SemiQon Adapting Quantum Technology for Deployment in Space
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ESPOO, Finland (October 30, 2025) – Quantum hardware company SemiQon today announces it is developing technologies optimized to support space exploration with the support of European Space Agency’s BIC program (ESA). This builds on the company’s release of the world’s first cryogenic CMOS transistor released earlier this year. ESA experts have identified several potential uses for SemiQon’s products including on telescopes (bolometer, infrared, x-ray), 5G telecommunications digital beam forming, and Lunar/Mars exploration. These devices use an onboard temperature management system to optimize the performance of their electronics, which consumes extra energy. However, using the cryo-CMOS technology SemiQon has developed, the battery life of these spaceborne vehicles is expected to be extended by 50 percent because temperature management is no longer required, significantly increasing performance. Developing new technology is a cornerstone of ESA’s mandate. The agency spends around 8 percent of its budget on direct research and development, just over €600 million annually goes toward R&D and innovation. One element of this is ESA’s BIC Finland program, which offers up to €90,000 jointly from ESA and Business Finland to help companies begin to ensure their product is suitable for use in space. When adding in other organizations in Europe as well as non-European markets including the U.S., U.K., Japan, India and others, up to $3.5 billion in direct government funding is available globally each year to startups developing new technologies for space. “We at SemiQon think that our cryo-CMOS technology is ideally suited for use in a range of spaceborne applications. There are several different types of instrumentation which can benefit from this innovation because of its almost total absence of heat dissipation which conserves power, extending the capabilities of spaceborne vehicles, especially in deep space. The capability to function optimally in cryogenic temperatures will also enhance the performance of these components while in space, further extending battery life” said Himadri Majumdar, CEO at SemiQon. “We believe space is one of the most lucrative markets for our devices, and it is a market which is accessible to us near-term. Therefore, joining ESA’s BIC Finland program is an important next step in accessing this pool of new users.” By joining the BIC program, SemiQon gains access to ESA’s technical expertise, equity-free funding, training, and extensive European networks to develop space industry applications. ESA Business Incubation Centres (ESA BICs) are the largest network of incubators supporting space related start-ups in Europe. The objective is to support product development while provides excellent opportunities to connect with new business partners and potential end users. This includes industry, universities, research organisations, government and investors. share share share share email