In part 1 of this series, I wrote about the progress being made in the field of quantum photonics (see below).
Quantum Photonics Progress
As of 2025, quantum photonics has emerged as a rapidly advancing field at the intersection of quantum mechanics and photonics, driving innovations in quantum computing, communication, and sensing. The state of quantum photonics this year reflects significant progress in both fundamental research and practical applications, bolstered by global investment…
But if you think quantum company leaders are all PhD’s with no business experience, you would be mistaken.
Consider Dr. Paul Terry, CEO of Photonic Inc.
Image source: Photonic Inc.
“During his career, Paul has founded or been a founding employee at six successful Canadian companies with a cumulative valuation of more than $10B. Past roles include CEO of PHEMI, CTO Canada of Cray Supercomputing (OctigaBay), CTO of Abatis (Ericsson), and Director of Strategy at Newbridge Networks (Alcatel). Paul holds a 1st Class Honors Degree in Physics/Engineering, and a PhD in Engineering from Liverpool University. He holds an MBA from Cranfield University.” - Photonic Website
I had the opportunity to interview Paul Terry and was busy scrambling to take down his many quotes as we spoke. Quotes such as:
“I’m interested in products with commercial relevance”
“Networking and computing collapse into repeaters”
“Between 400 and 2000 logical qubits promise to create viable quantum computers”
“High compute complexity and low input/output for quantum computers”
Dr. Terry’s view of quantum commercialization aligns closely with my own, and that of my organization, the Quantum Strategy Institute, in that these technologies must scale to be successful. Scale matters as he says. And Photonic Inc. is based on the foundation that scale can be achieved through networks, using a purpose-built qubit platform with natural telecom compatibility, leveraging existing mechanisms like silicon tech, and blurring the line between repeaters and quantum computers.
Entanglement First Architecture and Fault Tolerance
Photonic’s “Entanglement First™” architecture, which leverages optically linked silicon spin qubits for scalable, distributed quantum computing, can reach industrial scale. The high-connectivity approach enables modularity and the use of efficient QLDPC error correction codes.
“In an industry first, Photonic Inc. has introduced a new, low-overhead family of Quantum Low-Density Parity Check (QLDPC) codes that can efficiently perform both quantum computation and error correction, using materially fewer quantum bits (qubits) than traditional surface code approaches. This milestone work will accelerate the timeline to useful quantum computing.” - Photonic Inc. News Release
DARPA
Photonic Inc., the Canadian quantum computing company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, has a direct relationship with the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) through its selection for Stage A of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), announced on April 3, 2025. The QBI program aims to evaluate and validate approaches to utility-scale quantum computing, assessing whether they can achieve computational value exceeding costs by 2033. Photonic was chosen to demonstrate that its “Entanglement First™” architecture, which as noted above leverages optically linked silicon spin qubits for scalable, distributed quantum computing, can reach industrial scale. This selection involves Photonic working closely with DARPA’s test and evaluation team to outline a feasible concept for a utility-scale quantum computer, with potential funding of up to $316 million available as the program progresses through its stages. This collaboration underscores Photonic’s role in advancing quantum technologies with potential defense applications, aligning with DARPA’s mission to explore cutting-edge technologies for national priorities.
Microsoft
Microsoft plans to integrate Photonic’s quantum hardware into Azure Quantum Elements, providing scientists and developers access to Photonic’s technology for research and development. This integration aims to combine quantum computing with high-performance computing (HPC) and AI, enabling hybrid systems to address complex global challenges. Further, Microsoft participated in Photonic’s $100 million USD funding round in November 2023, alongside investors like British Columbia Investment Management Corporation, the UK’s National Security Strategic Investment Fund, Inovia Capital, and Amadeus Capital Partners. Photonic’s operations in Canada, the US, the UK, and Europe, combined with Microsoft’s global infrastructure, position the partnership to scale quantum technologies worldwide.
What’s Next?
Photonic Inc. is a prime example of an organization leveraging global relationships and demonstrating the power of innovation of how photons can be used not as the qubit, but as the means to communicate, in scaling quantum computers. In Part 3, I’ll explore other entities involved in the quantum photonics sector.
Brian Lenahan is founder and chair of the Quantum Strategy Institute, author of seven Amazon published books on quantum technologies and artificial intelligence and a Substack Top 100 Rising in Technology. Brian’s focus on the practical side of technology ensures you will get the guidance and inspiration you need to gain value from quantum now and into the future. Brian does not purport to be an expert in each field or subfield for which he provides science communication.
Brian’s books are available on Amazon. Quantum Strategy for Business course is available on the QURECA platform.
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