Quantum computers may hold the key to breakthroughs in medicine, materials science and complex computing, but making them powerful enough for practical applications requires more than adding qubits. The machines also need sophisticated systems to control and read information at extremely low temperatures. Finnish startup Coherence Quantum is targeting this critical engineering challenge, having raised €2.78 million in seed funding to develop cryogenic signalling and control technology designed to help quantum computers scale.
€2.78 Million Seed Funding
The funding round was led by Lifeline Ventures, with participation from technology entrepreneur Mårten Mickos. The investment will support Coherence Quantum’s product development, laboratory infrastructure, manufacturing preparations and team expansion.
Founded by researchers connected to Aalto University’s Quantum Computing and Devices research group, the company is developing technology intended to make the infrastructure surrounding quantum processors more efficient as quantum systems grow in size and complexity.
Its approach focuses on a part of quantum computing that often receives less attention than the processors themselves: the systems responsible for sending control signals to qubits and reading their outputs.
The Challenge of Scaling Quantum Computers
Quantum computers use qubits, which can represent and process information differently from conventional computer bits. However, building machines with more qubits introduces significant engineering challenges.
Each additional qubit can increase the demands placed on control electronics, signal routing and readout systems. Traditional architectures often depend on extensive wiring and additional signal conditioning equipment, creating difficulties inside quantum computing environments where space is limited and temperatures must remain extremely low.
Excess heat and unwanted electrical noise can interfere with sensitive quantum operations. As a result, engineers must find ways to connect increasingly complex processors without overwhelming their cooling systems or compromising performance.
Coherence Quantum is developing technology to address these constraints by improving signal conditioning and creating more efficient connections between control electronics and quantum processing units.
Building a Cryogenic Control Platform
The startup plans to begin with signal conditioning before progressing towards higher density interfaces and more integrated cryogenic control systems.
Its long term objective is to help quantum computer manufacturers build larger machines without allowing wiring requirements, cooling demands and system complexity to increase at the same rate as processor capacity.
According to CEO and co founder Aashish Sah, scaling quantum computing requires a broader approach than simply increasing the number of qubits. The infrastructure supporting those qubits must evolve alongside the processors.
By developing more integrated control technology, Coherence Quantum aims to give quantum hardware developers a more scalable architecture for future generations of quantum computers.
Research Rooted in Aalto University
The company’s technology builds on research conducted at Aalto University in Finland. Its team has spent more than two years developing and testing cryogenic signalling and control systems, progressing through multiple generations of prototypes.
Testing has included experiments in dilution refrigerators, which create the extremely low temperature environments required by many quantum computing technologies. The research has also involved testing with qubit systems, helping the team evaluate its technology under relevant operating conditions.
This academic foundation provides the startup with a platform for translating research into products that quantum hardware manufacturers can potentially integrate into their systems.
What the New Funding Will Support
Coherence Quantum plans to establish a dedicated laboratory in Espoo, Finland, where it can continue testing and development. The company will also work on its first product prototypes, develop manufacturing processes, expand research and development activities, and recruit additional team members.
Beyond its initial products, the startup wants to contribute to a more standardised architecture for cryogenic signalling and control. This could involve combining its own technology with complementary solutions from other companies and research groups across the quantum computing ecosystem.
A Critical Layer in Quantum Computing
As the quantum computing industry moves towards larger and more capable processors, supporting infrastructure is becoming increasingly important. Advances in qubit design alone may not be enough if control systems cannot keep pace.
Coherence Quantum is betting that better signalling and cryogenic integration can help overcome this bottleneck. Its €2.78 million seed round provides resources to move from research towards commercial hardware, positioning the Finnish startup to address one of the technical challenges that could shape the next phase of quantum computing development.