Quantum Motion Builds World’s First Quantum Computer Using Silicon Chips
Quantum Motion Builds World’s First Quantum Computer Using Silicon Chips
Synopsis
- UCL spinout Quantum Motion delivers a full-stack quantum computer built on silicon chip technology.
- Installed at the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre to test real-world applications like drug discovery.
- Silicon CMOS enables scalable, mass-produced quantum systems.
- Founded by UCL’s John Morton and Oxford’s Simon Benjamin, the company has raised over £62 million.
- UK Science Minister highlights commercial and societal potential, from healthcare to clean energy.
- Quantum Motion CEO calls it “quantum computing’s silicon moment.”
Reading time: ~4 mins
UCL News reports that a spinout co-founded by Professor John Morton has achieved a major milestone: the creation of the world’s first full-stack quantum computer built with the same silicon chip technology used in everyday laptops and smartphones.
The machine, developed by Quantum Motion, is now installed at the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) in Oxfordshire. Researchers there will test how the system can address practical challenges such as accelerating drug discovery.
A full-stack quantum computer integrates every layer needed to perform quantum calculations — from the Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) to the control stack and user interface, all compatible with standard quantum software.
By relying on standard silicon CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) technology — the same material used globally in chip factories — Quantum Motion’s approach could allow future quantum computers to be mass-produced more easily.
Founded in 2017 by Professor John Morton of UCL’s London Centre for Nanotechnology and Professor Simon Benjamin of Oxford University, the company has expanded to over 100 staff, with headquarters in London and teams in the United States, Australia, and Spain. To date, it has raised more than £62 million in equity and grant funding.
Professor Morton, now Chief Technology Officer, said: “When I look at the new system we’ve delivered to the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre, built by the amazing interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers we’ve assembled at Quantum Motion, the message is clear: silicon quantum computing has just landed.”
UK Science Minister Lord Vallance praised the achievement, noting: “Our National Quantum Computing Centre offers a unique space for innovators to trial new quantum technologies. This new form of quantum computer from Quantum Motion will take this groundbreaking technology another step closer to commercial viability — which could help support healthcare with faster drug discovery or clean energy by optimising energy grids.”
Quantum computers leverage the laws of physics at the atomic and subatomic level, enabling unique capabilities to model the natural world. They are expected to outperform today’s supercomputers in solving problems like new material discovery, complex calculations, and climate modelling.
Quantum Motion CEO James Palles-Dimmock called the installation a defining breakthrough: “This is quantum computing’s silicon moment. Today’s announcement demonstrates you can build a robust, functional quantum computer using the world’s most scalable technology, with the ability to be mass-produced.”
Dr Michael Cuthbert, Director of the NQCC, added: “The NQCC is accelerating UK quantum capabilities by evaluating a number of diverse hardware platforms by leading companies worldwide. The successful installation of Quantum Motion’s system marks an important step forward in the NQCC’s quantum computing testbeds initiative. The NQCC team are really excited to start test and validation of the system and better understand how real-world applications will map onto its silicon architecture.”
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About Quantum Motion
Quantum Motion is a quantum computing company founded in 2017 by Professor John Morton of University College London and Professor Simon Benjamin of Oxford University. Headquartered in London, the firm also operates teams in the United States, Spain, and Australia, employing more than one hundred specialists. Its work focuses on developing scalable quantum computers using standard silicon CMOS technology — the same used in global semiconductor manufacturing. Quantum Motion has raised more than £62 million through equity and grant funding. Its latest milestone was building the world’s first full-stack quantum computer on silicon chips, now installed at the UK’s NQCC.
About National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC)
The National Quantum Computing Centre, located in Oxfordshire, is the UK government’s dedicated facility for advancing quantum computing. It provides a neutral platform for testing diverse quantum hardware from leading companies worldwide. The NQCC’s mission is to accelerate national capabilities, validate new technologies, and explore how quantum systems can solve real-world challenges. It operates as a testbed where breakthroughs such as Quantum Motion’s silicon-based full-stack computer can be evaluated and benchmarked. Under the leadership of Director Dr Michael Cuthbert, the centre plays a pivotal role in guiding the UK’s transition from laboratory research to commercially viable quantum computing applications.
Featured image Source: SN Explores
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