The Future of Quantum Computing: Ephos Announces $8.5 Million Funding Round and New Research Facility in Milan
Ephos, a trailblazer in glass-based photonic chip production, is making waves in the quantum technology industry with its latest announcement. The company has secured an impressive $8.5 million in funding and unveiled a cutting-edge research and manufacturing facility in Milan. This facility stands as the first of its kind globally, dedicated to the production of glass-based quantum photonic circuits. The backing for this expansion comes from esteemed entities such as the European Innovation Council (EIC) and NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). Out of 1,300 applicants, Ephos was chosen as one of only 10 companies to receive funding, including a €450,000 ($500,000 USD) non-dilutive grant over two phases.
The financing is spearheaded by Starlight Ventures, with key contributions from top-tier investors such as Collaborative Fund, Exor Ventures, 2100 Ventures, Unruly Capital, Green Sands Equity, Silicon Roundabout Ventures, and Club degli Investitori. This infusion of capital has expedited the launch of Ephos’s new facility in the Milano Innovation District (MIND), which will serve as a focal point for manufacturing and innovation. This expansion signifies a major milestone for Ephos, providing the capacity to scale its proprietary chip manufacturing technology and forge new partnerships within the quantum technology sector. Additionally, the funding will support the growth of Ephos’s San Francisco team.
Ephos’s groundbreaking glass-based photonic chips boast unmatched performance in addressing signal loss, a critical hurdle in the realm of quantum computing. With their innovative 3D design and manufacturing capabilities, Ephos enables unique scaling opportunities and enhanced system efficiency. Beyond quantum computing, their photonic technologies find applications in data centers, aiding in the reduction of energy consumption. By manufacturing chips in-house and relying on a supply chain of US and EU suppliers, Ephos’s technology contributes to Allied security interests by fostering the development of essential quantum infrastructure within NATO’s technological ecosystem.
In a significant development, Ephos has been selected for the Phase II of DIANA’s acceleration program, securing additional non-dilutive funding. CEO Andrea Rocchetto underlined the transformative potential of Ephos’s glass-based photonic chips across quantum computing, AI, and computational infrastructure. Kike Miralles from Starlight Ventures emphasized the chips’ prowess in curbing signal loss and enhancing energy efficiency, catering to the increasing demands for faster, more sustainable platforms while unlocking new horizons in quantum computing and communication technologies.
For more details on Ephos’s recent funding and technological advancements, visit their official press release here.
September 23, 2024