Quantum Computing Chips: The Race is On

Quantum computing is rapidly moving from theory to reality. Numerous companies are now vying to develop quantum chips, promising to solve complex problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers. These problems span diverse fields, from medicine and materials science to cybersecurity and chemistry.

Developing these chips presents significant challenges, including building systems that can reliably host large numbers of qubits. Qubits, short for quantum bits, are the fundamental units of information in quantum computing.

Tech giants like Google and Microsoft are leading the charge, but startups also play a crucial role. These smaller companies are tackling key bottlenecks like connectivity and error correction, essential for scaling quantum systems.

Key Players in the Quantum Chip Race

Here are some of the companies developing quantum chips worth watching:

  • Akhetonics: This German startup is developing an all-optical, general-purpose quantum chip. Akhetonics secured significant seed funding in 2024.
  • Alice & Bob: This French startup is building a fault-tolerant quantum computer using "cat qubits" to reduce errors. Alice & Bob raised substantial Series B funding in 2025.
  • Atom Computing: Partnering with Microsoft, Atom Computing plans to launch a commercial quantum computer in 2025.
  • Amazon: AWS entered the race with its quantum chip, Ocelot, developed with Caltech. Amazon also offers the Braket quantum computing service. Learn more about Braket.
  • D-Wave: Now a publicly traded company, D-Wave utilizes quantum annealing in its Advantage2 prototype system.
  • EeroQ: This Illinois-based startup uses helium in its quantum chip design. EeroQ has received both private and public funding.
  • Fujitsu & RIKEN: This partnership developed a 256-qubit superconducting quantum computer.
  • Google: Google unveiled its Willow quantum chip, claiming a significant breakthrough in error correction. Learn more about Willow.
  • IBM: IBM is developing both Condor, a 1,121-qubit chip, and Heron, focused on performance and lower error rates.
  • Intel: Intel is working on silicon spin qubit quantum computers and released the Tunnel Falls research chip.
  • IonQ: This publicly listed company develops trapped-ion quantum computers like the IonQ Forte. IonQ acquired Entangled Networks in 2023.
  • IQM: This Finnish startup builds superconducting quantum computers and has secured substantial funding. IQM is a spinout of Aalto University and VTT.
  • Microsoft: Microsoft introduced Majorana, a quantum chip using topological core architecture. The company aims to build a quantum supercomputer within 10 years.
  • Pasqal: This French startup uses neutral atoms in its full-stack quantum computing approach. Pasqal raised a significant Series B round in 2023.
  • PsiQuantum: Aiming to build a 1 million-qubit machine, PsiQuantum announced its Omega photonic chipset in 2025.
  • Qilimanjaro: This Spanish startup focuses on analog quantum app-specific integrated circuits (QASICs). Qilimanjaro won the Four Years From Now competition in 2024.
  • Quandela: This French startup develops photonic quantum computers and has received both private and government funding. Quandela raised Series B funding in 2023.
  • Quantinuum: Formed by the merger of Cambridge Quantum and Honeywell Quantum Solutions, Quantinuum offers the H-Series trapped-ion quantum computers.
  • QuantWare: This Dutch startup focuses on scaling bottlenecks with its 3D chip architecture, VIO. QuantWare raised Series A funding in 2025.
  • QuEra: Backed by Google, QuEra utilizes neutral atoms in its quantum computers, including Aquila, accessible via Amazon Braket.
  • Rigetti Computing: This publicly listed company focuses on superconducting quantum computing technology. Rigetti Computing partnered with Quanta Computer in 2025.
  • SEEQC: Focusing on scalable and energy-efficient quantum computing, SEEQC partnered with Nvidia and raised funding in 2025.
  • SpinQ: This Chinese startup develops quantum computers, some claiming portability, using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). SpinQ has introduced a range of quantum computers.
  • Xanadu: This Canadian startup uses a photonic approach to quantum computing. Xanadu introduced its Aurora system in 2025.