Pasqal Raises $108M to Develop Neutral Atoms Quantum Computing Technology

Pasqal, a Paris-based quantum computing startup, announced it raised $108 million in a Series B funding round led by Singapore’s Temasek. The funding will be used to further develop Pasqal's neutral atoms quantum computing approach.

Pasqal's technology uses lasers to hold atoms in place with an optical tweezer, creating a dense matrix of qubits that can be reshuffled in 3D space as needed for a given algorithm. This process happens at room temperature, making it more similar to Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) than traditional quantum processors.

What sets Pasqal apart in the quantum computing industry is its approach to neutral atoms quantum computing. Pasqal has already demonstrated that it can control over 300 atoms at a time, a significant achievement in the field of quantum computing. It’s also worth noting that Alain Aspect, who won a Nobel Prize for his work on quantum entanglement in 2022, is one of Pasqal’s co-founders.

This new method has the potential to change the way quantum processors are built. Instead of using trapped ions or superconducting quantum computers, neutral atom quantum processors use lasers to hold atoms in place. This creates a very dense matrix of qubits that can be reshuffled in 3D space as needed for a given algorithm.

The company plans to use the funding to continue building its quantum control system, so it can start implementing quantum algorithms. Pasqal's CEO believes that the team will be able to show its potential customers "quantum business advantage" by 2024 with a system of 200 to 300 qubits.