Singapore Strengthens Quantum Hardware Role with Qolab Partnership
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Singapore is solidifying its position in the burgeoning global quantum hardware landscape with a new partnership announced February 23, 2026. Researchers at the National Quantum Federated Foundry (NQFF) are collaborating with Qolab, a quantum computing company co-founded by 2025 Physics Nobel Laureate Professor John Martinis, to develop crucial components for scaling quantum computers. The initial focus will be on cryogenic low-pass filters, addressing a key obstacle to building more powerful systems. “Building useful quantum computers requires scaling from dozens to millions of qubits, and that means we need not just more qubits but also reliable, manufacturable supporting hardware,” said Professor Martinis, Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder of Qolab. This collaboration highlights Singapore’s unique strengths in semiconductor manufacturing and quantum research, positioning it as a vital link in the global quantum supply chain. Qolab and NQFF Collaborate to Scale Quantum Computing Hardware A single million qubits – the projected scale for truly useful quantum computers – is driving a critical need for supporting hardware, and a new partnership between the National Quantum Federated Foundry (NQFF) and Qolab aims to deliver just that. The collaboration, announced February 23, 2026, focuses on developing cryogenic low-pass filters, essential components currently hindering the construction of larger, more powerful quantum processors. The core challenge lies in the sensitivity of superconducting qubits, which operate at temperatures nearing absolute zero and are easily disrupted by environmental noise. Current filter solutions are bulky, prone to errors, and difficult to mass-produce, prompting this shift towards semiconductor wafer-based manufacturing—a technique mirroring conventional computer chip production. This approach promises denser integration and improved reliability. The resulting filters are slated for initial deployment in quantum systems at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), signaling early confidence in the Singaporean development.
Mr Ling Keok Tong, Executive Director of the National Quantum Office, emphasized the strategic importance of this work, stating, “This collaboration demonstrates how Singapore can contribute critical quantum hardware components to the global ecosystem.” The partnership was formalized with a signing ceremony witnessed by Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, following a public lecture by Professor Martinis detailing the evolution of superconducting qubits. Cryogenic Low-Pass Filters Address Qubit Noise & Manufacturability Current quantum processor designs rely heavily on superconducting qubits, a technology proving to be among the most advanced in the field, yet these systems are acutely vulnerable to environmental interference. Operating at temperatures nearing absolute zero, qubits demand exceptional shielding from extraneous signals, a task currently hampered by the limitations of existing cryogenic filters. Conventional filters are not only physically large but also prone to errors and pose significant challenges for large-scale manufacturing, creating a bottleneck in the pursuit of more powerful quantum computers. This partnership leverages Singapore’s established strengths in semiconductor manufacturing to develop filters that can be fabricated directly onto semiconductor wafers, mirroring the established process for conventional computer chips. This new approach promises to increase qubit density and improve overall system reliability by integrating filters more closely with the quantum circuits. Mr. Singapore’s National Quantum Strategy Drives Ecosystem Development Drawn to Singapore’s established strengths in semiconductor technology, Qolab will partner with local researchers to tackle a fundamental hurdle: building the essential components needed for larger, more powerful quantum computers. The initial focus centers on developing cryogenic low-pass filters, critical for shielding qubits from disruptive noise. These filters aren’t merely an add-on; they represent a core challenge in quantum hardware development, as operating qubits require exceptional isolation. The partnership aims to move beyond conventional filter designs, which are often bulky and prone to errors, by leveraging Singapore’s advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. The goal is to fabricate these filters directly onto semiconductor wafers, mirroring established chip production processes. This collaboration demonstrates how Singapore can contribute critical quantum hardware components to the global ecosystem.
Mr Ling Keok Tong, Executive Director of the National Quantum Office Source: https://www.sgpc.gov.sg/detail?url=/media_releases/astar/press_release/P-20260223-1&authkey=c656614c-63d9-4055-af8a-9d34a85e6bba Tags: Quantum News There is so much happening right now in the field of technology, whether AI or the march of robots. Adrian is an expert on how technology can be transformative, especially frontier technologies. But Quantum occupies a special space. Quite literally a special space. A Hilbert space infact, haha! Here I try to provide some of the news that is considered breaking news in the Quantum Computing and Quantum tech space. Latest Posts by Quantum News: SEALSQ Prioritizes Silicon-Based Quantum Computing to Align with Semiconductor Technology February 25, 2026 Researchers Advance Secure Communication with Telecom-Band Quantum Dots Over 120km February 25, 2026 Minnesota IT Services Outlines Strategy for Secure, Efficient Government And Outlines Quantum Computing Risk February 25, 2026