Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) announced significant progress toward the launch of its quantum photonic chip foundry, set to open in Tempe, Arizona, in Q1 2025. This foundry, the first of its kind devoted specifically to processing thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) and other transition metal ferroelectrics, has already secured multiple pre-orders through a recent pilot program targeting early adopters. The program is establishing a unified ecosystem for high-performance, energy-efficient photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and nanophotonic devices, with the foundry poised to drive advancements in quantum computing, telecom/datacom, and other high-demand fields.
QCi’s foundry capabilities will enable clients to develop TFLN-based technologies that facilitate low power consumption and compact device size by operating at a low Vπ-length product, making them highly efficient for next-generation data rates of 1.6 Tbps, 3.2 Tbps, and beyond. The foundry will also support high-density heterogeneous integration and optical copackaging, providing robust solutions for customers across North America, Europe, and Asia. Alongside its conventional TFLN processing services, QCi is taking on highly custom engagements, leveraging extensive design, fabrication, and characterization expertise.
In support of these advancements, QCi has signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Spark Photonics Design, Inc. in the U.S. and Alcyon Photonics in Europe. These partnerships will develop process design kits (PDKs) and evaluation kits, enabling customers to sample QCi Foundry chips in 2025. Recently highlighted at the Optica Photonic-Enabled Cloud Computing (PECC) Industry Summit, QCi’s TFLN technology has been recognized by NVIDIA as a leading growth area for 2025, further emphasizing its potential to revolutionize fields such as quantum computing, remote sensing, and quantum imaging.
• Quantum photonic chip foundry to launch in Tempe, Arizona, in Q1 2025
• Foundry focused on thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) and transition metal ferroelectrics
• TFLN enables telecom/datacom hardware to achieve 1.6 Tbps, 3.2 Tbps data rates with low power and compact design
• MOUs with Spark Photonics and Alcyon Photonics for PDK and evaluation kit development
• Recent recognition at PECC Industry Summit by NVIDIA as a 2025 growth area for quantum and telecom/datacom
“The early engagement from strategic partners and customers underscores our confidence in the growth potential for our photonic chips,” stated Dr. William McGann, CEO of QCi. “This positive response reflects the increasing market demand for TFLN technology, which offers substantial performance and energy savings across key applications.”
