Sparrow Quantum is a core industrial partner in the P4Q consortium and lead for the ‘Quantum Computing Using Photons’ pillar, focusing on enabling quantum computing by utilizing its deterministic single-photon source. Through P4Q, Sparrow Quantum is helping turn Europe’s world-leading quantum photonics research into scalable, industrial manufacturable quantum computers—bringing deterministic quantum light sources from the lab to the fab.
As the global race for quantum technology accelerates, Europe wants to strengthen its knowledge and manufacturing capacity. It is precisely at the intersection of photonics and quantum that a strategic opportunity lies. P4Q therefore focuses on standards and production techniques that are needed to make quantum chips work properly not just once, but time and time again. That is a crucial step from research to application.
In practice, these are very tangible improvements. Less loss of light in chips and glass fibers. Components that remain stable at extremely low temperatures. And photonic circuits that are suitable for integration into larger systems, such as quantum computers, sensors or secure communication networks.
Imagine sensors that can detect minute traces of contamination in water pipes. Or a compact device in a hospital lab that measures extremely weak signals, with a precision that classic technology does not—and cannot—achieve. Such applications require reliable photonic chips that work not only inside the lab but outside it.
Photonic chips also play a role in quantum computers and in ultra-secure quantum communication, for example through the exchange of entangled photons. It sounds futuristic. But Sparrow Quantum, together with the P4Q consortium, is working on the crucial step needed to make these types of technologies real and useful for companies and research facilities.
Peter Lodahl, Founder & Chief Quantum Officer of Sparrow Quantum, commented: “Quantum technologies will only scale if their most critical components can be manufactured with precision and reliability. Through P4Q, we are taking deterministic single-photon sources from cutting-edge research into a robust, foundry-compatible production environment—without compromising quantum performance. This is how quantum photonics will move from the lab to real-world deployment.”
P4Q brings together 29 partners, comprised of universities, research and technology organizations (RTOs), and industrial foundries. Within the project, Process Design Kits and Assembly Design Kits are being developed, among other things, so that design and production are better aligned. Various photonic platforms are also receiving attention, such as gallium arsenide (GaAs), silicon nitride (SiN), thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN), and alumina (AlOx).
An important part is scaling up testing and production facilities. This increases quality and at the same time lowers the threshold for start-ups and smaller companies to get started with quantum photonics. Europe is investing €25M into this project, with a matched investment of €25M from national governments in 12 European countries.
The project is organized into eight work packages spanning five pillars. Sparrow Quantum has been selected as the pillar lead for the ‘Quantum Computing Using Photons’ pillar and will also be leading on two work packages within the pillar.
Kurt Stokbro, CEO of Sparrow Quantum, commented: “P4Q is a major milestone in turning quantum photonics into an industrial technology. At Sparrow Quantum, we are focused on building reliable, scalable quantum hardware, and this pilot line gives us a direct pathway from advanced research to manufacturing readiness. By industrializing deterministic quantum light sources in Europe, we are strengthening both the European quantum ecosystem and its long-term technological sovereignty.”
P4Q will focus on technologies that will grow into TRL (Technology Readiness Level) 8 and MRL (Manufacturing Readiness Level) 8, meaning they are ready for large-scale demonstration and further industrialization.
Founder & Chief Quantum Officer of Sparrow Quantum, Peter Lodahl, is part of the Executive Board of P4Q, along with a representative from UTwente, IMEC, Thales, and New Origin. They are responsible for the alignment of project activities and ensuring technical progress as well as collaborating and aligning with six other European pilot lines to promote co-development.
Partners in this project are: AIT, Aluvia, AMIRES, AQT, C2N, CEA-Leti, Delft Networks, ICFO, IMEC, IMS CHIPS, Leonardo, Ligentec, LioniX Internationaal, New Origin, PlanQC GmbH, Q*bird, QphoX, QuiX Quantum, Sintef, Sparrow Quantum, Thales Alenia Space, Thales R&T, TNO, TU Delft, TU Eindhoven, Tyndall National Institute, University of Twente (coordinator), VTT, Quandela
