Oxford Quantum Circuits
Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) is a UK-based quantum computing company founded in 2017 as a spin-out from the University of Oxford. Specializing in superconducting quantum hardware, OQC aims to deliver enterprise-ready quantum solutions through its Quantum Computing as a Service (QCaaS) model. The company’s proprietary 3D architecture, the Coaxmon, enhances scalability and reduces interference, positioning OQC as a leader in Europe’s quantum sector. In 2022, OQC became the first European quantum hardware provider on Amazon Braket, offering access to its 8-qubit processor, Lucy.
Leadership
- Dr. Peter Leek (Co-Founder): Leads superconducting quantum computing development and core IP (Coaxmon) at the Leek Lab, University of Oxford.
- Dr. Ilana Wisby (Co-Founder, former CEO): Quantum physics PhD holder and former CEO until May 2024; previously focused on scaling OQC’s commercial operations.
- Gerald Mullally (Current CEO): Assumed leadership following Wisby’s departure, driving OQC’s strategic growth.
Core Technologies
- Coaxmon: A patented 3D superconducting qubit architecture that minimizes cross-talk and simplifies scaling.
- Cryogenic Systems: Collaboration with Oxford Instruments NanoScience using Proteox refrigerators (<10 mK) for stable qubit operation.
- OpenQASM 2.0 Support: Enables device-agnostic quantum program compilation and hybrid quantum-classical workflows via AWS Braket.
Key Capabilities
- Cloud-Based Quantum Access: Lucy, an 8-qubit processor, available on Amazon Braket for optimization, quantum chemistry, and machine learning applications.
- Compiler Optimization: Reduces gate counts to improve circuit fidelity and supports verbatim compilation for direct hardware execution.
- Hybrid Algorithms: Integrates with AWS hybrid jobs for near-term quantum-classical experiments.
Investors
- Privately held with backing from Oxford Investment Consultants and UTEC (University of Tokyo Edge Capital).
- Strategic partnerships with AWS and Oxford Instruments NanoScience.
Notable Clients
Target industries include pharmaceuticals (molecular simulation), logistics (supply-chain optimization), finance (portfolio modeling), and materials science (battery design).
Competitors
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