Sheffield, UK – 28 April 2025 – Aegiq, the UK-based photonic quantum computing company, has been awarded funding as part of Innovate UK’s Quantum Missions pilot competition. This programme has invested over £12 million across ten projects to help bring quantum computing and quantum network technologies closer to real-world use.
Aegiq, alongside project partners IQE, PsiQuantum, and The University of Sheffield, will lead the Hybrid Testbed for Quantum Computing project. This project aims to create a testbed for networked quantum information processing by combining deterministic single photon sources with cutting-edge silicon photonic circuits in a single testbed, demonstrating the high speed and scalability advantage of photonics, and seamless telecom fibre compatibility. Aegiq and IQE will collaborate closely to advance semiconductor epitaxy to deliver scalable single photon sources that can meet the rigorous demands of fault-tolerant photonic quantum computing in a reliable and scalable manufacturing process.
"By building on previous single photon source developments in quantum sensing and communications, IQE is pleased to continue to support new applications such as quantum computing using compound semiconductors as enabling technologies", said Iwan Davies, Group Technology Director at IQE plc.
The testbed will be trialled at PsiQuantum’s UK R&D facility at the STFC Daresbury Laboratories. This will enable the demonstration of advanced capabilities, such as hybrid photonic qubit networking, using standard telecom fibre to connect modular components, key to accelerating the development of quantum computing systems.
Driving Innovation in Quantum Computing
Quantum computing has the potential to transform industries like healthcare, finance, and sustainability. However, we must continue to scale this technology and solve technical challenges to amplify its benefits. With support from Innovate UK, Aegiq’s project will help address these challenges and strengthen the UK’s leadership in quantum technology.
“Photonic quantum computing promises the highest speed and scalability of any modality" said Scott Dufferwiel, CEO Aegiq. “By maturing telecom compatible deterministic photon sources, the potential reductions in component count and losses can remove bottlenecks to larger photonic quantum computing systems".
Supporting the UK’s Quantum Ambitions
Innovate UK’s Quantum Missions pilot competition is a key step in the UK’s plan to become a world leader in quantum technology. By 2035, the UK aims to build the world’s most advanced quantum computers, driving commercial applications.
About Aegiq
Aegiq, founded in 2019, is a UK-based company specialising in quantum computing technologies, built on over 20 years of research at The University of Sheffield. Their products include component modules, hardware systems, and quantum software, all designed for reliable deployment at scale, aiming to deliver practical quantum solutions across various industries.
For more information, please visit www.aegiq.com or contact media@aegiq.com