Cryo-CMOS for Quantum Computing
SemiQon, a leading quantum technology company based in Finland, has officially entered a high-velocity growth phase marked by the launch of its next-generation silicon-based quantum chip and a massive expansion of its cryogenic electronics manufacturing capabilities. The firm turned three, growing from a spin-off of the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland with four founders to a 30-employee scale-up that can overcome quantum computing‘s largest commercialization challenges.
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Bridging the Scalability Gap with Cryo-CMOS
SemiQon‘s most recent announcement is around the introduction of a unique silicon quantum device that can function at extremely high cryogenic temperatures while using a remarkably minimal amount of electricity. With this technological advance, the “scalability bottleneck” that has long afflicted quantum architecture is directly addressed. Current systems require intricate thermal connections to the qubits kept in cryogenic conditions because classical data processing usually takes place at ambient temperature. As systems try to scale, this configuration results in a considerable heat load and physical complexity.
The cryo-CMOS (cryogenic complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) technology used in SemiQon’s solution enables data processing to take place right next to the qubits. SemiQon lowers prices, energy usage, and physical volume by integrating cryo-optimized transistors and circuits straight into the chips, eliminating the need for additional wiring and room-temperature control infrastructure.”They will launch a first chip this year that allows manufacturers of quantum computers to scale input/output capacity while drastically lowering energy consumption,” said Janne Lehtinen, CTO and founder of SemiQon. This breakthrough marks a change in the industry, as quantum computing is now viewed as a more structured technical and production problem rather than only a scientific one driven by research.
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A New Hub for Quantum Manufacturing: Kvanttinova
SemiQon has announced its move to Kvanttinova, a cutting-edge facility presently being built in Otaniemi, Espoo, to ease the transition from research to mass manufacturing. In comparison to its prior location at the Micronova plant, this shift strategically triples the company’s manufacturing capacity.
The creator and COO of SemiQon, Markku Kainlauri, stated that Kvanttinova is crucial to speeding up the scalable production of cryo-electronics. Pilot lines and the larger Otaniemi ecosystem, which has already played a significant role in the company’s quick growth, will be easily accessible from the new location. The local research environment, according to Professor Mika Prunnila, the founder and chief research officer of SemiQon, is “transformative,” enabling a very quick iteration cycle from basic concept to production and testing.
Financing the Future of Deep Tech
The substantial institutional and financial support that SemiQon has received has helped to accelerate its growth. The business obtained €17.5 million in mixed funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) at the beginning of 2025. This package, which included €15 million in equity capital and a €2.5 million non-dilutive grant, was created especially to help SemiQon advance its product range from the prototype stage to full-scale commercialization.
The business has also won important industry awards for its ideas. In October 2025, EARTO (the European Association of Research and Technology Organizations) awarded SemiQon’s cryo-CMOS technology, which was created in partnership with VTT, first place in the “Impact Expected” category. The technology’s potential to more than tenfold reduce the cost and volume of quantum readout systems over time was noted in the award, opening up quantum hardware to data centers and cloud providers.
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The Commercialization Challenge: Quality and Resilience
Leaders in the business convened at a recent anniversary event to talk about the challenges of launching “deep tech” products. The key factors that ultimately determine commercial success in the cryogenic industry are quality and dependability, according to David Gunnarsson, Chief Business Development Officer of Bluefors. When Gunnarsson reflected on Bluefors’ 18-year path to become a global leader, he pointed out that their systems became industry standards because they concentrated on providing the research community with high-quality equipment, despite early investors’ reluctance.
Arctic Instruments CEO Joonas Govenius emphasized the fine line that must be drawn between making money and continuing to invest heavily in R&D. “You can’t assume you’ll remain competitive three years from now without continuing to invest heavily in improving your product,” Govenius said.
Antti Vasara, the chair of the board at SemiQon, echoed this view when he advocated for more brave private capital in Europe. Vasara maintained that rather than waiting for valuations to skyrocket before investing in deep-tech businesses, investors should do so sooner when prices are still modest.
Ecosystem Collaboration: The Finnish Model
The significance of the Finnish semiconductor ecosystem has been a recurrent subject throughout SemiQon’s expansion. Murata Electronics’ Tomy Runne urged the quantum industry to actively seek out community collaboration, just like well-known Finnish behemoths Vaisala and Okmetic have done. He described how Murata engaged VTT directly to address manufacturing issues, a strategy that aided the company in growing its international operations.
Finland’s ambitious national quantum technology goal for the next ten years can only be achieved with close collaboration throughout Finland and the larger European region, said Pauliina Rajala, Development Manager at InstituteQ.
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Opportunities Beyond the Quantum Horizon
Other high-stakes industries are showing interest in SemiQon’s cryo-optimized circuits, but quantum computing is still the main goal. Due to their need for electronics that can operate dependably in extremely cold temperatures, space technology and defense are becoming important markets. SemiQon’s solutions offer a system-level advantage in space applications, where conventional electronics frequently falter, by providing notable power savings and lowered cooling needs.
Professor Mika Prunnila cautioned the audience that the long-term trajectory of any disruptive technology is still uncertain, even in light of the obvious technological advancements. Using the Commodore 64 as an example, he recalled how the CEO of Digital Equipment Corporation famously questioned whether people would want computers in their homes before the device went on to sell millions of copies.”It’s always easier to look back than to look forward,” Prunnila said.
SemiQon’s ambition of sustainable and reasonably priced quantum processors is quickly becoming a reality as it expands production and incorporates its technology into larger computing stacks. The corporation is in a good position to change the basis of next-generation computing systems because it has a new facility planned and a next-generation chip in the works.
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