Quantum computing is advancing rapidly, but unlocking its full potential will require more than powerful quantum processors. Future quantum systems must be able to communicate securely and efficiently across long distances, creating interconnected quantum networks capable of sharing information at unprecedented speeds. Building this quantum internet remains one of the most significant technological challenges facing the industry today. Spanish deeptech startup Arq is developing the networking infrastructure needed to make that vision a reality, and the company has now secured fresh funding to accelerate the development of its quantum communication technology.
Arq has raised $1.4 million in a pre seed funding round led by Ground State Ventures, with participation from Big Sur Ventures.
The investment will support research and product development while enabling the company to establish advanced laboratory facilities dedicated to next generation quantum networking technologies.
Advancing the Quantum Internet
Founded in 2025 by quantum scientists Samuele Grandi and Emanuele Distante, Arq is focused on one of the most important building blocks of future quantum infrastructure.
The company develops quantum repeaters, specialised networking devices designed to connect quantum computers across long distances.
Unlike traditional communication networks, quantum systems require entirely new technologies capable of preserving fragile quantum information while transmitting it through fibre optic infrastructure.
Arq believes reliable quantum networking will become essential as quantum computing moves from isolated systems toward interconnected global networks.
Developing Advanced Quantum Repeaters
At the centre of Arq’s technology is a combination of quantum memories and photon generation systems.
The company uses quantum memories based on rare earth doped crystals together with photon pair sources to support high speed communication between distant quantum devices.
These components are designed to preserve quantum information while enabling reliable data transmission over fibre optic networks.
By improving how quantum information is stored and transferred, Arq aims to overcome one of the biggest technical barriers limiting large scale quantum communications.
The company is developing these systems to support practical deployment beyond research laboratories.
Improving Performance Through Multiplexing
A key feature of Arq’s technology is its use of multiplexing.
This technique enables multiple photons to be stored and transmitted simultaneously rather than individually.
By handling several quantum signals at the same time, the system can significantly improve communication speed and overall network efficiency.
According to the company, this approach has the potential to provide a faster and more cost effective solution than many existing quantum networking alternatives.
Improving communication performance will be essential as future quantum networks continue to expand in size and complexity.
Enabling Future Industry Applications
Arq believes quantum communication infrastructure will eventually support a wide variety of industries.
Potential applications extend across telecommunications, financial services, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and scientific research.
Future quantum networks could enable secure communications, distributed quantum computing, advanced simulations, and new forms of information processing that are not possible using today’s conventional communication technologies.
The company is already working with research institutions, quantum technology companies, and public sector organisations to help accelerate the transition of quantum networking technologies from laboratory research into practical deployment.
These collaborations are expected to play an important role in validating and refining the company’s technology.
Investing in the Next Stage of Development
The newly secured funding will enable Arq to establish a state of the art laboratory dedicated to advancing its quantum communication platform.
The company will also invest in the next generation of quantum memory devices with a strong emphasis on improving reliability, consistency, and reproducibility.
These improvements are expected to strengthen the commercial readiness of the technology while supporting future collaborations with industry partners.
As investment in quantum computing continues to accelerate worldwide, the need for scalable communication infrastructure is becoming increasingly important. By developing advanced quantum repeaters capable of connecting quantum systems across long distances, Arq is positioning itself as a key contributor to the emerging quantum internet. With fresh funding, a growing research network, and a focus on practical deployment, the company aims to help lay the technological foundation for the next generation of global quantum communications.