TNO's Game-Changing Investment in Irish Quantum Startup Equal1: A Boost for the Dutch Quantum Ecosystem

TNO Invests in Equal1

TNO, the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research, has made a significant move by investing in Equal1, an Irish quantum startup that is expanding its operations in the Netherlands. This investment marks TNO's first in the quantum sector and is aimed at reinforcing the Netherlands' status as a global hub for quantum technology.

Enhancing the Quantum Landscape

This strategic investment, executed through TNO's private holding company, not only provides financial backing but also includes technical expertise that will help accelerate the scaling of Equal1's quantum computing technology. Equal1, established in 2018 from University College Dublin, specializes in developing full-stack quantum computers leveraging silicon spin qubits—a technology co-developed with TNO and Delft University of Technology.

Relocation and Collaboration

In November, Equal1 and TNO announced their collaboration to fabricate Equal1’s spin qubit devices. As part of this partnership, Equal1 is relocating some of its R&D activities to Delft, where it will benefit from TNO’s advanced knowledge in nanofabrication, materials science, and quantum infrastructure. The startup's goal is to create rack-mounted quantum computers that can scale up to millions of qubits for applications in climate modeling, financial modeling, and AI.

Leadership Insights

“This investment aligns with our strategy to support deep-tech startups and strengthen the Dutch high-tech ecosystem,” stated Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi, CEO of TNO. Jason Lynch, CEO of Equal1, highlighted the importance of this partnership in accelerating the development of scalable and energy-efficient quantum computers.

For more details, you can check out TNO’s official announcement here.