Universal Quantum, a spinout from the University of Sussex, has secured $100 million in a Series A funding round. The company states this is the largest Series A ever raised by a UK-based quantum firm. The round was co-led by DCVC and Firgun Ventures, with participation from EDBI, Integral GlobalTech, NGS Super, IAG Capital, EdenBase, Eigenstate Holdings, SiteGround Capital, Dave Baszucki, Nauta Capital, and The Venture Collective.
Founded in 2018, the company has raised over $125 million in total. The new capital will support global expansion in the United States, Japan, and Germany, alongside further technology development and commercialization. Universal Quantum maintains operations in the US, Germany, Japan, Denmark, and Australia, with its headquarters located in Haywards Heath, UK.
The firm focuses on building fault-tolerant quantum computers using its proprietary iQPU chip, which is fabricated on standard 200mm foundry lines. The chip hosts hundreds of ion qubits and utilizes microwave control to reduce optical complexity. The UQConnect system links multiple chips with a connection rate of 2,424 connections per second and 99.999993% fidelity.
Unlike superconducting systems, the company’s hardware can operate at room temperature. The full-stack approach includes firmware, error correction, and application-layer software for sectors like logistics and pharmaceuticals. Universal Quantum holds a €67 million contract from the German Aerospace Center, awarded in 2023, and collaborates with partners such as Rolls-Royce.
