Delft, Netherlands – November 11, 2025 – Developing innovative technologies to form the foundation of networked quantum systems, QphoX and its partners are working to connect a quantum computer with a quantum memory in the Superspin project.
Together with European partners, QphoX is laying important groundwork by linking a superconducting quantum computer with a spin-based quantum memory; marking a major step toward the realization of powerful quantum technologies. The project is funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) through its Pathfinder program.
The development of quantum technologies
Quantum technology has advanced rapidly over the past decades. Quantum computers, in particular, hold great promise for breakthroughs in areas such as drug development, materials science, and cryptography. However, they can only reach their full potential when they are networked with other quantum components.
Quantum systems typically operate at distinct frequencies, which makes exchanging quantum information between them highly challenging. Through quantum frequency conversion – the technology developed by QphoX – different types of qubits can however be linked, enabling the scaling and networking of quantum systems, leading to fundamentally novel applications. In Superspin QphoX jointly with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technlogy, Alto University and Palacký University will demonstrate this unique technology by storing the state of a superconducting quantum processor in an optical memory. “This is a critical step in the development of hybrid quantum networks and we are extremely proud that the EIC has selected this highly ambitious project.” says Simon Gröblacher, CEO of QphoX.
How the coupling works
To connect the two quantum systems, they must exchange information in the form of qubits, the basic information units of every quantum system. During transmission, the qubits are converted into photons, or particles of light. These “flying qubits” can then travel quickly and with minimal loss through fiber-optic cables.
To transfer arbitrary quantum states over long distances, researchers use the principle of quantum entanglement: two particles are brought into a shared state and behave like a single system. This creates a connection that enables reliable transfer of quantum states from one system to another.
Transmission via fiber-optic lines
Implementing this in practice is technically demanding. Both quantum systems are based on different physical principles and use different frequencies. Superconducting qubits function in the microwave range, while diamond-based quantum memories store information in spin states and are controlled by using light in the visible wavelength range.
To bridge these differences, researchers in this project are developing specialized quantum transducers. These devices convert the sensitive quantum states first into individual photons and then adjust their wavelength so they can be transmitted through fiber-optic cables in the telecommunications band.
About the Superspin project in the Pathfinder program
The European Innovation Council’s (EIC) Pathfinder program supports visionary ideas aimed at developing radically new technologies. Superspin is among 44 selected projects receiving more than €140 million in total funding. QphoX collaborates with partners from Aalto University (Finland), Palacký University (Czech Republic), and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany.
About QphoX
QphoX develops quantum transduction and quantum frequency conversion systems to enable networking between quantum processors, across the optical and microwave spectra. Based in Delft, the Netherlands, QphoX provides technologies that bridge different frequency domains, enabling scalable quantum computing.
For more information, visit www.qphox.eu
Media Contacts:
QphoX: Simon Gröblacher, CEO, press@qphox.eu