Singapore’s National Quantum Federated Foundry (NQFF) has teamed up with Qolab, a quantum computing company co-founded by 2025 Physics Nobel Laureate John Martinis, to develop components crucial for scaling quantum computers. The partnership focuses on creating cryogenic low-pass filters, which are essential for building larger and more powerful quantum systems.
The collaboration leverages Singapore’s robust semiconductor and deep tech ecosystem to address a significant bottleneck in quantum computing. “Building useful quantum computers requires scaling from dozens to millions of qubits, and that means we need not just more qubits but also reliable, manufacturable supporting hardware,” said Martinis, who is also Qolab’s Chief Technology Officer.
Cryogenic filters play a vital role in quantum computing by shielding superconducting qubits from unwanted high-frequency signals. These filters are currently large and difficult to manufacture at scale. The partnership aims to develop filters that can be integrated directly with qubit circuits, allowing for more compact and reliable quantum systems
The filters are expected to be deployed at the University of California, Los Angeles, signalling confidence in Singapore’s capabilities. Ling Keok Tong, Executive Director of the National Quantum Office, noted that the collaboration “demonstrates how Singapore can contribute critical quantum hardware components to the global ecosystem.”
The agreement was signed in the presence of Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, highlighting Singapore’s commitment to advancing its role in the global quantum supply chain.
