ZuriQ Raises €22.4M for 2D Quantum Processor Scaling

ZuriQ, a Zürich-based innovator in quantum computing, has successfully closed a €22.4 million Seed funding round. This significant capital infusion is earmarked for the expansion of its unique 2D trapped-ion quantum processors, a departure from conventional architectures. The round was spearheaded by Quantonation, with crucial participation from Forward.one, Extantia, and Firgun Ventures, alongside backing from all prior investors. This follows an initial €4 million pre-Seed investment secured in 2025, underscoring strong investor confidence in ZuriQ's disruptive approach.

The company's core innovation lies in its native two-dimensional trap architecture, designed to overcome the scaling limitations inherent in existing trapped-ion quantum computing designs. Unlike traditional systems that rely on one-dimensional ion chains requiring complex interconnections, ZuriQ employs Penning micro-traps utilizing static magnetic fields. This allows ions to move and interact more freely within a 2D plane, promising a more efficient and scalable path to building utility-scale quantum computers.

Christophe Jurczak, Founding Partner at Quantonation, highlighted the transformative potential of ZuriQ's physics breakthroughs. "The quantum race is far from decided, and ZuriQ is proving that significant advancements in quantum architectures are still achievable," Jurczak stated. "Their world-class scientific team is attracting top global talent to develop 2D-native quantum computers where trapped-ion qubits gain the freedom to connect and operate more effectively."

Emerging from the esteemed laboratories of Professor Jonathan Home at ETH Zürich in 2024, ZuriQ was founded by Dr. Pavel Hrmo, Dr. Tobias Sägesser, and Dr. Shreyans Jain. Their focus is on tackling the intricate challenges of quantum processor design to achieve the thousands of qubits necessary for industrially relevant quantum computations. The company has already demonstrated a working prototype, a 3x3 array of nine individually controlled ions, which represents the largest 2D array of its kind to date, developed in collaboration with ETH Zürich researchers and fabricated with manufacturing partner Infineon.

Professor Jonathan Home, a scientific advisor to ZuriQ, elaborated on the geometric advantage of the 2D approach. "The difference is profound: linear scaling adds qubits one by one, while area scaling grows with the chip's dimensions, potentially reaching thousands," he explained. "Crucially, the 3D mobility of ions in our system enables far more flexible connectivity, which is paramount for unlocking the full capability of quantum computers. Achieving the scale and connectivity demanded by real-world applications has been a central hurdle for the entire field."

With its architecture validated and manufacturing pathways established, ZuriQ is now prioritizing rapid scaling. The €22.4 million funding will accelerate the increase in qubit density on their chips, paving the way for powerful, commercially viable quantum machines. Dr. Pavel Hrmo, CEO and co-founder, emphasized their strategic advantage: "While early pioneers focused on 1D designs, our inherently 2D architecture offers a more scalable foundation from the outset. This investment allows us to translate our technical progress into commercial momentum, expanding our team and research efforts for an accelerated development timeline." The quantum computing market is projected to grow substantially, with various estimates suggesting a multi-billion dollar industry within the next decade, driven by advancements in hardware and algorithm development.