PsiQuantum, a Palo Alto-based full-stack quantum computing company, has partnered with GlobalFoundries (GF), a Santa Clara-based full-service semiconductor manufacturer, to produce silicon photonic and electronic chips for PsiQuantum’s quantum computer, Q1. The Q1 system is considered a major breakthrough in developing the world’s first commercially viable quantum computer with more than 1 million qubits. 

The collaboration leverages PsiQuantum’s photonic quantum computing expertise and GF’s silicon photonics manufacturing capability. Both parties have already demonstrated the ability to manufacture core quantum components, such as single-photon sources and single-photon detectors, using GF’s world-leading semiconductor fabrication plant.

In connection with the partnership, both parties have set up proprietary manufacturing equipment in GF’s facilities in upstate New York and Dresden, Germany. Thousands of Q1 silicon photonic chips are expected to be manufactured in these facilities. 

Founded in 2016, PsiQuantum is developing general-purpose computers to solve real-world problems. The company’s approach to building quantum computers is based on the silicon photonic approach, a relatively new method. PsiQuantum has raised a total of USD 508.5 million in funding and is working together with researchers, scientists, and developers at leading companies to explore and test quantum use cases across a range of industries, including energy, healthcare, finance, agriculture, transportation, and communications.