PsiQuantum

PsiQuantum is a quantum computing company founded in 2016 with a single mission: to build and deploy the world’s first useful, fault-tolerant quantum computers. The company is focused on achieving utility-scale systems of around one million qubits, which are required for quantum computing to deliver real commercial and societal value. PsiQuantum’s core thesis is that photonic qubits, combined with mature, high-volume semiconductor manufacturing, provide the most practical and scalable path to this goal.

Unlike laboratory-based approaches, PsiQuantum builds quantum hardware using established semiconductor infrastructure. It designs its own silicon photonic chips and manufactures them in large volumes at GlobalFoundries’ flagship Fab 8 in Malta, New York. Its Omega chipset integrates single-photon sources, superconducting detectors, optical switches, and ultra-low-loss photonic components on a single manufacturable platform. This approach allows PsiQuantum to move quantum computing from experimental systems into utility-scale infrastructure similar to classical supercomputers.

PsiQuantum is building its first utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers in partnership with governments in allied countries. Major projects are underway in Brisbane, Queensland, supported by a landmark investment from the Australian government, and in Chicago, Illinois, at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. These systems are designed to operate at scale using cryogenic cabinets, modular chip assemblies, and fibre-optic networking.

Alongside hardware, PsiQuantum develops fault-tolerant quantum algorithms and software. In 2025, the company launched Construct, a dedicated software platform for designing, developing, and optimising fault-tolerant quantum algorithms. Construct supports visual circuit design, Python-based development, collaboration, and detailed resource estimation. PsiQuantum has also released open-source tools such as QREF and BARTIQ to support reproducible and standardised algorithm research.

PsiQuantum’s research spans photonics, quantum error correction, algorithms, and resource estimation, with applications across pharmaceuticals, energy, materials, finance, and security. The company operates facilities across the US, Australia, and the UK, and is led by an executive team with deep experience in quantum science, engineering, and large-scale operations.

PsiQuantum was founded in 2016 with the clear objective of building and deploying the world’s first useful, fault-tolerant quantum computers. The company was established on the belief that quantum computing would only deliver real value if systems could be built at very large scale, with error correction, and using methods that could move beyond laboratory research. From its beginning, PsiQuantum focused on photonic qubits and on using mature semiconductor manufacturing processes rather than small, experimental fabrication techniques.

In April 2019, PsiQuantum took a major step by establishing a manufacturing partnership with GlobalFoundries. This partnership marked the start of integrating quantum photonic devices, including single-photon sources and superconducting detectors, into a commercial, high-volume semiconductor foundry. This decision reflected the company’s long-term strategy to rely on the same industrial infrastructure used to build classical computing hardware. By doing so, PsiQuantum aimed to ensure repeatability, yield, and scalability from the earliest stages of development.

In January 2021, PsiQuantum introduced Fusion-Based Quantum Computing (FBQC) and published a foundational framework for fault-tolerant quantum computing based on entangling measurements. This work provided a clear path for building modular and scalable photonic architectures with more forgiving error thresholds. It also reduced system footprint compared with other approaches, strengthening the case for photonic quantum computing as a viable route to million-qubit systems.

During June 2022, PsiQuantum expanded its manufacturing presence by moving from GlobalFoundries Fab 10 into the flagship Fab 8 cleanroom in Malta, New York. This move allowed the company to produce thousands of silicon photonic wafers at a higher level of manufacturing maturity. In October 2022, PsiQuantum announced a major partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, New York, supported by a $22.5 million contract. This agreement initiated a multi-year collaboration focused on advancing quantum photonic chip technology for government and defence-related research.

In January 2023, PsiQuantum was selected by DARPA to participate in its Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing (US2QC) programme. This programme aimed to evaluate approaches capable of delivering practical, large-scale quantum systems. In October 2023, PsiQuantum expanded its international research footprint by opening its first research and development facility outside the United States at STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory in the United Kingdom. Through collaboration with the Hartree Centre, the company began co-developing fault-tolerant quantum algorithms and advancing cryogenic systems needed for large-scale machines.

In January 2024, following independent testing of its chips, DARPA advanced PsiQuantum to the second phase of the US2QC programme. In April 2024, PsiQuantum announced a landmark investment of 940 million Australian dollars from the Australian government to build its first utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer in Brisbane, Queensland. This project represented a major commitment to deploying quantum computing as national infrastructure. In May 2024, PsiQuantum published its first open-source software tools for fault-tolerant quantum resource estimation, making them available to customers and research partners. In July 2024, the company confirmed plans to build its first US-based utility-scale quantum computer at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago.

In February 2025, DARPA advanced PsiQuantum to the final phase of the US2QC programme, where the company’s full system design, performance, use cases, and economic value would be evaluated. In the same month, PsiQuantum announced Omega, a manufacturable silicon photonic chipset that integrates all the components required for utility-scale quantum computing. In April 2025, PsiQuantum and the Air Force Research Laboratory announced a further $10.8 million contract to integrate high-performance barium titanate electro-optic phase shifters into advanced optical circuits.

In September 2025, PsiQuantum raised $1 billion in Series E funding to continue building fault-tolerant quantum computers. In the same month, the company launched Construct, a dedicated software platform for designing, developing, and optimising fault-tolerant quantum algorithms. Also in September 2025, PsiQuantum broke ground at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park in Chicago, marking the start of construction for its first US-based utility-scale quantum computer.

PsiQuantum operates multiple facilities across the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, including manufacturing, research, testing, and system integration sites. The company continues to build large volumes of quantum chips, develop cryogenic systems, advance fault-tolerant algorithms, and work with governments, industry partners, and researchers. PsiQuantum’s current focus remains on deploying its first utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers and preparing practical applications across chemistry, energy, materials, finance, and security, with the goal of making useful quantum computing available within the coming decade.

PsiQuantum’s mission is to build and deploy useful, fault-tolerant quantum computers that can solve real problems at scale. The company aims to move quantum computing out of research labs and into practical use by building systems with around one million qubits. Its focus is on using photonic qubits and established semiconductor manufacturing to ensure reliability, scale, and repeatability. PsiQuantum works closely with governments, researchers, and industry partners to develop hardware, software, and algorithms together. The most important goal is to make quantum computing commercially useful, reliable, and accessible for solving complex problems in science, industry, and national infrastructure.

PsiQuantum’s vision is a future where quantum computing becomes a dependable part of global computing infrastructure. The company sees quantum computers working alongside classical supercomputers to solve problems that are currently impossible or too costly. This includes advances in chemistry, energy, materials, security, and data-driven science. PsiQuantum believes this future depends on building large-scale, fault-tolerant systems using proven industrial methods. The most important part of the vision is long-term impact: creating quantum systems that are not experimental tools, but stable, secure, and useful machines that support economic growth, scientific progress, and national capability.

PsiQuantum has received strong recognition from governments and research organisations for its approach to quantum computing. It has been selected and repeatedly advanced by DARPA under the US2QC programme, reaching the final evaluation phase. The company has secured major government support, including a large investment from the Australian government to build a utility-scale quantum computer in Brisbane. PsiQuantum has also received multiple contracts from the US Air Force Research Laboratory. In 2025, the company raised significant Series E funding, reflecting confidence from global investors in its technology, strategy, and progress towards fault-tolerant quantum computing.

PsiQuantum’s products and services are built around one clear goal: delivering useful, fault-tolerant quantum computing at large scale. The company focuses on an integrated offering that combines quantum hardware, supporting infrastructure, software platforms, and application development services. Each part is designed to work together so that quantum computing can move from research into real-world use.

At the centre of PsiQuantum’s product offering is its quantum hardware platform. The company develops photonic quantum computers based on silicon photonics technology. These systems use photonic qubits, which are created and controlled using light. PsiQuantum designs its own quantum chips and manufactures them in large volumes using established semiconductor foundries. This approach allows the company to produce thousands of wafers with consistent quality. The hardware is designed for fault tolerance, meaning it can detect and correct errors during computation, which is essential for practical and reliable quantum computing.

A key hardware product is the Omega chipset. Omega is a manufacturable silicon photonic chipset that integrates all the core components needed for large-scale quantum computing. This includes single-photon sources, superconducting single-photon detectors, optical switches, interferometers, and low-loss waveguides. By placing these components on a single platform, PsiQuantum reduces complexity and improves performance. Omega is designed to be produced using standard semiconductor processes, which supports scalability and long-term deployment.

Beyond individual chips, PsiQuantum provides full quantum system architecture. Its systems are built in layers, starting from wafers and chips, then moving to packaged modules, blades, cryogenic cabinets, and finally complete quantum computers. These systems operate at very low temperatures and are designed to support hundreds of chips working together. PsiQuantum’s utility-scale quantum computers are planned as fixed infrastructure installations, similar to supercomputing facilities, rather than small devices.

PsiQuantum also offers a comprehensive software platform called Construct. Construct is designed to support the full lifecycle of fault-tolerant quantum algorithm development. It includes visual circuit design tools, Python-based development libraries, and advanced resource estimation features. Construct allows users to design quantum circuits, simulate their behaviour, estimate the hardware resources required, and optimise algorithms before running them on real quantum machines. This software is used by enterprises, governments, and researchers to prepare for future quantum computing applications.

As part of its software services, PsiQuantum has released open-source tools such as QREF and BARTIQ. QREF provides a standard format for expressing fault-tolerant quantum algorithms, while BARTIQ automates the process of estimating the resources needed to run large-scale quantum circuits. These tools help users plan practical quantum workloads and ensure transparency and reproducibility in research.

In addition to products, PsiQuantum provides application and advisory services. Its Applications team works directly with partners to identify high-value problems that are suitable for fault-tolerant quantum computing. These include areas such as quantum chemistry, materials science, energy systems, fluid dynamics, finance, and security. The team helps customers move through use-case identification, algorithm development, resource estimation, and optimisation.