Bay area quantum computing firm joining Albany Nanotech
ALBANY — A California quantum computing firm called Bleximo Corp. announced plans this week to set up satellite operations at the state’s Albany Nanotech complex.
Quantum computing involves next-generation computer hardware, computer chips and software designed to significantly outperform today’s fastest computers using new technologies.
At the core of the concept is what is known as a qubit, or quantum bit.
Today’s computers store data and process information using traditional “bits” of information that have just two states — either on or off, symbolized by either a “1” or a “0,” that are strung together to perform tasks. The information is processed using electrons flowing through a system of billions of transistors etched into computer chips.
Quantum computing seeks to use new materials to create new bits that can be more than just binary. They can be a “1” or a “0.” And they can also be both at the same time, or something in between, essentially giving the computer a new language to store data and perform tasks. If perfected, quantum computers will become much faster and more powerful than even today’s fastest supercomputers.
Bleximo is one of the companies trying to make breakthroughs in this emerging area of computing that large companies like IBM, GlobalFoundries and Intel are already working on.
In order to create these qubits of information, companies have been testing a variety of technologies, including the use of photons, or light, on chips that have superconducting properties, which require extremely low temperatures.
Bleximo is based in Berkeley but will set up an office at Albany Nanotech where it can work on system designs and prototyping as well as marketing, the company said. The company will also set up a research program with NY CREATES, the state-run umbrella organization that oversees the Albany Nanotech complex and its tenants, which include IBM and others.
Alexei Marchenkov, CEO of Bleximo, said that the Albany Nanotech complex will allow it to “rapidly develop” its superconducting photonic chip systems.
“NY CREATES’ technical capabilities as well as a track record of successfully supporting technology commercialization efforts, make it a unique hub for Bleximo’s aggressive development and commercialization schedule of its next-generation quantum computing systems,” Marchenkov said in a statement.
David Anderson, president of NY CREATES, said Albany Nanotech’s “world-class facilities” and partnerships will speed up that development.
“Quantum technologies are already enabling many of today’s most important innovations and advances in computing, semiconductors, microelectronics, and numerous other industries,” Anderson said.
