French Quantum Startup C12 Raises $19.4 Million

C12, created in 2020 as a spin-off from the Physics Laboratory of the École Normale Supérieure, develops carbon nanotube-based quantum computers announced a €18 million investment round ($19.4 million at today’s exchange rate)

Although quantum computing is not a novel concept, it is still a work in progress. Numerous scientific teams have examined this subject from a variety of perspectives. The objective is to develop a quantum computer that can perform calculations at a large scale with minimal error.

However, why is it necessary to have quantum processors in the first place? Electronic transistors are the sole foundation of modern computers.

Additionally, we have developed a high level of proficiency in reducing transistor size, which enables us to accommodate a more significant number of transistors on a single device. Consequently, the advancement of computing capacity has increased exponentially over the past 60 years.

Nevertheless, contemporary computer architecture has its limitations.

Traditional computers cannot resolve specific issues, regardless of whether organizations construct larger data centers. Additionally, it is still being determined whether Moore’s law will continue to be applicable in the future.

Quantum computers may prove advantageous in this context.

C12 co-founder and CEO Pierre Desjardins (pictured right) stated, “It is impossible to develop a model—an exhaustive simulation of a chemical reaction—to ascertain the interactions between new drugs and our cells using a conventional approach.”

“Numerous optimization challenges must be resolved, regardless of whether they pertain to logistics, transportation, or manufacturing.” He continued, “They are impossible to execute on a conventional computer due to the sheer number of variables and potential scenarios.”

His sibling, Matthieu Desjardins, is the organization’s Chief Technology Officer and holds a PhD in quantum physics. Pierre Desjardins even referred to his sibling as a “scientific genius” at some point during our discussion.

In 2024, there is also an AI component that should persuade you that quantum computing research is crucial.

“Today, training a large language model also involves consuming enormous energy,” stated Pierre Desjardins. “Quantum is also a computing method that consumes significantly less energy.”

Methods for constructing a quantum computer

According to C12, the two primary distinctions between its team and other quantum computer teams are that it employs a distinct material, carbon nanotubes, and a nano-assembly process that has been patented.

We are the world’s sole entity that can regulate this unique process, which entails the placement of a carbon nanotube on top of a silicon processor.

The magnitude is what is truly captivating. Pierre Desjardins stated that the diameter of a carbon nanotube is 10,000 times smaller than that of a human hair.

Research teams employed by major corporations such as IBM, Amazon, or Google are concentrating on an alternative process. Most of them employ superconducting materials, such as aluminum, on top of a silicon substrate.

This method has resulted in early advancements, as per C12. Nevertheless, aluminum is only feasible at a small scale due to interference as the number of qubits increases.

Although quantum computing is not yet fully developed, C12 is currently developing next-generation quantum computing in contrast to these aluminum-based processes.

The organization has established its inaugural production line in a substructure near the Pantheon in Paris. Carbon nanotubes are manufactured and controllable and subsequently integrated with the silicon substrate in this facility.

“It is currently operational.” Pierre Desjardins stated, “We manufacture approximately one chip per week, which is subsequently tested in our miniature data center.”

However, it is unrealistic to anticipate the existence of a quantum computer at this time. He said, “We are still essentially validating the fundamental elements.” Currently, the organization is emphasizing processors containing one or two qubits.

Quantum emulation

The C12 team also advances its business ecosystem as research and development work continues. C12, like numerous quantum companies, has developed an emulator called Callisto. Some quantum code can be written and executed on a classical computer by developers using emulators.

Even though they will not achieve the same results as a quantum computer, they will be prepared to begin operations immediately upon its availability.

“We are concentrating on two verticals: the energy and chemical industries.” Pierre Desjardins stated that the energy industry primarily employs it for optimization problems, while the chemical industry uses it to simulate chemical reactions. The venture has a partnership with Air Liquide, in particular.

Furthermore, the funding round is being participated in by Varsity Capital, EIC Fund, and Verve Ventures, in addition to existing investors 360 Capital, Bpifrance’s Digital Venture fund, and BNP Paribas Development.

Currently, C12 employs 45 individuals from 18 distinct nationalities, including 22 PhDs. C12 intends to establish additional partnerships with industrial partners in light of the recently raised capital. However, the organization also has a research objective.

Pierre Desjardins stated, “Another objective is to execute a quantum operation between two qubits situated at a considerable distance from one another for the first time.”

He refers to a “tens of micrometers” distance between the two objects. It may not appear to be significant, but it will be crucial in the process of scaling quantum computation.