Europe launches SPINS consortium for R&D of scalable semiconductor-based spin qubits

Europe has launched a new initiative SPINS (Semiconductor Pilot Line for Industrial Quantum NanoSystems), one of six pilot lines established across the region. Led by imec, research instituted specializing in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, the project unites 25 research and technology organizations, industry players, and academic institutions in a bid to reinforce Europe’s technological leadership and strategic independence quantum technologies. Backed by €50 million in funding, SPINS is supported through a joint effort between the European Union’s Chips Joint Undertaking and national as well as regional authorities from participating Member States.

SPINS is one of six quantum pilot lines established by EU Chips Act, each focused on a distinct hardware platform. Within this portfolio, SPINS is the pilot line dedicated to semiconductor‑based spin qubits, with a primary focus on delivering quantum chips for quantum‑computing applications.

The first actions of the SPINS-consortium include process and design optimization to establish a robust foundation for scalable, stable, and high-performing spin qubits, all on three different technology platforms: Si/SiGe, Ge/GeSi, and SOI. SPINS aims to establish a lab-to-fab route for this technology via Multi-Project Wafers (MPW) and standardized quantum Process Design Kits (PDKs), which lower entry barriers for startups and SMEs in semiconducting quantum technology and lay the foundations for European companies to build quantum know-how early on. 

Said Kristiaan De Greve, coordinator SPINS, “Scaling qubits requires an extremely controllable environment and solid manufacturing processing, in view of the extreme sensitivity of qubits to environmental noise. These challenges require both the accuracy and control that is only present in state of semiconductor cleanroom infrastructure, combined with the research and innovation mentality to adjust such an environment to address these sensitive qubits. At imec, we’ve been creatively addressing complex problems with advanced semiconductor manufacturing for over 40 years. By bundling the expertise of our European consortium partners in this quantum pilot line, we will speed up the development of high-TRL semiconductor qubits and thereby enable larger-scale quantum systems made in Europe.”