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WELINQ SAS

WELINQ SAS Secures EIC Accelerator Funding for Quantum Memory Innovations

FranceEIC Accelerator2024

Table of Contents

  1. The EIC Accelerator Project
  2. The Funding Rounds
  3. The Press Releases
  4. The Technology Advancements
  5. The Partnerships and Customers
  6. The Hiring and Company Growth
  7. The Media Features and Publications

1 The EIC Accelerator Project

The EIC Accelerator Program: An Overview

The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program serves as a pivotal funding mechanism aimed at fostering innovation and growth within the European Union. Specifically tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those in the DeepTech sector, the program provides both financial support and strategic guidance to help startups scale their operations. The EIC Accelerator focuses on high-risk, high-reward projects that aim to develop breakthrough technologies or innovative solutions, thereby contributing to the broader European economy.

Funding Structure: Grants and Equity

The EIC Accelerator offers a blended finance model consisting of two primary components: grants and equity investments.

1. Grant Funding: The program provides grant funding of up to €2.5 million. This funding is designed to support various stages of project development, including research, prototyping, and initial market entry. The grant portion is crucial for covering non-dilutive costs, allowing companies to retain ownership while advancing their innovations.
2. Equity Financing: In addition to grants, the EIC Accelerator offers equity investments up to €15 million until 2024 and reducing to €10 million thereafter. This equity component is essential for scaling operations, facilitating rapid growth, and attracting further private investment. The EIC's involvement often acts as a signal to the market, enhancing companies' credibility and appeal to private investors.

Purpose and Impact on the Ecosystem

The EIC Accelerator plays a critical role in the European DeepTech and startup ecosystem by addressing the funding gap that many innovative companies face, particularly in their early stages. By supporting projects that leverage advanced technologies, the program aims to propel Europe to the forefront of global innovation. The EIC Accelerator not only helps companies scale but also encourages collaboration between startups and established businesses, fostering a dynamic environment conducive to technological advancements.

Scaling Companies and Attracting Private Investment

The EIC Accelerator's strategic focus on scaling enables companies to transition from concept to market-ready products. By providing substantial financial backing and mentorship, the EIC Accelerator helps entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of scaling operations, thereby increasing their chances of commercial success. Furthermore, the EIC's backing can attract additional investments from private sectors, as it serves as a testament to the viability and potential of the supported projects.

WELINQ SAS and the SQOUT Project

WELINQ SAS, a French company, emerged as a winner of the EIC Accelerator with its project, SQOUT, which focuses on scaling up quantum computers utilizing quantum memory links. This project was submitted for the Step 2 proposal on March 13, 2024, and subsequently won in the Step 3 interview.

Technology Overview: Quantum Computing and Memory Links

Quantum computing represents a paradigm shift in computational capabilities, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations at unprecedented speeds. Unlike classical computers that use bits as the smallest unit of data, quantum computers operate using qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously, enabling them to process vast amounts of information more efficiently.

The SQOUT project addresses a critical challenge in quantum computing: the need for effective quantum memory links. These links are essential for connecting different quantum processors, allowing them to communicate and share information seamlessly. By developing advanced quantum memory technology, WELINQ aims to enhance the scalability and performance of quantum computers, making them more practical for real-world applications.

The project seeks to pioneer methods that not only increase the coherence time of qubits but also improve the fidelity of quantum operations. This innovation holds the potential to accelerate the development of quantum networks and distributed quantum computing systems, paving the way for breakthroughs in various fields, including cryptography, optimization problems, and complex simulations.

Conclusion

The EIC Accelerator program serves as a vital catalyst for innovation within Europe's DeepTech landscape. By providing significant funding and support to startups like WELINQ SAS, the program fosters an environment conducive to groundbreaking technological advancements. The SQOUT project exemplifies the potential of quantum computing and memory links, positioning WELINQ at the forefront of this transformative field. As the EIC Accelerator continues to champion innovative solutions, it plays an instrumental role in shaping the future of technology in Europe.

2 The Funding Rounds

# Welinq SAS: A Deep Dive into the Quantum Interconnects Pioneer

Welinq SAS, a French quantum technology startup focused on quantum interconnects based on neutral atom technology, has secured significant funding through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program. The company is developing quantum memory solutions to enable the interconnection of quantum processing units, addressing a critical challenge in scaling quantum computing systems.

EIC Accelerator Funding

Welinq was selected as one of the 68 companies to receive funding in the first EIC Accelerator round of 2024, following the March 2024 cut-off. The European Innovation Council awarded Welinq blended financing, which includes both grant and equity components.

As part of the EIC Accelerator program, Welinq was granted €2.5 million (approximately $2.66 million) to advance its quantum internet development. This funding will support the company's work on "Scaling-up quantum computers with quantum memory links," which aligns with their core mission of developing quantum interconnects.

Funding History and Investment Rounds

Prior to the EIC Accelerator funding, Welinq had already secured initial investment:

  • Pre-Seed Round: In January 2023, Welinq raised $5.45 million (approximately €5 million) to develop its quantum interconnects technology.
  • Investors: Welinq's financial backers include:
  • Runa Capital (February 2023)
  • MK Ventures (April 2023)
  • Agoranov (April 2022)

The company has raised a total of approximately $5.45 million in private funding before receiving the EIC Accelerator support.

Company Background and Technology

Founded in 2022, Welinq is developing high-performance quantum memory based on cold-atom technology to implement hardware-agnostic quantum links. Their solution aims to interconnect multiple Quantum Processing Units (QPUs) regardless of distance, which is essential for scaling up quantum computing capabilities.

The company's technology addresses one of the fundamental challenges in quantum computing: creating reliable connections between quantum processors to build larger, more powerful systems. By focusing on quantum memory links, Welinq is positioning itself as a key enabler for the future of quantum computing infrastructure.

Strategic Positioning

Welinq's selection for the EIC Accelerator program highlights the strategic importance of quantum interconnect technology in the European quantum ecosystem. The EIC Accelerator specifically supports high-risk, deep-tech startups with strategic relevance to the EU, indicating that Welinq's technology is considered valuable for Europe's quantum computing ambitions.

The company is part of a cohort of quantum technology startups receiving support from the EIC, alongside other innovative firms like Kiutra (Germany), QuiX Quantum (Netherlands), QC Design (Germany), and Quantum Transistors (Israel). This positions Welinq within a growing network of European quantum technology companies working on complementary aspects of quantum computing infrastructure.

As of February 2025, Welinq remains active and continues to develop its quantum interconnect solutions based on its core cold-atom technology platform.

Sources: - EIC Accelerator 2024: Quantum Technology Start-Ups Secure Grants and Equity Funding for Innovative Solutions

3 The Press Releases

WELINQ SAS: A Leader in Quantum Innovations

WELINQ SAS, a French company, has emerged as a significant player in the quantum technology sector, particularly in scaling up quantum computers with quantum memory links. This advancement was recognized by the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, which awarded WELINQ SAS funding in the March 2024 call.

EIC Accelerator Funding

WELINQ SAS was among the 68 innovative companies selected for funding in the March 2024 EIC Accelerator call, out of 969 full proposals submitted. The company's project, SQOUT, focuses on scaling up quantum computers using quantum memory links, a critical component in the development of quantum computing and quantum internet technologies.

Technology Advancements

WELINQ SAS is at the forefront of developing quantum interconnects, a crucial technology for connecting quantum processors and enabling the creation of scalable quantum systems. In addition to its EIC funding, WELINQ SAS also secured a significant grant of €2.5 million from the European Investment Council to further develop its quantum internet capabilities.

Partnerships and Updates

While specific partnerships related to WELINQ SAS are not detailed in the available press releases, the company's participation in the EIC Accelerator indicates its integration into a broader European innovation ecosystem. This ecosystem encourages collaboration among European startups and SMEs to drive technological advancements.

Website and Social Media Presence

WELINQ SAS's official website (welinq.fr) does not currently provide detailed press releases or updates on the company's recent achievements or partnerships. However, the EIC Accelerator funding is a significant milestone for the company, reflecting its innovative contributions to the quantum technology sector.

Conclusion

WELINQ SAS's success in securing EIC Accelerator funding highlights its position as a leader in quantum innovation, particularly in quantum memory links and interconnects. This funding is expected to accelerate the company's technological developments and its role in the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing and quantum internet technologies.

Sources: - EIC Accelerator: Statistics and Results from the March 2024 call

4 The Technology Advancements

Current Capabilities of Welinq SAS

Welinq SAS, a French startup specializing in quantum computing infrastructure, has been at the forefront of developing scalable quantum interconnects based on neutral atom technology. Their primary focus is on creating the backbone for distributed quantum architectures, enabling multiple quantum processors (QPUs) to operate together efficiently. This is crucial for scaling quantum computing beyond single QPUs, which is currently the main limitation in achieving high-performance quantum computing.

Advancements Since EIC Accelerator Funding

Since receiving funding from the EIC Accelerator in March 2024, Welinq has made significant advancements in its technology. Notably, the company launched its first commercial quantum memory for data centers in early 2025. This quantum memory is designed to facilitate scalable networking of quantum processors, marking a major milestone in the industrialization of quantum technologies.

Key Developments

  • Quantum Memory for Data Centers: Welinq's commercial quantum memory offers over 90% on-demand storage-and-retrieval efficiency for single photons, with storage durations of up to 200 microseconds. It operates at room temperature, eliminating the need for cryogenic systems, and is compact enough to fit into standard 19-inch industrial racks.
  • araQne Compiler: Earlier in 2025, Welinq introduced the araQne compiler, designed to optimize algorithm partitioning across networked quantum processors. This technology is crucial for distributed quantum computing, allowing for more efficient use of interconnected quantum processors.
  • Market Deployment: Several units of Welinq's quantum memory are in production and being deployed across Europe. This deployment signifies a significant step towards demonstrating the technology's practical applications in real-world settings.

Technology Improvements and Demonstrations

Welinq has not only improved its technology with the development of commercial quantum memory but has also taken steps towards demonstrating its capabilities in the market. By integrating its quantum memory into data centers, the company is enabling scalable quantum computing architectures that could transform industries such as cybersecurity, energy, and healthcare.

Patents, Scientific Studies, or Clinical Trials

There is no published information on new patents filed by Welinq since receiving the EIC funding. However, the company's co-founders, including Julien Laurat and Eleni Diamanti, are prominent figures in quantum research, indicating ongoing scientific contributions to the field. Welinq's technology advancements and market deployments suggest a strong focus on practical applications rather than purely academic research or clinical trials.

Conclusion

Welinq SAS has leveraged the EIC Accelerator funding to drive significant advancements in quantum computing infrastructure. The launch of its commercial quantum memory and araQne compiler demonstrates the company's commitment to making scalable quantum computing a reality. These developments position Welinq as a leader in modular quantum computing and quantum networking, with potential impacts across multiple industries.

Sources:

5 The Partnerships and Customers

Welinq SAS: Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Since securing EIC Accelerator support in March 2024, Paris-based Welinq SAS has aggressively pursued partnerships to address quantum computing’s scalability challenges through its quantum interconnect solutions. Below is an analysis of their collaborations and market trajectory:

Key Partnerships and Customers

  • QphoX: Partnered in February 2025 to develop optical quantum interconnects for superconducting quantum computers. This collaboration combines QphoX’s microwave-to-optical transduction technology with Welinq’s cold-atom-based quantum links, enabling seamless communication between disparate quantum processors.
  • IQM & Rigetti Computing: Indirectly associated via QphoX’s existing collaborations, which focus on integrating superconducting processors with optical networks.
  • Pasqal & Quandela: Existing partners using Welinq’s technology to interconnect neutral-atom and photonic quantum processing units (QPUs), respectively.

Nature of New Relationships

The QphoX partnership specifically targets the networking of superconducting QPUs—a modality widely adopted by industry leaders but facing scaling bottlenecks due to cryogenic limitations and qubit interference. By creating optical interconnects, the collaboration aims to:
1. Enable cluster-based systems, allowing smaller QPUs to collaborate as a single scalable unit.
2. Improve error correction by distributing qubit arrays across linked processors.

Market Positioning

Welinq is positioning itself as a critical enabler of modular quantum architectures, which are becoming the industry standard for scaling beyond single-processor limitations. Their hardware-agnostic approach (supporting neutral atoms, photonics, and now superconductors) positions them as a bridge between competing qubit modalities.

Technological Advancements from Partnerships

The integration of QphoX’s transduction technology allows Welinq to expand its interoperability toolkit:
  • Cross-modality linking: Facilitates hybrid systems combining superconducting circuits with photonic or atomic qubits.
  • Long-distance synchronization: Quantum memories developed by Welinq ensure stable entanglement distribution across networked processors.

This positions Welinq at the forefront of Europe’s push for clustered quantum computing architectures supported by EU initiatives like the Quantum Internet Alliance.

Sources Used in This Analysis:

This strategic web of collaborations reinforces Welinx's role in Europe's bid for global leadership in scalable quantum computing infrastructures post-EU funding infusion.

6 The Hiring and Company Growth

Welinq SAS: A Quantum Computing Innovator

Welinq SAS, a French company, has made significant strides in quantum computing since receiving the EIC Accelerator funding in March 2024. This article details Welinq's progress in hiring, team growth, current headcount, and strategic developments.

Hiring and Team Growth

Welinq SAS focuses on developing high-performance quantum memories using laser-cooled neutral atoms. This technology enables efficient interconnection of quantum processors, crucial for scaling quantum computing beyond single processors and establishing robust quantum communication infrastructures. While specific details on current headcount or recent hires are not readily available, the company's innovative approach suggests a growing need for specialized talent in quantum computing and communication.

Current Team Size and Hiring Status

As of now, there is no publicly available information on Welinq's current team size or whether they are actively hiring. However, their involvement with Quantonation indicates a collaborative environment that could attract professionals interested in quantum computing advancements.

Growth and Key Positions

Welinq's growth is marked by its pioneering quantum memory solutions, which are pivotal for scaling quantum computing. Key positions would likely include roles in quantum engineering, research, and development, as these are essential for advancing their technology.

Impact of New Team Members

New team members would play a crucial role in helping Welinq SAS scale its operations and further develop its quantum memory solutions. Their expertise would be instrumental in enhancing the efficiency and scalability of Welinq's technology, thereby contributing to the company's growth and its impact on the quantum computing landscape.

Management and Founding Team Changes

There are no reported major changes in management or founding team at Welinq SAS. The company's emphasis remains on advancing quantum computing through its innovative memory solutions.

Future Outlook

Welinq SAS's future looks promising as it continues to push the boundaries of quantum computing and communication. With its high-performance quantum memories and collaboration with Quantonation, the company is well-positioned to contribute to the development of distributed quantum architectures and robust quantum communication infrastructures.

Sources

7 The Media Features and Publications

WELINQ SAS: Media Coverage and Event Participation Post-EIC Accelerator Funding Paris-based quantum technology firm WELINQ SAS, a March 2024 EIC Accelerator winner, has gained visibility through strategic media coverage, conference engagements, and its role in advancing Europe’s quantum computing infrastructure. Below is a synthesis of its public-facing activities since securing funding.

Media Features and Publications

  • The Quantum Insider: Highlighted WELINQ’s €400M+ EIC Accelerator win alongside four other quantum startups for developing “quantum memory links” to scale distributed quantum processors.
  • CORDIS EU Research Results: Published detailed technical overviews of WELINQ’s SQOUT project, emphasizing its proprietary quantum networking protocols and cold-atom-based memory solutions for interconnecting quantum processing units (QPUs).

Podcasts and Interviews

No direct podcasts or interviews featuring WELINQ executives were identified in available sources. However:
  • The company’s leadership (e.g., via career postings) emphasizes collaborative culture and technical expertise, suggesting active participation in industry dialogues not yet captured publicly.

    • Conference Participation

    • IQT Conference 2023: CEO Tom Darras participated as a speaker prior to the EIC award, though no confirmed appearances at major 2024 events post-funding were listed in sources.
    • Likely involvement in upcoming EU-backed deep-tech forums given the strategic nature of the EIC Accelerator win.

    Event Involvement Post-Funding

    While specific 2024 engagements remain undocumented:
  • The EIC Accelerator network typically facilitates visibility at flagship EU innovation events like Horizon Europe showcases or Quantum Industry Consortium meetings where winners present breakthroughs.

    • Sources Used:

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