1. Rigetti Computing (USA)
Founded: 2013
Focus: Full-stack quantum computing (hardware + cloud access)
Highlights:
- Develops superconducting quantum processors.
- Offers Forest SDK and Quantum Cloud Services (QCS).
- Competes directly with giants like IBM and Google.
Significance:
Rigetti is known for pioneering hybrid quantum-classical computing environments, enabling users to integrate quantum computing into traditional workflows via the cloud.
2. IonQ (USA)
Founded: 2015
Focus: Trapped-ion quantum computers
Highlights:
- Publicly traded on NYSE.
- Offers access via Amazon Braket, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
- Claims high fidelity and scalability.
Significance:
IonQ leads in hardware stability and error rates, making it a promising contender in commercial quantum computing.
3. Xanadu (Canada)
Founded: 2016
Focus: Photonic quantum computing
Highlights:
- Creator of PennyLane, a library for quantum machine learning.
- Focuses on quantum AI and photonics for room-temperature operation.
Significance:
Xanadu’s focus on photonic processors allows quantum computing at room temperature, offering a different path from superconducting or ion-based models.
4. PsiQuantum (USA/UK)
Founded: 2016
Focus: Fault-tolerant photonic quantum computing
Highlights:
- Collaborating with GlobalFoundries for chip manufacturing.
- Aims to build a million-qubit system.
Significance:
PsiQuantum is one of the most ambitious startups, believing that fault-tolerant quantum computing is only possible with photonics at scale.
5. Quantum Circuits Inc. (QCI, USA)
Founded: 2015
Focus: Superconducting qubits
Highlights:
- Spinout from Yale University.
- Developing scalable quantum computing architectures.
Significance:
QCI’s architecture aims to deliver high coherence and fast gate speeds, targeting enterprise and scientific users.
6. Alice & Bob (France)
Founded: 2020
Focus: Cat qubit architecture (error-correcting qubits)
Highlights:
- Focused on building fault-tolerant quantum processors.
- Raised millions to support quantum error correction research.
Significance:
By focusing on logical qubits, Alice & Bob is tackling the key bottleneck in building usable quantum machines.
7. Terra Quantum (Switzerland)
Founded: 2019
Focus: Quantum algorithms and hybrid quantum solutions
Highlights:
- Provides quantum-as-a-service (QaaS) platforms.
- Strong presence in Europe with cross-disciplinary expertise.
Significance:
Terra Quantum is positioning itself as a quantum software integrator, building bridges between quantum hardware and enterprise use cases.
8. Zapata Computing (USA)
Founded: 2017
Focus: Quantum software and algorithms
Highlights:
- Developed Orquestra, a workflow platform for quantum applications.
- Works with multiple quantum hardware providers.
Significance:
Zapata is focused on building enterprise-grade quantum applications, particularly in optimization, chemistry, and machine learning.
9. Classiq (Israel)
Founded: 2020
Focus: Quantum algorithm design automation
Highlights:
- Offers platforms to design quantum circuits at high abstraction levels.
- Partners with major cloud providers and HPC firms.
Significance:
Classiq enables automated and optimized quantum circuit creation, reducing the entry barrier for developers and researchers.
10. QC Ware (USA)
Founded: 2014
Focus: Quantum software and consulting
Highlights:
- Specializes in quantum algorithms for finance, aerospace, and pharma.
- Developed Forge, a cloud-based quantum computing platform.
Significance:
QC Ware is known for its cross-hardware software tools, allowing customers to run quantum workloads on multiple platforms.
11. QuEra Computing (USA)
Founded: 2019
Focus: Neutral atom quantum computing
Highlights:
- Harvard-MIT spin-off.
- Offers access via Amazon Braket.
- Focused on quantum simulation and optimization.
Significance:
QuEra’s approach using neutral atoms allows highly reconfigurable qubit arrangements, suited for simulation and combinatorial problems.
12. Pasqal (France)
Founded: 2019
Focus: Neutral atom quantum processors
Highlights:
- Spin-off from Institut d’Optique.
- Merging with Qu&Co to expand in quantum chemistry and simulation.
Significance:
Pasqal is focused on industry-specific applications, especially for energy, chemicals, and finance sectors.
Summary of Categories
| Category | Notable Startups |
|---|---|
| Superconducting Qubits | Rigetti, QCI |
| Photonic Qubits | Xanadu, PsiQuantum |
| Trapped-Ion Qubits | IonQ |
| Neutral Atom Qubits | QuEra, Pasqal |
| Quantum Software/Hybrid | Zapata, QC Ware, Classiq, Terra Quantum |
| Error-Correcting Qubits | Alice & Bob |