QuEra Computing, a leader in neutral-atom quantum computing, announced on Tuesday that it has raised over $230 million in a recent funding round, attracting investments from Google’s Quantum AI division, SoftBank Vision Fund, and other notable investors. The company’s valuation during the funding round was not disclosed.
Neutral-atom quantum computing, the technology that QuEra specializes in, allows for easier system scaling and lower error rates by using lasers to control small, uncharged atoms such as rubidium and strontium. This approach presents significant advantages over traditional quantum systems.
Out of the $230 million raised, $60 million will be received in the near future upon meeting a funding condition currently in progress. QuEra intends to use the funds for the development of fault-tolerant quantum computing, a breakthrough technology that ensures quantum computers can reliably perform computations despite errors.
In December, Google reported overcoming a key quantum computing challenge with the launch of a new generation of quantum chips. The company also revealed that it plans to release commercial quantum computing applications within the next five years. Additionally, SandboxAQ, another quantum AI startup spun off from Alphabet, raised $300 million in December, bringing its valuation to $5.6 billion.
