Photonic Inc.
Overview
Uses photons as interconnects to link silicon spin qubits into a distributed quantum network over existing telecom fibre. Combines the precision of spin qubits with the networking capability of photons.
0Key Milestones
- 2016: Founded by Dr. Stephanie Simmons (Simon Fraser University)
- 2023: Raised C$100M+ in Series B
- 2024: Cleared DARPA US2QC Stage B review
- 2025: Received C$23M from Canadian Critical Quantum Computing Programme (CQCP)
Technology Approach
Photonic takes a hybrid approach: silicon spin qubits for computation, photons for communication between them. The spin qubits (T centres in silicon) emit photons naturally, which can travel through standard telecom fibre optic cables.
This means Photonic’s quantum computer could be distributed across a network — multiple smaller quantum processors connected by fibre optics, rather than one enormous chip that’s impossible to cool and control.
Why It’s Interesting
Most quantum networking approaches require exotic transducers to convert between qubit types and photons. Photonic’s T centres emit telecom-wavelength photons directly — no conversion needed. This is a significant engineering simplification.
The approach also leverages existing telecom infrastructure (fibre optic cables are already everywhere), potentially making quantum networking cheaper to deploy.
Competitive Position
Strengths: DARPA-backed, naturally networkable qubits, leverages existing telecom infrastructure, strong Canadian quantum ecosystem support.
Challenges: Very early stage — no public qubit count or gate fidelity results. Silicon T centres are a relatively unexplored technology. Competing against more mature approaches.