Website: [eeroq.com](https://eeroq.com) ### Introduction EeroQ is a quantum computing hardware startup founded in 2016 by Nick Farina and Faye Wattleton, with a mission to engineer the next generation of quantum computers using innovative electron-on-helium technology. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with additional operations in Lansing, Michigan, and has established itself as a pioneer in the quantum hardware space. While specific employee count data is not publicly available, EeroQ is recognized for its cutting-edge research and development in quantum computing solutions aimed at transforming industries across multiple sectors. EeroQ remains a private company, with no public stock listing or ticker symbol, focusing on strategic partnerships and investments to advance its technology. The company’s vision, as articulated on its website and through various public announcements, is to create scalable and high-performance quantum computing systems that can address complex computational challenges in fields such as materials science, cryptography, and artificial intelligence. With a commitment to innovation and a “Quantum Made in USA” ethos, EeroQ is positioning itself as a key player in the rapidly evolving quantum technology landscape, supported by academic collaborations and government-backed initiatives in Illinois. ### Key Products and Technology EeroQ is focused on developing quantum hardware based on its proprietary electron-on-helium (eHe) technology. Below are details of its primary technological approach and offerings: - **Electron-on-Helium Quantum Computing Chip (Type: Quantum Hardware)** - **Technical Specifications**: Specific details such as qubit count, coherence times, or error rates are not fully disclosed in public sources. However, the technology leverages electrons trapped on the surface of superfluid helium to create qubits, aiming for high scalability and low error rates due to the isolation of electrons from environmental noise. - **Fuel Type or Energy Source**: Not applicable in the traditional sense; the system requires cryogenic cooling to maintain superfluid helium at near-absolute zero temperatures, implying significant energy needs for cooling infrastructure. - **Key Differentiators**: EeroQ’s eHe approach is unique in the quantum computing field, offering potential advantages in scalability and error correction compared to other qubit technologies like superconducting or trapped ion systems. The isolation of electrons reduces decoherence, a major challenge in quantum computing. - **Development Stage**: The technology is in the research and development phase, with recent breakthroughs published in peer-reviewed journals like Physical Review X. EeroQ is working toward building a functional quantum computer, though no commercial product is yet available. - **Target Customers**: Likely to include research institutions, government agencies (e.g., for national security applications), and industries requiring high-performance computing such as pharmaceuticals, finance, and materials science. EeroQ’s focus on helium-based quantum chips distinguishes it from competitors using more conventional qubit architectures, and its ongoing research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical innovation and practical deployment. ### Regulatory and Licensing Status As a quantum computing company, EeroQ does not fall under the purview of nuclear regulatory bodies like the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which is typically relevant for nuclear energy technologies. Instead, its regulatory considerations are tied to export controls, intellectual property protection, and potential national security implications due to the dual-use nature of quantum technologies. There are no specific public disclosures regarding regulatory applications or milestones directly tied to EeroQ’s technology deployment as of the latest available data. However, the company operates within a broader U.S. policy framework that encourages quantum technology development through initiatives like the National Quantum Initiative. EeroQ benefits from state-level support in Illinois, including investments and incentives such as the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) for Startups agreement, which suggests alignment with regional innovation policies. The timeline to first commercial deployment remains unclear, as the technology is still in the R&D phase, with no definitive public estimates available for when a market-ready quantum computer will be introduced. ### Team and Leadership EeroQ’s leadership team combines expertise in quantum physics, engineering, and business development. Key figures include: - **Nick Farina (CEO and Co-Founder)**: Farina leads the company’s strategic vision and business operations, driving EeroQ’s mission to commercialize quantum hardware. Specific background details are limited in public sources. - **Faye Wattleton (Co-Founder)**: Wattleton contributes to the company’s foundational technology and strategic direction, though detailed biographical information is not widely available. - **Johannes Pollanen (Scientific Advisor and Key Researcher)**: Associated with Michigan State University, Pollanen is a prominent figure in EeroQ’s research efforts, particularly in the development of the electron-on-helium technology. His academic background enhances the company’s scientific credibility. Social media handles for the leadership team are not publicly verified or widely available in the context of EeroQ, and thus are omitted here. ### Funding and Financial Position EeroQ has secured significant funding and support, though exact totals are not fully disclosed in public sources. Key financial highlights include: - **Latest Round and Total Funding**: Specific figures for total funding raised are not publicly detailed, but recent investments include a strategic backing from SEALSQ Corp announced on December 22, 2025, as part of a USD $35 million plan to advance “Quantum Made in USA” initiatives. Additionally, EeroQ has received a $1.1 million investment in capital expenditures supported by Illinois state programs like the EDGE for Startups agreement and the Illinois Innovation Venture Fund (INVENT). - **Key Investors and Backers**: SEALSQ Corp is a notable recent investor, focusing on helium-based chip development. State-backed support from Illinois, including investments facilitated by Governor JB Pritzker’s administration, underscores regional commitment to EeroQ’s growth. - **Revenue Status**: EeroQ is pre-revenue, as its technology remains in the development stage with no commercial products or contracts announced for quantum computing services as of the latest data. Financial transparency is limited due to EeroQ’s private status, and further details on valuation or cap tables are accessible only through proprietary platforms like PitchBook, which are not fully cited here. ### Recent News and Developments | Date | Event | Details | |---------------|--------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Dec 22, 2025 | Strategic Investment by SEALSQ | SEALSQ backs EeroQ with a USD $35 million plan to support “Quantum Made in USA” initiatives focusing on helium-based chips. [SecurityBrief](https://securitybrief.co.uk/story/sealsq-backs-eeroq-in-push-for-quantum-made-in-usa) | | Oct 3, 2025 | Breakthrough Research Publication | EeroQ publishes significant quantum computing results in Physical Review X, advancing electron-on-helium technology. [PRNewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eeroq-publishes-breakthrough-quantum-computing-results-in-physical-review-x-302574813.html) | | Sep 23, 2025 | Recognition in Quantum Industry List | EeroQ listed among top quantum computing companies driving innovation in 2025 by The Quantum Insider. [TheQuantumInsider](https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/09/23/top-quantum-computing-companies/) | | Apr 15, 2025 | Feature by MSU Innovation Center | EeroQ highlighted for its quantum chip design and potential impact across fields, tied to Michigan State University collaboration. [MSU Innovation Center](https://innovationcenter.msu.edu/eeroq-advancing-quantum-computing/) | | Jan, 2025 | Illinois Investment Announcement | Governor JB Pritzker announces EeroQ’s $1.1 million investment in Chicago headquarters, supported by EDGE and INVENT programs. [Illinois DCEO](https://dceo.illinois.gov/news/press-release.30463.html) | ### Partnerships and Collaborations - **SEALSQ Corp**: Announced on December 22, 2025, this strategic investment partnership focuses on advancing U.S.-based quantum chip design with a “Quantum Made in USA” initiative. The collaboration provides financial backing and aligns with SEALSQ’s expertise in post-quantum cryptography, enhancing EeroQ’s market positioning. - **Michigan State University (MSU)**: EeroQ collaborates with MSU, leveraging academic research expertise, particularly through Johannes Pollanen, to develop its electron-on-helium technology. This partnership provides scientific validation and access to research facilities. - **Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)**: Through state programs like EDGE for Startups and INVENT, Illinois supports EeroQ’s headquarters in Chicago’s Humboldt Park, offering financial incentives and fostering regional quantum innovation ecosystems. These partnerships highlight EeroQ’s strategy of combining academic, governmental, and private sector support to accelerate technology development. ### New Hampshire Relevance EeroQ’s quantum computing technology has potential relevance to [[New Hampshire]], though no direct connections or expressed interest in the state are documented in public sources. Assessing its fit: - **Proximity to Infrastructure**: New Hampshire’s energy infrastructure, including [[Seabrook Station]] and the ISO-NE grid, could theoretically benefit from quantum computing applications in grid optimization and cybersecurity. However, EeroQ’s technology is not directly tied to energy production but rather to computational advancements that could indirectly support utilities or data centers in the region. - **Technology Readiness**: EeroQ’s technology is in the R&D phase, far from commercial deployment, making it unlikely to align with near-term NH deployment timelines for energy or compute infrastructure needs. - **Legislative Alignment**: New Hampshire’s legislative initiatives like HB 710 (focused on SMRs and nuclear energy) do not directly pertain to quantum computing. However, broader state interest in technology innovation and data center growth could create future opportunities for quantum applications. - **Potential Applications**: Quantum computing could support NH’s grid power optimization, data center computational needs, and industrial applications requiring complex simulations, though these are speculative given EeroQ’s early stage. - **NH Connections**: No specific ties to New Hampshire or the Northeast U.S. are evident in current data, though EeroQ’s Chicago base and U.S.-focused initiatives suggest potential for broader regional engagement. EeroQ’s relevance to NH remains speculative and long-term, contingent on technology maturation and state-level interest in quantum solutions. ### Competitive Position EeroQ operates in a competitive quantum computing landscape with distinct approaches to qubit technology. Compared to key competitors: - **[[IonQ]]**: A publicly traded company with advanced trapped ion quantum systems, [[IonQ]] has secured significant government contracts (e.g., $54.5M with the U.S. Air Force) and partnerships across the U.S. and internationally. EeroQ’s electron-on-helium approach offers a novel alternative but lacks IonQ’s commercial traction and funding scale. - **[[QuEra Computing]]**: Focused on neutral atom qubits, QuEra recently raised $230M in a round led by Google and SoftBank. While QuEra emphasizes scalability, EeroQ’s unique helium-based design may provide advantages in error correction, though it trails in market readiness. - **[[IBM]] Quantum**: A leader with superconducting qubit systems, [[IBM]] has operational quantum computers accessible via cloud platforms. EeroQ’s early-stage status and niche technology contrast with IBM’s established presence, posing a risk of being outpaced by larger players. EeroQ’s unique technology offers a potential differentiator, but its pre-commercial stage and limited funding compared to competitors present challenges in gaining market share. ### Closing Note EeroQ is an early-stage quantum computing innovator with promising electron-on-helium technology, poised for growth through strategic investments and partnerships, though its path to commercialization remains uncertain. *Report generated December 24, 2025*