic qubit positioning that allows for flexible coupling between qubits and interfaces for multiplexed interconnections.
Meanwhile, Welinq is at the forefront of developing robust quantum networking solutions aimed at achieving high-speed interconnection between quantum processors. A notable innovation is their high-rate entanglement generation platform, akin to a “quantum Ethernet port,” which enables direct networking and sharing of entanglement between various quantum processors. This approach also includes demonstrations of the most powerful neutral atom-based quantum memory to date, marking a significant step in translating laboratory successes into viable components suitable for data center environments.
The synergy between these two companies underpins a coherent strategy for constructing clusters of quantum computers that are ready for deployment within data centers. This collaboration aligns with broader initiatives, such as Q-PLANET, a Pasqal-driven European program aiming to structure and scale the quantum technology supply chain, with substantial backing from Welinq. Together with established partnerships with organizations like Exail for advanced laser technologies, these efforts solidify an industrial foundation for quantum technologies, reinforcing Europe’s competitive edge in the global quantum landscape.
InterQo: A Concrete Milestone Backed by the Paris Region
The strategic partnership is now advancing towards tangible outcomes through the InterQo project. “Quantum networking represents a promising pathway toward large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computing,” emphasized Loïc Henriet, CEO of Pasqal. “Although we currently have operational QPUs deployed globally, a significant challenge ahead is connecting these processors into cohesive networked clusters. Our partnership with Welinq, facilitated by the InterQo program, is critical in setting the foundation for this evolution.”
InterQo exemplifies a decisive step in turning this vision into reality, bringing together Pasqal, Welinq, and the Collège de France in a joint industrial and research effort. Supported by €4 million from the Île-de-France Region and BPI France through the France 2030 program, the project addresses two principal challenges: creating QPUs equipped with built-in networking capabilities and integrating effective photon extraction systems to link these processors. This initiative accelerates the merging of established technologies towards a fully operational, network-ready quantum processor.
“Welinq is thrilled to continue its fruitful collaboration with Pasqal,” remarked Tom Darras, CEO of Welinq. “By synergizing neutral-atom computing and quantum networking, we are taking significant strides closer to deploying interconnected quantum computers that can operate in data center environments worldwide.”
Toward Production-Ready Networked Quantum Systems
This pioneering partnership uniquely positions Pasqal and Welinq to deliver networked quantum systems that can integrate seamlessly into existing data center infrastructures. Beyond achieving technical milestones, their collaboration enhances Europe’s quantum ecosystem by combining their respective strengths in industrial deployment and breakthrough networking technologies—all developed within Europe. As quantum computing evolves towards interconnected, scalable systems, the Pasqal-Welinq partnership is poised to play a crucial role in establishing the essential infrastructure for next-generation quantum data centers while contributing to European technological leadership and fostering high-value employment within the continental quantum ecosystem.
