SkyWater Technology has launched OnRamp, a foundry initiative designed to help early-stage quantum hardware startups move from laboratory prototypes to commercial manufacturing. Selected teams work with SkyWater fab engineers to assess device concepts, develop a foundry-validated manufacturing roadmap and gain access to the SP90 200 mm silicon nitride photonics platform.
The company says engaging with commercial foundries typically requires startups to follow strict design rules and commit to high volumes up front. Through OnRamp, SkyWater engineers evaluate each team’s designs, materials and packaging needs. Startups receive a manufacturing roadmap to support fundraising and prepare for commercial production, while retaining full ownership of their design and process intellectual property.
SkyWater says SP90 supports trapped ion, neutral atom, photonic quantum computing, quantum networking, quantum sensing and advanced classical photonics; wavelengths from 400 to 2000+ nm; and integration of III-V lasers, superconducting single-photon detectors, thin-film lithium niobate frequency converters, diamond memory and cryogenically compatible optical packaging.
SkyWater said it has worked with quantum and photonics innovators for more than a decade and has shipped quantum wafers for customers pursuing advanced sensing, networking and computing applications. Mihir Bhaskar, SVP & GM, Quantum Solutions, SkyWater, said: “Many early-stage quantum companies have breakthrough technologies but limited access to the resources needed to work with foundries. OnRamp gives founders direct access to the expertise, infrastructure, and guidance needed to make informed decisions earlier and advance from lab to fab with confidence. By engaging with companies at the earliest stages of development, we can help them evaluate manufacturability sooner and accelerate their pathway to scale.”
Selected OnRamp companies receive no-cost access to SkyWater engineering resources to scope their foundry roadmap and early access to prototypes on the SP90 platform. Teams can learn more and apply at https://www.skywatertechnology.com/skywater-technology-launches-onramp-to-support-the-next-generation-of-quantum-innovators/.
