At the second annual Optica Quantum Summit in Glasgow last week, held alongside the quantum industry gathering, one theme appeared again and again across presentations from quantum computing, networking, and photonics leaders:
The industry needs higher accuracy and lower loss.
What struck me was not only how consistently this challenge was discussed, but how many leading companies openly described working with multiple photonic foundries in parallel. Companies rarely duplicate development efforts without a reason. The message was clear: today’s manufacturing capabilities are improving rapidly, but the demand for higher-performing optical circuits is advancing even faster.
As photonics moves beyond communication and becomes a computing medium, performance requirements are changing. Quantum computing, quantum networking, AI interconnects, and optical processing all require circuits that can maintain fidelity across increasingly complex paths and larger systems. Small imperfections that were once acceptable become significant limitations when light must traverse tens or hundreds of optical elements.
This is why we believe the next phase of the industry will be defined by a race among photonic foundries to deliver the first truly scalable manufacturing platform capable of supporting a complete quantum and optical computing stack.
At Quantum Pulse Ventures, our platform announcement reflects this reality. Rather than introducing a single device, we are building a technology platform designed to enhance existing photonic manufacturing processes and improve the performance of critical optical building blocks. Our goal is straightforward: help bridge the gap between what optical systems can achieve theoretically and what can be manufactured reliably at scale.
The future of computing will increasingly be built with light. The winners will be those who can deliver not only functionality, but also the fidelity, accuracy, and low-loss performance required for practical deployment.
The conversations in Glasgow reinforced our belief that this challenge is now at the center of the industry—and that solving it will unlock the next generation of optical and quantum systems.