British computing company Quantum Motion has announced the development of what it claims is the industry’s first full-stack quantum computer built using a standard silicon CMOS chip fabrication process—the same transistor technology found in conventional computers.
The company asserts that this breakthrough demonstrates the potential for robust, functional quantum computers to be mass-produced using scalable, industry-standard technology.
The system, now deployed at the UK National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), is reportedly the first full-stack quantum computer to use mass-manufacturable 300mm silicon CMOS wafer technology and the first silicon spin-qubit computer installed under the NQCC’s Quantum Computing Testbed Programme. Quantum Motion’s solution integrates its Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) with a user interface and control stack compatible with widely used software frameworks such as Qiskit and Cirq, providing a comprehensive platform for quantum computing research and development.
Unlike other quantum computing approaches, Quantum Motion’s architecture, control stack, and manufacturing process are designed to scale to millions of qubits, a key requirement for achieving fault-tolerant, commercially viable quantum computing. The QPU employs a scalable tile architecture, integrating compute, readout, and control elements into a dense array that can be replicated across chips, supporting future expansion to millions of qubits per QPU. This design also allows for straightforward upgrades by installing next-generation QPUs, and incorporates AI-driven machine learning for more efficient operation and automated calibration.
Auxiliary equipment is separated from the main system, enabling installation in standard data centre environments and supporting upgrades to larger QPUs without increasing the system’s physical footprint. James Palles-Dimmock, CEO of Quantum Motion, described the development as “quantum computing’s silicon moment,” highlighting the significance of using scalable, mass-producible technology.
Dr Michael Cuthbert, director of the NQCC, welcomed the installation, noting that it marks a significant step in the centre’s testbeds initiative and will help evaluate how real-world applications can be mapped onto silicon-based quantum architectures.
Recent developments in the field, such as IBM’s and Google’s advances in superconducting and trapped-ion quantum computers, underscore the importance of scalable, manufacturable solutions. However, independent verification of Quantum Motion’s claims regarding scalability and mass production is still pending, and further peer-reviewed results will be essential to confirm the system’s performance and commercial viability.
