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PSIQUANTUM LANDS $1B, TARGETS PHOTONIC QUANTUM CHIP

AI DESK1 MIN READ
WED, JUL 15, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

PsiQuantum raised $1 billion in 2025 to build a quantum computer using photonic chips manufactured by GlobalFoundries. The effort has attracted backing from governments and the Pentagon.

The startup is pursuing a photonic approach to quantum computing, using light-based systems rather than superconducting qubits or trapped ions. GlobalFoundries, a major chipmaker, is manufacturing the photonic chips critical to the design. DARPA has taken close interest in PsiQuantum's progress, reflecting U.S. government priorities around quantum technology development. The Department of Defense views quantum computing as strategically important for cryptography, optimization, and simulation applications. PsiQuantum's funding round signals investor confidence in the photonic quantum path. The approach aims to leverage existing semiconductor manufacturing processes while working with fragile photons—a longstanding challenge in the field. The company joins other quantum startups racing to build practical, fault-tolerant systems. Success would represent a significant shift in quantum hardware development, moving beyond laboratory prototypes toward systems with real computational capability.

■ SOURCES

Techmeme

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