SEALSQ backs EeroQ in push for ‘Quantum Made in USA’
SEALSQ has made a strategic investment in US quantum chip design company EeroQ as it advances a "Quantum Made in USA" strategy and expands its presence in next-generation computing and post-quantum security.
The Geneva-based semiconductor and post-quantum security firm did not disclose the size of the stake. It described the deal as its first investment in a US quantum business under the initiative, which focuses on quantum technologies developed and manufactured in the United States.
The move follows the launch of SEALQUANTUM.com earlier this year. That vehicle targets up to USD $35 million of investments in startups engaged in quantum computing.
SEALSQ has already completed two deals through the programme. It formed a partnership with ColibriTD in quantum-as-a-service offerings. It also acquired French ASIC design specialist IC'ALPS.
EeroQ's eHe approach
EeroQ, founded in 2017, is developing a quantum computer based on electrons trapped in superfluid helium, known as electrons on helium (eHe). Researchers first proposed the underlying approach in the late 1990s. Advances in materials science, microfabrication and cryogenic engineering have since made the concept more practical.
The company aims to build large-scale quantum processors that fit into an ultra-compact form factor. The architecture uses qubits based on single electrons, which EeroQ says can be arranged into quantum processors as small as a thumbnail. Other quantum computing designs often rely on bulky cryogenic infrastructure that requires data centre-like facilities.
EeroQ's chips are designed for fabrication using standard CMOS semiconductor processes. That approach aligns with SEALSQ's focus on secure semiconductor manufacturing, including its personalisation and outsourced assembly and test operations.
The single-electron qubits that EeroQ targets have the potential for long coherence times. The architecture also aims for all-to-all connectivity and qubit mobility, which could support new system designs.
SEALSQ said these factors place EeroQ among the more scalable quantum computing approaches under development.
Integrated quantum roadmap
The investment fits into SEALSQ's plan to build an integrated semiconductor ecosystem for the post-quantum and quantum era. The company already sells post-quantum cryptographic chips and quantum-resistant secure microcontrollers. It also operates advanced personalisation centres in the US and the United Arab Emirates.
The group is working on future quantum accelerator chips in strategic partnerships. It aims to connect those projects with its existing secure semiconductor products and infrastructure.
SEALSQ framed the EeroQ deal as a step toward supporting quantum technologies that meet US and European sovereignty requirements. Governments and defence agencies have placed greater emphasis on domestic control of quantum hardware and post-quantum cryptography, citing national security concerns.
Carlos Moreira, Founder & CEO of SEALSQ, said the investment reflects the company's industrial strategy in the US market.
"Our strategic investment in EeroQ is a key step in SEALSQ's 'Quantum Made in USA' industrial strategy. EeroQ's helium-based quantum architecture is one of the most promising scalable designs we have seen. By aligning their breakthrough chip technology with SEALSQ's secure semiconductor expertise, we are helping accelerate the development of quantum systems that are sovereign, secure, and industrially viable," said Moreira.
US build-out and ethics focus
EeroQ is expanding its physical presence and leadership in the US. The company has opened a 9,600-square-foot quantum research and development facility in Chicago. The site adds to the city's growing role as a US quantum technology hub.
The company recently appointed Princeton professor Steve Lyon as Chief Technology Officer. Lyon has worked on electrons on helium and related quantum systems in academic research.
EeroQ also presents itself as an advocate for ethical approaches to quantum technology. Co-founder Faye Wattleton, known for her work in governance and public policy, has led research initiatives on ethical frameworks for quantum development since 2018. SEALSQ said this perspective aligns with its own focus on trustworthy technology ecosystems.
EeroQ's chief executive, Nick Farina, said the company designed its platform for capital-efficient scaling within the existing semiconductor supply chain.
"We designed EeroQ to scale using the mature CMOS fabrication ecosystem. Our devices are extremely compact with far fewer moving parts, allowing us to scale faster and more efficiently. SEALSQ's strategic investment strengthens our mission to bring ethical, powerful, and scalable quantum computing to market. Despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, demand for strategic quantum technologies is rising rapidly due to both corporate needs and national security imperatives," said Farina.
SEALSQ plans further investments under the SEALQUANTUM.com initiative as it develops its portfolio of post-quantum security products and quantum hardware partnerships.
