By Ross Miller, SVP commercial and A&D Business, SkyWater Technology
Quantum computing is no longer a distant dream – It’s becoming a powerful reality with the potential to reshape industries and solve challenges once thought impossible. At SkyWater, we’re not just witnessing this transformation—we’re powering it. Our advanced 200 mm manufacturing platform is enabling quantum innovators to take bold ideas from concept to reality, delivering the breakthroughs that will define the future of computing.
Recent Industry Developments
The quantum landscape is evolving rapidly, with major players making significant strides:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled a next-generation quantum processor, Ocelot, with improved coherence times and error rates, aiming to integrate quantum computing into its cloud ecosystem through hybrid quantum-classical computing.
- Microsoft has introduced a topological qubit prototype, offering greater stability and error resistance, along with expanding Azure Quantum Elements to accelerate materials discovery and cryptographic applications.
- Google recently announced its latest Willow processor designed to enhance qubit coherence times and improve error correction, a necessary step toward achieving fault-tolerant quantum computing.
- D-Wave, in partnership with SkyWater, has achieved a historic milestone by demonstrating quantum supremacy in simulation, validating the power of annealing quantum computing for real-world problems.
- PsiQuantum announced plans to build its first quantum data center in Chicago, designed to deliver fault-tolerant quantum computing. This milestone underscores the growing momentum behind scalable quantum infrastructure.
The quantum computing industry makes remarkable strides in both gate-model and annealing approaches, with each innovation bringing us closer to unlocking the full potential of this transformative technology.
Turning Vision into Reality: How SkyWater Helped D-Wave Break New Ground
In a landmark achievement, D-Wave demonstrated quantum supremacy in quantum simulation, solving problems beyond the reach of some of the world’s most powerful classical supercomputers. Their research, published in the journal Science, highlights how quantum annealing can solve complex materials science problems with real-world applications.
By demonstrating that quantum computers can now tackle these complex simulations faster and more efficiently than classical systems, this breakthrough paves the way for real-world advances across multiple industries. More accurate quantum simulations could accelerate the discovery of new materials, optimize artificial intelligence algorithms, improve pharmaceutical research, enhance national security applications and solve large-scale logistical and financial modeling problems.
At SkyWater, we believe the future of quantum computing depends on a trusted, flexible, and scalable manufacturing foundation, which is what we deliver. D-Wave’s Advantage2™ prototype processors, fabricated at our U.S.-based 200 mm foundry, are a powerful example of what’s possible when visionary companies collaborate to push technological boundaries.
“Achieving quantum supremacy with qubits fabricated in the United States marks a pivotal moment for the entire quantum ecosystem. Our decade-long partnership with SkyWater demonstrates the strength of American innovation and the role of domestic manufacturing in global technology leadership.” — Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave
“This is an example of bleeding-edge technology taking place in a 200 mm fab. While much of the focus is on 300 mm production for small transistor technologies, foundational node infrastructure is essential to enabling next-generation quantum computing.” — Thomas Sonderman, CEO of SkyWater Technology
Partnerships Driving Quantum Breakthroughs
SkyWater’s collaborative approach with industry leaders including D-Wave and PsiQuantum showcases the versatility of our foundry services:
- D-Wave: Pioneering annealing quantum computing for real-world applications, including logistics, supply chain management and financial services, while delivering quantum computing solutions available today.
- PsiQuantum: Focused on building a fault-tolerant quantum computer using photonic qubits, leveraging advanced semiconductor fabrication techniques, an exciting effort that needs years of additional research before industry-wide adoption.
By integrating SkyWater’s Technology as a Service (TaaS) model, we empower quantum innovators to develop and scale breakthrough technologies with the support of a U.S.-based, trusted semiconductor foundry.
Why SkyWater?
What sets SkyWater apart in the quantum computing ecosystem is our ability to combine advanced technical capabilities with unmatched adaptability:
- Custom Technology Development: Expertise in heterogeneous integration, advanced interconnects, and specialized materials—all critical for quantum applications.
- Niobium-Based Superconducting Materials: Standard process integrations for superconducting materials, enabling reduced qubit energy loss and enhanced reliability.
- High-Performance Waveguide and Photonics Structures: Ensuring seamless integration for quantum communication and photonic processing.
- U.S.-Based Manufacturing: U.S.-based partner for quantum initiatives, ensuring supply chain security and compliance.
- Collaborative Approach: Enabling rapid co-development of next-generation quantum processors and commercial quantum innovations.
What’s Next for Quantum Innovation
As quantum computing continues to evolve, SkyWater remains committed to empowering innovators who are shaping the future. The potential impact of quantum technologies on society cannot be overstated: revolutionizing materials science, accelerating complex simulations, and redefining the future of computing.
By partnering with SkyWater, quantum pioneers gain more than a foundry; they gain a trusted ally dedicated to turning visionary ideas into scalable solutions. Visit our website to learn more or connect with us to talk about your next project.
Together, we are not only building the quantum computers of tomorrow but also creating a modern world powered by limitless possibilities.