Securing the Quantum Supply Chain: How Nord Quantique Builds Resilience Through Strategic Partnerships

In the rapidly evolving world of quantum computing, securing a reliable and resilient supply chain is critical. Just as traditional tech industries have faced challenges in securing essential components, take for example a number of recent semiconductor shortages, the quantum computing industry faces similar, if not more complex, hurdles. Any disruption of delicate supply chains could significantly delay technological progress, given the precision and specialization required. With initiatives like the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act highlighting the need for localized, secure, and sustainable supply chains, the stakes are higher than ever. 

At Nord Quantique, we understand that the success of quantum technology hinges not only on our ability to innovate but also on our capacity to build a resilient ecosystem that integrates every element required for fault-tolerant quantum computing.

Our approach is about more than just assembling components; it's about forging strategic partnerships that ensure every aspect of our growth plan is backed by trusted collaborators. Our end goal is to deliver on the potential of quantum computing and offer real value that makes an impact for users worldwide.

2. The Quantum Computing Journey: A Comparison with GPUs' Role in AI

To understand our role in the quantum revolution, let’s draw some parallels to how GPU is changing the face of artificial intelligence. GPUs are the backbone of AI advancements, enabling breakthroughs across industries by providing the computing power to essential training and deploying complex machine learning models. Similarly, at Nord Quantique, we are building the core hardware that will unlock the full potential of quantum computing.

Our Quantum "GPUs": We focus on developing the specialized hardware that powers a quantum computer, just as NVIDIA designs the GPUs that drive AI applications. These are the foundational elements that make up the "engine" of quantum computing, requiring precision, speed, and scale.

Software Ecosystem: Just as NVIDIA supports an ecosystem of AI frameworks and software, we collaborate with software developers to create algorithms and programs that bring our quantum hardware to life. These applications are what will transform our cutting-edge quantum technology into solutions that can solve real-world problems.

Securing Essential Components: To build reliable quantum systems, we source indispensable materials, such as high-grade aluminum and superconducting chips, akin to how NVIDIA secures high-performance components for its GPUs. Partnerships are vital to securing these components, ensuring that the hardware we’re developing can function effectively and deliver next-level computational power.

This is why we are working day after day to build and expand our network of trusted suppliers and partners. The idea is to secure deals with key suppliers who can offer components, software, and services with best-in-class performance to be built into our systems, while at the same time reducing any risks to our supply chain over the long term.

3. Vital Resources for Our Quantum Journey

To build its quantum systems, Nord Quantique requires a range of highly specialized components, many of which cannot be produced in-house. Each of these plays a critical role in the success of our technology:

• Raw Materials: High-purity aluminum is essential for our qubits, serving as the foundation of our quantum hardware. The quality of this material directly impacts the stability and coherence of our qubits, which are fundamental in achieving error correction and maintaining quantum states over time. Smelters here in Quebec provide us aluminum with purity levels reaching 4N8 (99.998%), which we use to make our qubits.
• Superconducting Quantum Chips: These chips enable us to control our bosonic qubits and get a readout with minimal errors, a core element of our quantum computing systems. Achieving high coherence using these chips can be challenging, requiring advanced manufacturing techniques. By collaborating with specialized foundries, we have secured a consistent supply of these high-quality chips, ensuring our technology remains at the cutting edge.
• Scalable Control Electronics: As we scale up the number of qubits in our systems, controlling them efficiently becomes increasingly complex. Our partnerships with experts in control electronics permit us to access technology that is both scalable and cost-effective, allowing us to focus on our core mission of building fault-tolerant quantum systems.
• Dilution Refrigerators: Most quantum systems operate at extremely low temperatures, and dilution refrigerators are therefore necessary for maintaining these cryogenic conditions. By sourcing from industry leaders, we ensure that our systems can evolve and expand, knowing that cooling capabilities will not be a limiting factor.
• Middleware and SDK: Just as NVIDIA provides software tools to support AI developers, Nord Quantique will offer a Software Development Kit (SDK) to application developers, enabling them to create software that runs on our quantum hardware. This accelerates the adoption of our technology and fosters a broader ecosystem of quantum applications. Additionally, by leveraging middleware tools like Boulder Opal from Q-CTRL, we have achieved a significant boost in control quality, further enhancing the performance and reliability of our quantum systems.

The existence of this ecosystem of resources highlights that building a quantum computer is about more than just having advanced technology—it’s about integrating a reliable supply chain delivering multiple specialized elements that are required to deliver on our roadmap.

4. The Importance of Strategic Partnerships

Building this kind of resilient supply chain involves more than just transactions; it requires strategic partnerships. Here’s how we’re building our network of partners at Nord Quantique:

• Building a Resilient Ecosystem: We collaborate with partners like Quantum AlgoLab and OTI Lumionics to ensure our hardware is matched with software solutions capable of addressing real-world problems. AlgoLab, for instance, bridges the gap between complex quantum algorithms and end-user applications through its team of developers, enabling us to deliver solutions that are not just powerful but practical. These collaborations help us create a cohesive quantum platform that benefits both developers and end-users.
• Capital Efficiency through Strategic Infrastructure: By leveraging over $1 billion CAD in investments within the DistriQ quantum innovation zone, and collaborating with partners in the Northeast Semiconductor Manufacturing Corridor (NSMC) such as NY CREATES (a leading semiconductor R&D and manufacturing institute in New York State), C2MI (MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre, Canada’s largest microelectronics research center), and 3iT (Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation, a hub for advanced technological research in Quebec), we gain cost-effective access to cutting-edge fabrication and prototyping facilities. This strategic access allows us to advance our technology without incurring the immense overhead costs of building our own infrastructure. This reduces capital expenditures, and positions us as one of the most capital-efficient hardware companies in the industry.
• Academic Partnerships: To advance our roadmap, we also work closely with leading academic figures such as Alexandre Blais, co-inventor of circuit quantum electrodynamics—which serves as the backbone of our architecture—and Baptiste Royer, a leading expert in error correction techniques with bosonic codes. These collaborations enable us to push the boundaries of superconducting hardware and error correction, ensuring that our technology remains on the shortest path to achieving fault-tolerant quantum computing.
• Supplier Symbiosis: We have chosen a strategy of engaging with suppliers who understand quantum technology, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality materials and components. These symbiotic relationships ensure that we have the components we need—such as aluminum, dilution refrigerators and control electronics—while our suppliers benefit from being part of an emerging quantum ecosystem that allows them to tailor their offerings to cutting-edge quantum hardware.

5. Securing the Supply Chain in Quantum Computing

There are significant and unique challenges to securing a reliable supply chain in the quantum computing industry, requiring a proactive approach:

• Diversification: We’ve adopted a three-pronged approach to manufacturing our superconducting chips, working with specialized nanofabrication facilities (e.g., 3iT) co-developing a superconducting foundry with C2MI, and exploring innovative CMOS-based fabrication with NY CREATES. This strategy ensures that we have multiple pathways to secure the chips essential for the long-term growth of our business.
• Reshoring: Quebec’s strong supply chain of essential materials, like aluminum, provides a strong foundation for our supply chain. However, we also tap into resources in the United States, especially through the Northeast Semiconductor Manufacturing Corridor, ensuring a secure and resilient supply chain that spans both countries. This approach is designed to mitigate risks and secure access to the best resources and enabling technologies.
• Sustainability: By leveraging renewable energy sources such as clean hydroelectricity, we ensure that our operations are both environmentally responsible and resilient to energy cost fluctuations, which adds another layer of security to our supply chain.

6. The Impact of the US CHIPS and Science Act and Similar Initiatives

There is an increasing global focus on securing technology supply chains. One need look no further than the US CHIPS and Science Act for evidence of this. It is therefore vital to our growth to be proactive in securing our supply chain. The quantum computing industry faces risks in this regard, with limited suppliers and specialized components available.

Our Response: At Nord Quantique, we have embraced a strategy that emphasizes diversification, local sourcing and sustainability to insulate ourselves from potential disruptions. By securing partnerships with nearby academic institutions, research and development facilities and technology companies, we have created a supply chain that is adaptable, secure, and capable of meeting the evolving demands of quantum computing.

7. Conclusion: Building a Resilient Future Together

Securing a supply chain is a strategic imperative, especially in quantum computing. Through tactical partnerships, investments in local resources, and sustainable practices, Nord Quantique is building a resilient supply chain that ensures the continued growth and development of our technology.

In doing so, we not only safeguard Nord Quantique’s success but also help drive the entire quantum computing industry forward. Much like NVIDIA's role in AI, our commitment to building the core hardware that powers quantum computing will unlock new possibilities and push the boundaries of what is achievable.

We invite others in the industry—whether you’re a supplier, developer, researcher, or other contributor—to join us in creating a supply chain that’s as innovative and resilient as the technology itself. Together, we can unlock quantum computing’s full potential in a way that is secure, sustainable, and built to last.