Arq, a UK quantum technology startup developing networking
hardware for the quantum internet, has raised $1.4 million in a pre-seed
funding round to accelerate the development of its quantum communication
technology. The round was led by Ground State Ventures, with participation from
Big Sur Ventures.
Founded in 2025 by quantum scientists Samuele Grandi and
Emanuele Distante, Arq is developing quantum repeaters designed to connect
quantum computers over long distances. The company’s technology combines
quantum memories based on rare-earth doped crystals with photon-pair sources to
enable reliable, high-speed communication across fibre optic networks.
At the core of Arq’s approach is multiplexing, which allows
multiple photons to be stored and transmitted simultaneously, improving the
speed and efficiency of quantum communication. The company says the technology
offers a faster and more cost-effective approach to networking quantum
computers than existing alternatives and could provide the foundation for
large-scale quantum networks.
Commenting on the investment, co-founder Emanuele Distante
said the company is working with research institutions, quantum technology
companies and public organisations to move quantum communication beyond the
laboratory:
Our technology could lay the groundwork for
quantum-exclusive networks that allow the impact of quantum technology to scale
exponentially.
Arq is targeting applications across industries including
telecommunications, financial services, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, where
future quantum networks could enable new capabilities beyond those possible
with today’s communication infrastructure.
The funding will be used to establish a state-of-the-art
laboratory and accelerate the development of Arq’s next generation of quantum
memory devices, with a focus on improving reproducibility and reliability.