Ephos, a number one producer of glass-based photonic chips, has introduced a serious enlargement with an $8.5 million funding spherical and the opening of a state-of-the-art analysis and manufacturing facility in Milan. This facility is the world’s first devoted to producing glass-based quantum photonic circuits. The funding included contributions from the European Innovation Council (EIC) and NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), with Ephos being considered one of solely 10 firms chosen from over 1,300 candidates. They may also obtain €450,000 ($500,000 USD) in non-dilutive funding over two phases.
The seed spherical was led by Starlight Ventures, with extra participation from Collaborative Fund, Exor Ventures, 2100 Ventures, Unruly Capital, Green Sands Equity, Silicon Roundabout Ventures, and Club degli Investitori, and angel traders. The funding has accelerated the launch of Ephos’s new facility within the Milano Innovation District (MIND), which can function a central hub for manufacturing and product innovation. This enlargement marks a major milestone in Ephos’s progress, offering the capability to scale its proprietary chip manufacturing expertise and increase its partnerships within the quantum applied sciences trade. The funding may also help the expansion of Ephos’s San Francisco workforce.
Ephos’s glass-based photonic chips supply superior efficiency for sign loss, a serious problem in constructing quantum computer systems. Their novel 3D design and manufacturing capabilities allow distinctive scaling alternatives and higher system efficiency. Past quantum computing, photonic applied sciences have purposes in information facilities, the place they assist cut back vitality footprints. With its chips constructed in-house and a provide chain counting on US and EU suppliers, Ephos’s expertise helps Allied safety pursuits by making certain vital quantum infrastructure is developed inside NATO’s tech ecosystem.
Ephos was additionally chosen for Section II of DIANA’s acceleration program, receiving extra non-dilutive funding. CEO Andrea Rocchetto highlighted the transformative potential of Ephos’s glass-based photonic chips for quantum computing, AI, and broader computational infrastructure. Kike Miralles of Starlight Ventures emphasised the chips’ potential to scale back sign loss and enhance vitality effectivity, assembly the rising calls for for quicker, extra environment friendly platforms and opening new prospects in quantum computing and communication applied sciences.
A information launch from Ephos with extra details about this funding and their expertise is offered on their web site here.
September 23, 2024
