Terra Quantum; Your Quantum Toolbox!

On October 7, 2025 — exactly one hundred years after the birth of quantum mechanics — the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics to three brilliant scientists for discovering quantum tunneling effects and the discreteness of energy levels in a macroscopic electrical circuit. The three laureates are John Clarke from the University of California, Michel Devoret from Yale University and the University of California, and John Martinis, also from the University of California. But what exactly does this achievement mean? Simply put, these physicists demonstrated that the effects of quantum mechanics can indeed occur in systems as large as those one can hold in their hands. In other words, they showed that a complete electrical circuit—containing billions of electrons—can behave as a single quantum object and exhibit phenomena such as quantum tunneling and discrete energy levels. Of course, this is not an entirely new concept. As Olle Eriksson, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, stated during the ceremony: “Today, there is no advanced technology that does not rely on quantum mechanics,” since the work of these scientists in the mid-1980s laid the foundations for today’s quantum computers and quantum sensors. In this special episode of Quantum Tech, we embark on a scientific exploration to understand the largest scale at which a system can still exhibit quantum behavior. We will then delve into the pioneering experiments that earned this year’s Nobel Prize and see how this remarkable discovery is shaping quantum technologies that are transforming our future. Stay tuned with Psiket Radio.

Pasqal, a company founded in 2019 as a spin-off from the Institut d’Optique in Paris, has its roots in pioneering research in quantum computing with neutral atoms. Under the scientific guidance and inspiration of the renowned Nobel laureate in physics, Alain Aspect, Pasqal has succeeded in developing its own proprietary architecture and building quantum processors. Today, Pasqal collaborates with a wide range of industries — including finance, energy, and manufacturing — to tackle challenges that were once considered unsolvable with classical computing. Alongside it stands Quandela, a French start-up specializing in the development of photonic quantum computers. Its products have attracted significant attention due to their modularity, scalability, high energy efficiency, and ease of access — whether through the cloud or local deployment. The expert team at Quandela combines hardware and software expertise, from developing highly efficient single-photon sources to designing advanced algorithms and delivering cloud-based quantum computing solutions, making the company one of the key players in the global quantum landscape. In this episode, join us as we explore the founding journeys and groundbreaking innovations of these two companies in the world of quantum computing.

QuiX Quantum was founded in 2019 in the Netherlands and, as one of the European pioneers in photonic quantum computing, has so far been able to sell more than 12 quantum systems. By leveraging photonic technology and developing powerful quantum computers, the company succeeded in raising €5.5 million in the summer of 2022. With offices expanded to 5 locations across Europe, this company is actively pushing the boundaries of innovation in quantum technology and serving a growing global customer community. In the same year, 2019, Orca Computing began developing and offering full-stack photonic quantum computing systems at its headquarters in London. These systems are designed to address applications of significant scientific and economic importance. Orca also opened offices in Toronto and Austin, Texas. Founded as a spin-off from the University of Oxford, the company benefits from over 30 years of scientific research and technological advances by one of its founders, Professor Ian Walmsley, and aims to deliver a completely new approach to photonic quantum computing. In this section, join us as we take a closer look at the research journey and achievements of QuiX Quantum and Orca Computing.

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC), a company working in quantum computing hardware and software, was founded in June 2017 as a spin-out company from the Department of Physics at the University of Oxford to develop a new, scalable processor for quantum computing.The company's major achievement is a quantum computer, which is the only commercial example of its kind available in the UK. Founded by Dr Peter Lake from the Department of Physics at Oxford University and now run by Ilana Visby, the company is taking quantum technology from the lab to the hands of customers, enabling advances in areas such as medical prediction, climate change and artificial intelligence algorithms.This company, which originated from Oxford University, is one of the pioneers in the field of quantum computing in the UK and offers Quantum Computing-as-a-Service. In other words, it has launched a dedicated cloud platform for QCaaS that allows partners and customers to experiment with quantum technologies and discover innovative solutions to complex problems. In this episode, join us as we take a look at Oxford Quantum Circuits’ research and professional journey.

Quantinuum, a company active in the field of quantum computing, was formed through the merger of Cambridge Quantum, based in Cambridge, UK, and the American technology giant Honeywell. Cambridge Quantum was engaged in various areas of quantum software, from TKET to operating systems and cybersecurity; however, the company was mainly renowned for its groundbreaking innovations in Quantum Natural Language Processing (QNLP). On the other hand, Honeywell Quantum Solutions had developed one of the most advanced quantum hardware systems based on trapped ions, and on November 30, 2021, Honeywell officially announced that a new company named Quantinuum had been established. Today, Quantinuum is recognized as the largest and most advanced full-stack quantum company in the field of quantum computing. The company believes that by leveraging its remarkable scale and proven leadership in hardware, software, and research & development, it will shape an industrial future that is expected to evolve into a trillion-dollar market in the coming decades. Join us in this episode as we review the formation, technology, achievements, and future of Quantinuum.