World's First Glass-Based Quantum Photonic Chip Facility Opens in Milan

The world's first glass-based quantum photonic chip design and production facility opens in Milan

A self-proclaimed leading producer of glass-based photonic chips has raised $8.5 million to complete a significant expansion of its operations. Ephos says the new seed funding will accelerate the opening of "the world's first facility for the design and production of glass-based quantum photonic chips." The new state-of-the-art research and manufacturing facility is located in Milan, Italy, and its opening marks a significant milestone in Ephos's growth. U.S.-based Starlight Ventures led the seed funding round and was backed by several other venture capital luminaries and angel investors. Interestingly, the latest round of funding also included contributions from NATO and the European Innovation Council (EIC). Ephos was just one of 10 firms from 1,300 that applied for this accelerator program funding and was successful. Congratulations on the funding and the opening of the new tech center in Milan. What makes Ephos and its technologies worth watching? Firstly, the firm seems to be following, or perhaps even leading, a trend where chip makers are moving from silicon-based to glass-based chip technologies -- photonic chips. Another possible strength investors see in Ephos is that it isn't just about theory and research. The new Milan facility is touted as one that "provides the capacity and resources necessary to scale its proprietary chip manufacturing technology." Moreover, the firm says its technology applies to high-performance advanced quantum computing, communications, and sensing devices. As for Ethos' chip designs, the firm asserts that its processors "offer best-in-class performance for signal loss, one of the greatest hurdles to building a quantum computer." A lot of the touted attractive qualities of these chips are said to be due to the use of glass substrates, innovative 3D design, and backed by the newly established manufacturing facilities. The move from traditional silicon-based technologies to glass and photonics is set to be transformational beyond quantum and AI, thinks Andrea Rocchetto, CEO and co-founder at Ephos. He reasoned that the technology can simultaneously address industry energy and performance concerns. A particular benefit of Ephos technology, highlighted by the CEO, is that it builds both processing and communications on glass, removing barriers that current solutions face. We hear a lot about breakthroughs like this, and it remains to be seen if this company will challenge the current way of doing things in computing. However, it is off to a promising start and, pragmatically, has an eye on the defense sector. Nevertheless, Ethos is still a minnow in a glass technology pond, with firms like AMD, Intel, Samsung, and SK hynix currently making waves.

Italy is getting a new glass-based quantum photonic chip facility

Starlight Ventures led a multimillion-dollar funding round for Italian start-up Ephos, saying it could 'revolutionise the future of computing'. Milan-based start-up Ephos has raised $8.5m to create glass-based photonic chips at scale. The seed round was led by US venture capital firm Starlight Ventures, with participation from Collaborative Fund, Exor Ventures, 2100 Ventures and Unruly Capital, among others. The funding will be used to open a state-of-the-art research and manufacturing facility in Italy. The site will be dedicated to producing glass-based quantum photonic circuits. Unlike traditional chip manufacturers, which use silicon-based technologies, Ephos's chips are built on glass substrates. As glass is a better electrical insulator compared to silicon, it can minimise electrical interference, support higher frequencies and reduce signal loss (interference between signals in nearby circuits). Additionally, photonic technologies, which involves the generation, control and detection of light, already has a wide range of applications, including in data centres where photonic chips are being used to reduce soaring energy footprints. As well as the seed round, the Ephos has also received funding from the European Innovation Council and NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator. This will accelerate the launch of its new research and manufacturing facility located in the Milano Innovation District. The new site will provide the Italian start-up with the space and resources necessary to scale its proprietary chip manufacturing technology. Future of computing Andrea Rocchetto, CEO and co-founder of Ephos said securing the funding is a critical milestone for the company. "Our glass-based photonic chips are set to transform not just quantum computing and AI, but the broader computational infrastructure of the future," he said. "By addressing energy inefficiencies and enhancing performance across industries, from data centres to secure communications, we're laying the foundation for the next generation of computing technology." Kike Miralles, principal at Starlight Ventures said Ephos's chips have the potential to "revolutionise the future of computing". "As AI and quantum advancements challenge the limits of our current infrastructure, Ephos stands out with its ability to significantly reduce signal loss and improve energy efficiency," he said. "This innovation not only meets the growing demands for faster, more efficient platforms but also opens the door to new possibilities in quantum computing and communication technologies across multiple industries". Don't miss out on the knowledge you need to succeed. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic's digest of need-to-know sci-tech news.