SPINnovate

NCCR SPIN Innovation Seed Grant

The SPINnovate Innovation Seed Grant is an exclusive initiative tailored to accelerate pioneering ideas stemming from your research within the NCCR SPIN or associated domains, driving their transformation into practical technology for quantum computing.

In its quest to bolster technological advancements and expedite the transition from groundbreaking research to commercial viability, NCCR SPIN initiated in 2023 a call for proposals offering up to CHF 75,000 in non-dilutive funding per project. This grant opportunity, marking a significant milestone during the 4th year of the NCCR, aimed to empower initiatives within NCCR SPIN institutions, focusing on spin-off endeavors. Eligible activities encompassed personnel recruitment, prototype development, and other spin-off-related ventures.

Eligibility

The call for proposals was exclusively extended to internal applicants of NCCR SPIN who had either established or were on the verge of founding a startup entity.

Selection Criteria for Success

Several key criteria were outlined to guide the selection process:

  1. Innovative Technology for Quantum Computing: Projects were encouraged to showcase pioneering solutions that challenged the current technological boundaries.

  2. Market Potential: Applicants were tasked with demonstrating how their technology addressed real-world challenges and exhibited the potential for significant societal and industrial impact.

  3. Strong Team: The assembly of a proficient and dedicated team was paramount, showcasing the expertise necessary to realize the envisioned technological transformation.

  4. Founding of Spin-off: If not already established in 2023, the spin-off entity was required to be founded before the conclusion of the project.

Contact Information

For inquiries or additional information, applicants were encouraged to reach out to Carmen Pietropaolo at carmen.pietropaolo@unibas.ch. The support and guidance offered aimed to facilitate the innovation journey of prospective applicants.

NCCR SPIN awards SPINnovate grants to trailblazing start-up projects

The grant committee was positively impressed with the quality of the applications and the potential of the projects presented in 2023. We rejoice in the realization that technological applications are already surfacing from the research carried out within the NCCR.

Two projects, in particular, distinguished themselves with their visionary approach, technological excellence, robust research, potential market impact, and clear implementation pathways. We are thrilled to announce the 2023 SPINnovate deserving awardees.

Quamplify

From left to right: Miguel José Carballido, Rafael Eggli, Tara Patlatiuk, the team behind Quamplify

In the field of quantum computing, scientists utilize specialized sensors to detect minuscule radio-frequency signals originating from qubits. These signals play a pivotal role in understanding the behavior of the qubits. In order to ensure precise measurements, the signals are conditioned and amplified at extremely low temperatures, positioned in close proximity to the qubits. This setup effectively diminishes unwanted background noise, thereby enhancing measurement accuracy.

The key component enabling this process is cryogenic amplifiers and other components designed to operate optimally in cold environments. However, current devices exhibit limitations with regards to their noise performance and resilience to magnetic fields, sparking considerable interest in exploring alternative solutions.

Quamplify’s mission is to develop cryogenic radio frequency electronic components utilizing quantum paraelectric perovskite materials as a core technology. These devices significantly enhance signal strength while maintaining minimal background noise levels. Moreover, they demonstrates resilience to external factors such as magnetic fields and extreme cold, offering a distinct advantage over traditional technologies. As such, Quamplify has the potential to revolutionize the landscape of quantum computing!

cryoProbe

From left to right: Richard Warburton , Andreas Kuhlmann,  Sascha Martin, the team behind cryoProbe

cryoProbe is designed for rapid and precise testing of solid-state quantum hardware, particularly semiconductor-based qubits, at very low temperatures.  Operating quantum devices at very low temperatures is essential for quantum computing and requires efficient testing at low temperatures to drive progress. cryoProbe makes this possible through a specialized cryogenic probe station designed to meet the unique demands of quantum hardware. A key advantage is the probe station’s compact dimensions, allowing it to fit into standard cryogenic magnet systems. This compatibility means it can be used with cryostats commonly found in research labs, significantly reducing the acquisition costs and making it a valuable tool for a wider range of users.