Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang may have expressed skepticism about the imminent arrival of "very useful quantum computers," but his company is actively investing in the technology's development. One such investment is in SEEQC, a quantum computing startup that has just raised $30 million in funding co-led by Booz Allen Ventures and NordicNinja, with participation from new backer SIP Capital and existing investors.

SEEQC is part of a growing category of startups focused on leveraging classical computing to manage quantum processors. This approach is crucial for scaling quantum computing to meet data center and enterprise needs, particularly when dealing with large numbers of qubits. The startup's solution involves developing chips that can power all core functions of a quantum computer, simplifying the complexity of current quantum hardware.

According to SEEQC CEO John Levy, the key to reducing this complexity lies in having chips that can control multiple qubits with a single cable. This is a significant challenge, as current prototypes often resemble early computers in terms of bulkiness. Levy praised Google's recent announcement on the error correction abilities of its Willow quantum chip, but noted the need to address cabling issues, speed, latency, and cost to build large-scale systems.

The rapid advancement of AI has highlighted the need for more energy-efficient data centers, which quantum computing could make a reality. This technology also holds promise for accelerating the development of new materials and pharmaceuticals. German chemical company BASF recently joined the SEEQC-led QuPharma project to explore quantum computing's potential in drug discovery, partnering with Merck. This partnership underscores the growing recognition of quantum computing's central role in various industries.

SEEQC's partnership with Nvidia, announced in 2023, aims to build an "all-digital, ultra-low-latency chip-to-chip link between quantum computers and GPUs." This collaboration could lead to a compatible solution for all quantum computing technologies. The new funding will help SEEQC accelerate the commercial rollout of its chips and improve their capabilities.

Despite being founded in 2019, SEEQC has made significant progress due to its origins as a spinout of chip company Hypres, which was established by former employees of IBM's superconducting electronics division. The startup began with a mature technology, its own chip foundry, and a core team of experienced professionals. Since then, SEEQC has tripled its team size, with bases in London, Naples, and Elmsford, NY, where it plans to expand its chip foundry.

The growing demand for a resilient chip supply chain, particularly in the face of geopolitical tensions involving China, also resonates with SEEQC's approach. Different companies are exploring various solutions, including photonics, silicon-based chips, and trapped ion qubits. While it remains to be seen which approaches will prevail, Levy emphasizes the need for an overall system architecture that can drive progress in quantum computing, with chips at its core.

As the quantum computing landscape continues to evolve, SEEQC's latest funding round and partnerships with industry leaders like Nvidia demonstrate the startup's commitment to overcoming the technical hurdles and unlocking the full potential of quantum computing.