Quantum-enhanced Machine Learning

Project Information

QUENML

Grant agreement ID: 190105118

DOI

10.3030/190105118

Project closed

EC signature date 2 September 2022

Start date 1 June 2022

End date 31 December 2024

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 5 358 750,00

EU contribution

€ 2 500 000,00

Coordinated by

EQUAL 1 LABORATORIES IRELAND LIMITED
Ireland

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - QUENML (Quantum-enhanced Machine Learning)

Reporting period: 2023-06-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Equal1's vision is to develop a Desktop Quantum Computer by integrating an entire quantum computing system into a single chip. The system will be powered by a Quantum System-on-a-Chip (QSoC) processor, aiming to have unmatched performance, affordability, and energy efficiency. We are using the existing commercial silicon foundry ecosystem with some required modifications to support silicon spin qubits. We believe that we can only achieve the >1M qubits systems necessary to support the most advanced quantum computing use by using commercial silicon processes. We are currently at an early stage of development and focused on finding an optimal combination of features that can be integrated into the QSoC to enable a scalable Proof of Concept (PoC) processor. We launched our first product at the March 2025 APS (American Physics Society) based on a six-qubit SiGe device. We will offer an upgrade path to more advanced processors as our products evolve.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

QSoC Processor

Equal1's prototype spin silicon-based qubit chip devices operate at <4 Kelvin. Our latest devices contain four tiles. Three tiles control internal qubit arrays, while one can connect to an external SiGe qubit chip. Each tile contains an ARM processor, experiment control sequencers, several voltage and current DACs, Quantum read-out detectors and limited error correction and detection features. Equal1 also researched and developed error correction and application software to demonstrate the device's capabilities.

Currently, many competing technologies are striving to reach the goal of usable quantum computers that will achieve a quantum advantage over their classical counterparts. All technologies have various challenges, some unique and many overlapping. Equal1's 'System on Silicon' approach brings additional challenges, and during the past year, we have focused on solving many of these issues.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Equal1 extended state of the art with the demonstration of the operation of an ARM microprocessor running at <3.3K and leading commercial SiGe qubit performance at 700mK. Further steps are necessary to combine the SiGe processes and the Global Foundries FD-SOI 22nm technologies to create a fully operational quantum computer operating at <1K. Cryostats limited power dissipation capacity at <1K will be a particular challenge as we strive to develop utility-level quantum computers.

Aquarius: Equal1's development prototype

Concept view of silicon spin qubit based quantum computer

Equal1’s Bell-1 Quantum Processor

Equal1’s Bell-1 Quantum Processor - Cooling System