The global race to build a fault-tolerant quantum computer has intensified, moving beyond theoretical physics and into the complex realm of engineering and commercialization, where the primary challenge is no longer just demonstrating quantum effects but manufacturing scalable, reliable systems. In a significant move that underscores the importance of international cooperation, UK-based Quantum Motion has established a new European base in Spain, strategically positioning itself within the nanoGUNE Quantum Tower in the Basque Country. This expansion is far more than a simple geographical footprint; it represents a deliberate integration into a vibrant European quantum ecosystem, designed to accelerate the development and deployment of the company’s silicon-based quantum computing technology. By forging deep connections with the continent’s leading semiconductor, academic, and industrial communities, this partnership aims to create a robust pipeline from advanced research to commercially viable quantum hardware, tackling the monumental task of scaling quantum processors from laboratory curiosities to powerful, industrial-grade machines.
The Strategic Imperative of Collaboration
Fostering a European Quantum Ecosystem
The decision by Quantum Motion to open offices in Spain’s nanoGUNE Quantum Tower marks a pivotal moment in the European quantum landscape, creating a symbiotic relationship that promises to accelerate progress for all involved. For the UK-based company, this move provides indispensable access to state-of-the-art infrastructure specifically designed for quantum hardware development, along with a rich network of world-class experts in nanotechnology and materials science. James Palles-Dimmock, the company’s CEO, has emphasized that this collaboration with the Basque government and CIC nanoGUNE offers a significant competitive advantage in the pursuit of delivering scalable, silicon-spin quantum systems. Conversely, for CIC nanoGUNE, hosting a leading industrial player like Quantum Motion provides powerful validation for its investment in the Quantum Tower. This specialized facility was explicitly conceived to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application, and this partnership perfectly embodies that mission. The presence of Quantum Motion is expected to attract further talent and investment, solidifying the region’s status as a critical hub for quantum innovation and fostering a dynamic environment where groundbreaking research can be rapidly translated into tangible technological advancements.
A Hub for Advanced Research and Development
This partnership is not merely a co-location of facilities but a deep integration of research and development efforts, anchored by two major European projects. The first, QuDos, is an ERC-funded program focused on a critical bottleneck in scaling quantum computers: the control and readout electronics. This initiative aims to develop ultra-low-power microwave electronics that can operate at cryogenic temperatures, a necessary step for managing thousands or even millions of qubits based on semiconductor quantum dots. The second, the SPINS Consortium, is a pilot line initiative with a clear industrial objective: to establish a process for producing semiconductor quantum chips with a high degree of manufacturing readiness. Within this consortium, Quantum Motion and nanoGUNE are collaborating on a particularly ambitious goal—the integration of both quantum (the qubits) and classical (the control electronics) components onto a single monolithic chip. This approach is seen as essential for creating compact, efficient, and scalable quantum processors. By working together on these foundational challenges, the partners are directly addressing the engineering hurdles that must be overcome to build large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of solving real-world problems.
Paving the Path to Scalable Manufacturing
From Laboratory Prototypes to Industrial Foundries
The long-term vision underpinning the UK-Spain partnership extends far beyond the research lab, aiming directly at the industrial-scale production of quantum hardware. A prevailing goal in the industry is to leverage the mature, highly sophisticated processes of the existing semiconductor industry to manufacture quantum computers. Fernando Gonzalez-Zalba, a key leader with roles at both Quantum Motion and CIC nanoGUNE, has highlighted this strategic direction, stating the objective is to build quantum processing units on industrial 300 mm wafer lines. This is a profound shift from the bespoke, one-off devices often created in academic settings. By utilizing established industrial foundries, quantum computing could overcome the immense challenges of scalability, yield, and cost that currently plague the field. Silicon-spin qubits, the technology championed by Quantum Motion, are particularly well-suited for this approach because they can be fabricated using many of the same techniques used to create the classical computer chips that power our modern world. This pathway promises not just more powerful quantum computers but also a more sustainable and economically viable route to their commercialization.
The NanoGUNE Quantum Tower as a Commercialization Catalyst
The new Spanish base is strategically positioned to serve as the central nervous system for Quantum Motion’s European research, development, and commercial activities, transforming abstract goals into concrete outcomes. The nanoGUNE Quantum Tower provides the specialized physical infrastructure necessary for the sensitive work of fabricating and testing quantum devices. Within its walls, the collaborative efforts on projects like QuDos and SPINS can proceed efficiently, directly feeding into the broader objective of industrial manufacturing. This hub acts as a critical link, connecting the fundamental research conducted in academic labs with the practical demands of industrial-scale production. It solidifies Quantum Motion’s commitment to a globalized approach, recognizing that the monumental task of building a useful quantum computer cannot be accomplished in isolation. By centralizing these key functions in a collaborative environment, the partnership is creating a powerful engine for innovation, poised to accelerate the transition of quantum computing from a promising scientific frontier to a transformative commercial technology that can be deployed across the European Union and beyond.
A Blueprint for Global Quantum Progress
The establishment of this UK-Spain quantum corridor provided a compelling model for how international and public-private cooperation could overcome the immense hurdles of technological commercialization. It was understood that by combining the UK’s leadership in quantum software and system architecture with Spain’s cutting-edge nanotechnology infrastructure, the partnership created a value chain that was greater than the sum of its parts. This initiative demonstrated that the path from a laboratory-proven qubit to a fault-tolerant quantum computer manufactured at scale required a deeply integrated ecosystem rather than siloed national programs. The successful collaboration on projects aimed at monolithic chip integration and leveraging standard 300 mm wafer foundries set a new industry benchmark. It showcased a pragmatic and effective strategy for de-risking the complex manufacturing process, ultimately paving the way for a more robust and interconnected global quantum industry.
