IQM Quantum Computers (IQM), the company building quantum computers, has announced the expansion of its global operations into Asia Pacific with an office opening in Singapore, its first in the region and outside Europe, to drive the advancement of quantum technology.
What does the expansion mean for IQM?
With Singapore’s strategic combination of talent, world-class research, vibrant tech-transfer and well positioned to become quantum ready, IQM aims to build public-private collaborations with the quantum ecosystem to explore applications and accelerate research, development, and education of quantum hardware. IQM, founded in 2018, has the only private quantum fabrication facility in Europe and has assembled the largest team of experts in Europe.
Dr. Jan Goetz, CEO and Co-founder of IQM Quantum Computers, said: “Our presence in Asia aligns with our commitment to building world-leading quantum computers for the well-being of humankind, now and for the future, and we are confident this office will be instrumental in helping drive the development of the quantum community in Singapore and the region.”
“Also, we will tap into the incredible local talent, and we are also excited about bringing our technical track record and world-class expertise to the region, and our regional team will play a crucial role in broadening our global development. We look forward to partnering with vital players in the value-chain as we continue to push the boundaries for the ecosystem.”
Singapore marks IQM’s 5th office, with headquarters in Espoo, Finland, and others in Munich, Madrid, and Paris. It paves the way for the hiring of new employees in the coming months.
Who were will lead IQM’s APAC organisation?
As part of the expansion, Raghunath Koduvayur, formerly the Head of Marketing and Communications, has been appointed the Head of Asia-Pacific Business, while Sylwia Barthel de Weydenthal has been named the new Head of Marketing and Communications for IQM.
“Our brand presence has progressed greatly, and Koduvayur has been vital in leading those efforts. I am pleased that he will continue to be in the management team and lead our APAC operations, bringing his sales and people management expertise to the region,” said Goetz.
“Likewise, in Barthel de Weydenthal, we have gained an executive with vast leadership experience in companies like Coca-Cola, Heineken, Danone, and Meta. I’m confident that this experience will help us achieve our goals and remain at the forefront of the industry.”
“The launch of our office in Singapore underscores our commitment to the APAC region and the aspiration to build a global business. As we grow, I am pleased to leverage our market expertise to drive our business forward and foster mutual relationships with all stakeholders,” said Koduvayur in a speech to govt representatives, academics, and solution providers leading the charge to quantum advantage at the Quantum.Tech APAC summit in Singapore.
Koduvayur noted that IQM will play a significant role and that other efforts as part of the Quantum Engineering Programme (QEP) are needed for Singapore to seize the opportunity by the consistent investments made by the country in research in quantum tech over the last two decades and the formation of 3 national quantum initiatives (the National Quantum Computing Hub, National Quantum Fabless Foundry, and National Quantum-Safe Network).
