Duality Quantum Accelerator Accepts Four Startups Into Latest Cohort

Insider Brief

• Duality quantum accelerator has accepted its latest cohort of four startups.
• The startups are developing solutions for a secure quantum internet, enabling the manufacture of products in microgravity, and accelerating the adoption of quantum computing and photonics.
• Chicago-based Duality is aimed at supporting next-generation startups focused on quantum science and technology.

The Chicago-based Duality quantum accelerator has accepted its latest cohort of four startups, which are developing solutions for a secure quantum internet, enabling the manufacture of products in microgravity, and accelerating the adoption of quantum computing and photonics.

Duality is led by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago and the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE), along with founding partners, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Argonne National Laboratory, and P33.

Launched in April 2021, Duality is a first-of-its-kind accelerator aimed at supporting next-generation startups focused on quantum science and technology. The 12-month program provides world-class business and entrepreneurship training from its partner institutions and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

“It’s delightful to see our collective vision for Duality continue to thrive and impact the quantum ecosystem with such phenomenal momentum since we launched,” said Duality Director Ezunial (Eze) Burts III. “We are excited to welcome four startups into the third cohort of Duality, and galvanize our powerful ecosystem to equip these innovators with the resources needed to scale their businesses. Not only will they rapidly develop quantum technology to tackle real-world problems, they will also create jobs and high-performing teams that will generate economic impact across the city of Chicago, the broader region, and across the globe.”

Duality Cohort 3

Icarus Quantum (Boulder, Colorado) is developing scalable solutions for a secure quantum internet. Its disruptive technology can generate quantum light reliably and efficiently, in contrast to other generators in the market that work only a fraction of the time and limit the reach of quantum networks.

Ingenii (New York, New York) is on a mission to accelerate the adoption of quantum computing within high-impact life and environmental science use cases. It is doing this by bringing together quantum algorithm content with consumers in a ready-to-use format with benchmarking and error mitigation, enhanced with automation and AI.

Ki3 Photonics (Montreal, Canada) is developing photonics hardware for the generation and processing of broadband quantum signals. Its offering solves the problem of scalability, energy consumption, and distribution efficiency of quantum photonics signals over optical fiber networks.

reOrbital (Hermosa Beach, California) is using a logistical innovation to be the first company to mass produce products in microgravity at scale. By unlocking microgravity manufacturing, reOrbital enables improvements in optics, nanomaterials, and semiconductors, accelerating the growth of quantum.

“The incredible range of technologies and startups coming through Duality reflects the quantum-state-of-the-art and is a testament to our ecosystem, which not only attracts talented innovators but, in turn, is strengthened by them. We are proud of the vision and efforts behind Duality, and we look forward to working closely with the new cohort to advance their technologies and businesses,” said Preeti Chalsani, deputy director of Duality and director of industry partnerships at the Chicago Quantum Exchange.

The selected ventures were chosen from a competitive pool of applicants from across the globe, vetted by an internal review process, and approved by Duality’s Governing Board.

“From fundamental advances to novel quantum algorithms and state-of-the-art equipment for the fabrication of quantum materials and devices, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has long been a leader in quantum research. We’re also developing the quantum-ready workforce that will drive the quantum information and computing revolution, and deliver on our promise to address the world’s most complex and pressing issues,” said Susan Martinis, vice chancellor for research and innovation at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and vice chair of the Duality Governing Board. “Duality similarly brings together the people, the resources, and the know-how to accelerate the pace of quantum innovation, and it is exciting to see this momentum in action.”

Through Duality, each startup will receive $50,000 in unrestricted funding and mentorship from top quantum experts. Selected startups will have the opportunity to explore partnerships and access some of the region’s state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for advanced computing, nanofabrication, atomic-scale measurement, quantum testbeds, and other premier resources.

“Duality is the cornerstone of Chicago’s commitment to propelling quantum to new heights, pairing the most cutting-edge, business-minded scientists with the ecosystem’s unique resources, infrastructure, and people,” said Brad Henderson, CEO at P33. “We are excited for this new cohort of founders and the deep roots they will set in Chicago as they pioneer the next tech revolution.”