California-based quantum hardware startup Atom Computing has raised USD 15 million in a Series A funding round involving venture capital firms Venrock, Innovation Endeavors, and Prelude Ventures. It also unveiled its first-generation quantum computing system, “Phoenix.”

The proceeds from the funding round will be used to develop the Phoenix system, build the entire machine, and improve the company’s expertise in engineering and science. The company expects to start building its second-generation system this year to make it available next year.

The company claims that its Phoenix system has demonstrated high stability and scalability with error-correction capabilities. It currently has the ability to trap 100 atoms, simultaneously controlling and manipulating their quantum states using optical tweezers.

Atom Computing has appointed Rob Hays as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), President, and a member of the Board of Directors. He has more than two decades of experience in the technology industry, having previously worked at Intel and Lenovo.

Founded in 2018, Atom Computing develops quantum computers using qubits made from neutral atoms. The company claims that its technique is potentially scalable up to more than one million qubits. It is currently building its prototypes and hopes to provide cloud access to large numbers of very coherent qubits.