SkyWater Technology and Qolab have entered into a multi-year commercial agreement, designed to transition superconducting technology from custom development programs to repeatable wafer manufacturing.
The collaboration combines platform-based wafer services, defined production terms, and coordinated capacity planning.
The framework provides Qolab with greater visibility as it scales and creates a commercial model that drives broader adoption of SkyWater’s superconducting technologies.
SkyWater is investing in dedicated quantum tool upgrades as part of a broader modernization of its fabrication facilities to accelerate this transition.
“Quantum technologies are moving beyond the laboratory and require commercial manufacturing models adapted for their unique needs,” said Thomas Sonderman, president and CEO of SkyWater Technology.
“Our collaboration with Qolab demonstrates SkyWater’s unique Technology-as-a-Service business model,” said Sonderman. “It combines specialized process development with production-oriented wafer services in a mature foundry environment. This approach accelerates the path to differentiated quantum technologies, benefiting the entire industry.”
As quantum technologies advance, companies need access to specialized fabrication capabilities within a disciplined commercial foundry environment. Both companies believe this first-of-its-kind collaboration establishes an open-access, and capital-efficient model.
This partnership connects quantum technology development with repeatable wafer manufacturing. The collaboration also provides greater consistency and commercial visibility.
Under the agreement, Qolab will serve as a lead customer on SkyWater’s newly launched SC250 superconducting platform to advance its Quantum System-in-Package (QSiP). The QSiP architecture is designed to address key cost, complexity, and form-factor challenges in scaling quantum systems. It achieves this by integrating cryogenic wiring, low-pass filters, and amplifiers into a compact package.
The collaboration links SkyWater’s superconducting platform with Qolab’s back-end packaging, integration, and testing capabilities in Wisconsin. Together they establish a coordinated Midwest manufacturing pathway for superconducting quantum devices.
John Martinis, CTO of Qolab, said SkyWater gives them access to the specialized capabilities needed to advance Qolab’s Quantum System-in-Package (QSiP).
“QSiP is designed to materially improve quantum system economics by integrating costly, complex cryogenic control components into a compact package,” said Martinis.
“Combining SkyWater’s rapid, flexible development support with a repeatable commercial wafer services model gives us the manufacturing and cost visibility needed to iterate quickly toward commercial deployment,” he added.
