The Future of Cryo-CMOS For Quantum Computing Hardware
Cryo-CMOS for Quantum Computing
Finland's SemiQon, a premier quantum technology business, has entered a high-growth phase with the launch of its next-generation silicon-based quantum chip and a large cryogenic electronics manufacturing expansion. Turning three, the company went from a four-founder spin-off of the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland to a 30-person scale-up that can solve quantum computing's biggest commercialization problems.
Bridging Cryo-CMOS Scalability Gap
SemiQon's most recent announcement is around the launch of a silicon quantum device that can operate at cryogenic temperatures with very little electricity. The “scalability bottleneck” of quantum architecture is overcome by this technology. Because traditional data processing occurs at ambient temperature, current systems require sophisticated thermal connections to cryogenic qubits. This arrangement increases heat load and physical complexity as systems scale.
SemiQon's cryo-CMOS technology processes data close to qubits. SemiQon eliminates wire and room-temperature control infrastructure by incorporating cryo-optimized transistors and circuits directly into chips, lowering prices, energy use, and physical volume.SemiQon CTO and creator Janne Lehtinen stated their first device will allow quantum computer makers to grow input/output capacity while substantially reducing energy consumption. This innovation changed the industry by making quantum computing a technical and production concern rather than a research-driven one.
Kvanttinova: A New Quantum Manufacturing Hub
SemiQon is moving to Kvanttinova, a cutting-edge facility being built in Otaniemi, Espoo, to facilitate the transition from research to mass manufacture. Compared to the Micronova plant, this move strategically triples the company's manufacturing capability.
Markku Kainlauri, SemiQon's founder and COO, said Kvanttinova is essential for scalable cryo-electronics production. From the new location, pilot lines and the Otaniemi ecosystem, which has helped the company grow quickly, will be conveniently accessible. The founder and chief research officer of SemiQon, Professor Mika Prunnila, calls the local research environment “transformative,” allowing a fast iteration cycle from concept to production and testing.
Financing Deep Tech's Future
SemiQon has grown rapidly with institutional and financial support. In early 2025, the European Innovation Council (EIC) gave the company €17.5 million in mixed investment. This €15 million equity funding and €2.5 million non-dilutive grant package was designed to help SemiQon commercialize its prototype products.
The company has earned industry honors for its concepts. EARTO (the European Association of Research and Technology Organizations) named SemiQon's cryo-CMOS technology, developed with VTT, the “Impact Expected” winner in October 2025. The award recognized the technology's potential to more than tenfold lower quantum readout system costs and volumes, enabling quantum hardware to data centers and cloud providers.
Commercialization Challenge: Quality and Resilience
A recent anniversary event brought together industry leaders to discuss “deep tech” product launches. David Gunnarsson, Bluefors' Chief Business Development Officer, says quality and dependability determine cryogenic industry commercial success. Despite early investors' hesitation, Bluefors' systems became industry standards by providing the research community with high-quality equipment over 18 years.
Arctic Instruments CEO Joonas Govenius stressed the balance between profit and R&D investment. “You can’t assume you’ll remain competitive three years from now without continuing to invest heavily in improving your product,” Govenius added.
SemiQon board chair Antti Vasara concurred, calling for more bold private financing in Europe. Vasara advised investors to invest in deep-tech companies early, before valuations soar.
The Finnish Ecosystem Collaboration Model
The Finnish semiconductor ecosystem has been a theme throughout SemiQon's growth. Tomy Runne of Murata Electronics advised the quantum sector to actively seek community participation, like Vaisala and Okmetic. He recounted how Murata directly engaged VTT to fix manufacturing challenges, which helped it expand internationally.
Pauliina Rajala, Development Manager at InstituteQ, said Finland's ambitious 10-year quantum technology goal can only be fulfilled with close collaboration across Europe.
Beyond Quantum Horizon Opportunities
Other high-stakes businesses are interested in SemiQon's cryo-optimized circuits, but quantum computing is the core target. Space technology and defense are growing markets because they need electronics that work in extreme cold. SemiQon's technologies increase power savings and cooling efficiency in space applications, where traditional electronics often fail.
Even with recent technical advances, Professor Mika Prunnila warned that disruptive technologies' long-term future remains unknown. He remembered how the CEO of Digital Equipment Corporation famously questioned whether people would want computers in their homes before the Commodore 64 sold millions of copies.Looking back is simpler than looking forward, Prunnila added.
As it increases manufacturing and integrates its technology into larger computer stacks, SemiQon is making its quantum processors affordable and sustainable. With a new facility and a next-generation chip, the company can revolutionize the basis of next-generation computing systems.
