SemiQon Technology Targets the Universe: Extreme Temperature Issues Are Addressed by a Cryo CMOS Solution with Assistance from the European Space Agency
SemiQon, a leader in silicon-based scalable quantum technologies, is using its world-first cryogenic CMOS (cryo-CMOS) technology to make major progress in resolving basic issues in space electronics. With committed assistance from ESA BIC Finland, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) business incubation program, the startup, which seeks to commercialize quantum computers, has made a successful entry into the space industry.
This partnership was prompted by a long-standing problem in space technology: conventional electronics are not made to withstand high temperatures. Major international organizations, such as NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense’s DARPA, have extensively acknowledged this problem, which leads to electronics that perform poorly over time.
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A Revolution in Space Electronics
The world’s first CMOS transistor that is specifically engineered and optimized to operate at cryogenic temperatures down to 1 Kelvin and lower—is SemiQon’s primary innovation. This technology was first created as a spin-off from Finland’s VTT Technical Research Center to construct quantum integrated circuits (IC Chips) and address issues with scaling up quantum computers.
The researchers quickly saw, though, that their successful creation of the “world’s first and best cryogenic CMOS” might have immediate and significant benefits for sectors well beyond quantum, such as space electronics.
The Cryo CMOS technology offers significant advantages for space applications, enabling the development of more compact and effective devices. Importantly, the technology significantly lowers power consumption compared to standard electronics at cryogenic temperatures by up to 1000 times and by up to 90% in space applications. In addition, heat dissipation is 1000 times lower than with conventional transistors, which solves a significant challenge in the design of delicate electronics. This integration removes the need for large, power-hungry room-temperature components by enabling control electronics to be put directly at cryogenic temperatures. Crucially, rather than needing expensive new facilities for exotic materials, the technology is constructed using conventional silicon CMOS, utilizing existing semiconductor infrastructure.
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Working along with ESA BIC Finland
SemiQon contacted ESA BIC Finland in the spring of 2025 after realizing the potential for space applications but lacking sufficient in-house industry knowledge. The business was immediately accepted into the specialized business incubation program, which chooses businesses using a similar set of European criteria that emphasize intellectual property (IP), breakthrough technology, and distinctive business models.
“When SemiQon approached the program, the company was already technologically mature for its age, having achieved significant milestones and begun building a substantial team, including commercial resources,” noted Kaisa Ahonen, Manager at ESA BIC Finland. “Proactive” is how Ahonen characterized SemiQon’s strategy.
“Space is obviously a challenging operating environment for all devices, so it is crucial for us to work with the right experts to better understand the challenges and opportunities our technology could offer,” said Yukihisa Tsuruta, Director of Business Development at SemiQon.
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Finding Useful Space Applications
For SemiQon, the chance to speak with ESA’s technical specialists directly has been one of the most beneficial parts of the ESA BIC program. According to Tsuruta, who detailed the fruitful conversations, it was immediately apparent that the specialists were knowledgeable about the technology and the issues it could resolve.
Several prospective application areas within the space sector were identified in large part to these consultations:
- Telescopes: May find application in sensitive devices such as x-ray machines, bolometers, and infrared sensors.
- Communications: Making digital beam formation possible for 5G and other cutting-edge satellite communication systems.
- Exploration: Offering a more reliable and effective solution for the electronics required for Mars and Lunar exploration, where severe temperatures and power limitations pose significant difficulties.
Assistance and Prospects for the Future
In order to assist ambitious companies realize their space potential, ESA BIC Finland is committed to providing them with both financial and technical support. The incubator offers access to robust national and European networks, a range of trainings, events, and equity-free investment in addition to technical consultations.
Ahonen was upbeat about the partnership’s prospects, pointing out that a business like SemiQon may benefit greatly from the incubator’s network connectivity. “We of course hope to see SemiQon’s technology in space on day – maybe as part of an ESA mission,” Ahonen said, despite the fact that putting equipment in space is usually a lengthy procedure.
SemiQon and VTT jointly won first prize in the “Impact Expected” category from EARTO (the European Association of Research and Technology Organizations) in Brussels on October 14, 2025, for their groundbreaking Cryo CMOS chip innovation. This partnership comes right after another significant company accomplishment. The entire potential of sophisticated CMOS functions at cryogenic temperatures was made possible by this technology, opening up new avenues for vital space applications as well as quantum computing.
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