19 August 2024
Oxford Ionics kicks off international expansion with new US office
The leader in trapped-ion quantum computing, today announced it has opened its first international office in Boulder, Colorado.
New office located in Boulder, Colorado will serve as North American hub for Oxford Ionics
Professor David Allcock joins as Director of Science, North America to lead US office
Milestone comes off the back of Oxford Ionics’ record-breaking gate fidelity results
OXFORD, 19th August, 2024: Oxford Ionics, a leader in trapped-ion quantum computing, today announced it has opened its first international office in Boulder, Colorado. With demand for quantum computers reaching new heights, the new office will serve as a critical base for its expansion into North America.
With funding initiatives like Elevate Quantum, cutting-edge laboratories at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and JILA, and strong research programs out of University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado has fast become the epicenter for quantum computing innovation in the United States. With its new office in Boulder, Oxford Ionics joins this pioneering ecosystem – allowing it to tap into the significant US talent pool and vital supply chain as it accelerates its work to bring the most powerful quantum computers to market.
As Oxford Ionics opens its new location, Professor David Allcock has joined the team to lead the US office as Director of Science, North America. With a PhD in Atomic & Laser Physics from the University of Oxford, Allcock has spent several years at the forefront of quantum computing research across institutions like NIST Boulder and most recently as an Assistant Professor at the University of Oregon.
This significant milestone for Oxford Ionics comes off the back of its record-breaking single- and two-qubit gate fidelity results. Unique among trapped-ion quantum computing companies, Oxford Ionics has developed a proprietary technology called ‘Electronic Qubit Control’ – meaning it uses electronics, not lasers, to control its qubits. This allows Oxford Ionics to not only build the highest-performing qubits in the world, but also to unlock far greater scalability. Moreover, this technology can all be integrated onto a standard chip that can be produced via existing semiconductor manufacturing processes.
John Tayer, Boulder Chamber President and CEO, commented: “The Boulder Chamber is thrilled to welcome Oxford Ionics, a global leader in capturing the power of trapped-ion qubits for practical and scalable quantum computing, into our burgeoning quantum research and development ecosystem. We look forward to assisting its team through its fast-paced development cycle as it works to bring powerful quantum computers to market – including sourcing Boulder’s high quality talent, accessing facilities to meet its specialized needs, and providing support as it builds a home here in Boulder.”
Zachary Yerushalmi, Elevate Quantum CEO and Regional Innovation Officer, commented: "The Mountain West is the largest quantum cluster in America and the only federally-recognized Tech Hub to receive major US funding for our industry. But in order to secure the lasting economic vibrancy that comes with quantum technologies for generations, we must closely partner with and play host to the best talent, ideas, and companies from across the world. That’s why we’re so excited to welcome Oxford Ionics, a world leader in ion trap quantum computing, to our ecosystem and are eager to see how they bring forward the future for everyone in our region and well beyond."
Dr. Chris Ballance, Oxford Ionics Co-Founder and CEO, commented: “With the opening of our first international location, we’ve entered an incredibly exciting chapter in Oxford Ionics’ history. Demand for powerful quantum computers in the US is increasing at a breakneck pace, so we’re thrilled to be entering this market in Boulder. As we continue to advance the commercialization of our record-breaking technology, we look forward to bringing on new US-based talent, strategic partners, and customers to accelerate this journey.”
About Oxford Ionics
Oxford Ionics was co-founded in 2019 by Dr Tom Harty and Dr Chris Ballance who both hold world records in quantum breakthroughs. The team includes 55 global experts across physics, quantum architecture, engineering and software and expects to triple headcount over the next three years as the business scales internationally. Oxford Ionics has raised £37 million to date with investors including Braavos, OSE, Lansdowne Partners, Prosus Ventures, 2xN, and Hermann Hauser (founder of chip giant ARM).
In February 2024, Oxford Ionics won the contract to produce Quartet, a full-stack quantum computer for the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre.
For more information, visit our website www.oxionics.com