In today’s world, the concept of quantum computing is gaining popularity. In a few scenarios, it is estimated that a supercomputer will take days for computation that a quantum computer can solve in a matter of seconds. Many people are still unfamiliar with the concept of quantum computing, which is still in its early stages. In layman’s terms, it implies utilising quantum physics to develop our processing systems, i.e. hardware, processors, etc. Currently, a qubit is considered as the basic unit in quantum computing, but this might change in the future.
Quantum computing is extremely valuable in industries such as finance, military, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and many more. As a new field arises, so do the startups in that field. As a result of the growing relevance, several quantum computing startups have emerged to address the need. While China and Japan are testing quantum computing applications vigorously, Southeast Asia is also keeping with the pace. The National University of Singapore (NUS) is building systems that enable fool-proof testing for Quantum Computing based solutions. There are many Quantum Engineering Programmes expected to start, conducting trials of quantum-safe communication technologies that promise robust network security for critical infrastructure and companies handling sensitive data in Southeast Asia. Here is a list of notable startups working on quantum computing in the SEA Region.
1. Entropica Labs, Singapore
Entropica Labs was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Singapore. Its three technical co-founders, Tommaso Demarie, Ewan Munro, and Joaqun Keller, have all worked in the QC field in various roles and contributed a lot individually that helped their firm build a reputation for itself. All three are using machine learning (ML) with quantum computers to produce new actionable knowledge in biology and medicine. The motive of this startup is to provide cost-effective solutions that can be used in the medical sector. Entropica is now focused on quantum optimization and machine learning, assisting corporate clients in understanding and integrating quantum computing through algorithms, software, methods, and models.
2. Xen Capital, Singapore
Xen is the only platform with no upfront fees that provides financial advisers and asset managers with a transparent alternative investment marketplace, allowing customers to conclude deals anytime, anywhere, quickly. The company’s capital investment client management solutions perform huge financial calculations that use quantum computing techniques. Quantum computing enables calculations that are not possible with traditional computing technology with high speed and accuracy. Xen’s technology-enabled platform expanded alternative investment managers’ investor access while expanding wealth advisers’ product reach. For a unified client experience, it provides a branded investing portal. Xen makes it easier to run a business by digitising and centralising operations – from marketing to onboarding to reporting – and reducing administrative processes. Xen Capital platform links product producers and wealth advisers in order to increase the pie for everyone.
3. Horizon Quantum Computing, Singapore
Horizon Quantum Computing is pioneering a quantum computing technique that enables users to develop programmes in classical languages that can be built and run on conventional or quantum computers. Whether you’re a software developer interested in quantum computing or a quantum information theory specialist, you’ll be able to get a quantum speedup without having to comprehend the underlying computational paradigm. Horizon compiler dynamically generates quantum algorithms from classical code, allowing to design quantum algorithms for new domains without requiring extensive quantum knowledge.
4. Atomionics, Singapore
Atomionics is a Singapore-based, VC-backed startup building quantum sensors for Navigation and Resource Exploration. The company is building sensing technology that performs 1000x better than the current state of the art – using Atom Interferometry, harnessing the potential of wave-nature of atoms. Atomionics is building quantum-based sensing systems for underwater and underground navigation. It operates where no satellite can reach.
5. SpeQtral Pte Ltd, Singapore
SpeQtral offers commercial space-based QKD founded on technology developed at the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) at the National University of Singapore. The startup focuses on space-based quantum networks for the delivery of secure encryption keys, as well as securing existing communications networks with a quantum-based encryption layer.
6. S-fifteen, Singapore
S-fifteen is a startup that commercializes proprietary quantum control instruments (devices that synchronize electronic components within a quantum computer) and quantum cryptography hardware (like encryption, but based on quantum mechanics, making the device harder to hack). The company was founded by Brenda Chng in 2017.
7. VORZ DAO, Philippines
Vorz focuses on long-term initiatives that further metaverse principles. The firm was established in 2021 by Paul Candelario and has its headquarters in Manila, Philippines. Vorz is one of the early metaverse startups in the Philippines that is placing efforts towards building its own social app that resembles that of the TikTok app. With its own NFTs economy and marketplace to allow its users to trade their own VORZ token & NFTS soon through its Creator Economy integrated in-app wallet. For use of the social app that has an economy wallet, Vorz dao uses quantum computing. This app allows everyone to get introduced to cryptocurrency and maintain them in their own wallet.
Conclusion
Quantum computing has the ability to tackle a wide range of complicated issues in a relatively short period of time. This has increased the investor’s interest towards quantum computing startups. The startups described above have been working towards finding practical benefits of quantum computing, and implementing a few in the market.
Time and effort are the two most critical factors involved in our quest for solving any problem. In today’s world, it is critical to solving problems in the shortest amount of time and with the greatest efficiency. In this context, quantum computing is expected to add huge value in addressing a few situations. However, this technology still has a long way to go. We can expect a lot of opportunity & innovation in this sector in the near future.
