How ZuriQ, an ETH Zürich Spin-Out, is Scaling New Groundbreaking 2D Quantum Architecture

ZuriQ, a Swiss quantum computing company spun out of ETH Zürich, led by Dr. Pavel Hrmo, Dr. Shreyans Jain, and Dr. Tobias Sägesser, has raised $25.5 million in seed funding to scale its trapped-ion quantum processors. The round builds on the company’s $4.2 million pre-seed round in 2025 and is led by Quantonation, with participation from Forward.one, Extantia, Firgun Ventures, and all previous round investors. 

The new funding will help ZuriQ expand its team, accelerate research and development, and scale its quantum computing architecture to support a significantly larger number of qubits.

Unlike conventional trapped-ion quantum computers that arrange ions in one-dimensional chains, ZuriQ has developed a native two-dimensional architecture using Penning micro-traps. By relying on static magnetic fields instead of rapidly oscillating electric fields, the design enables ions to move freely in multiple directions without the complex junctions required by traditional systems, simplifying reconfiguration and improving scalability.

ZuriQ’s two-dimensional architecture offers a major scalability advantage by allowing quantum processors to grow with chip area rather than only in a linear chain. The ability to move ions freely in three dimensions also enables more flexible connectivity, addressing one of the biggest challenges in building practical, large-scale quantum computers.

ZuriQ has validated its two-dimensional quantum architecture with a working demonstrator developed in just 18 months. Built with researchers at ETH Zürich, the system features a 3×3 array of nine individually controlled ions, the largest demonstrated two-dimensional ion array to date. The chips were manufactured with Infineon using established industry processes, demonstrating the potential for scalable production.

With its architecture and manufacturing process validated, ZuriQ is now focused on scaling its technology toward commercially useful quantum systems. The company has grown from four to eighteen employees, adding talent from leading quantum and photonics organizations. The new funding will support hiring, expanded research, and larger-scale chip fabrication, with the goal of enabling hundreds of qubits on a single chip.

Investors believe the quantum computing race remains open, with major breakthroughs still possible at the architecture level. ZuriQ’s two-dimensional trapped-ion approach is seen as a significant advancement, giving qubits greater freedom of movement and connectivity while attracting leading talent to build scalable quantum systems.

ZuriQ believes its two-dimensional architecture provides a more scalable path for trapped-ion quantum computing than legacy designs built around one-dimensional systems. The new funding will help the company expand its team, accelerate research, and move from technical validation toward commercial quantum applications.

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