Episode 39: The Race to Useful Large-Scale Quantum Computing with Matthijs Rijlaarsdam

In this episode of Sustainability Talks, our Managing Partner, Rob Genieser, sits down with Matthijs Rijlaarsdam, Co-Founder and CEO of QuantWare, the world’s largest independent commercial supplier of quantum processing units (QPUs) by volume and an ETF Partners portfolio company.

Matt co-founded QuantWare in 2021 as a spinout from QuTech at TU Delft, alongside CTO Alessandro Bruno. In just a few years, the company has become the world’s largest commercial supplier of quantum processing units by volume, having shipped to more than 50 customers across 20 countries, spanning quantum computing companies, national technology institutes and major global technology conglomerates.

QuantWare recently closed a €152 million ($178 million) Series B, the largest private round ever raised by a dedicated quantum processor company. We at ETF Partners were proud to join this round, and for us, this was an impact investment as much as a deep-tech one, a bet that scaling quantum hardware can accelerate breakthroughs in clean energy, materials and the natural sciences.

In this conversation, Rob and Matt explore the reality of quantum today. They discuss breaking the hardware bottleneck and how QuantWare’s proprietary VIO™ technology solves the scaling architecture trap, shrinking a chip that would otherwise be the size of Central Park into a dense, scalable format. They also examine specialisation versus vertical integration and explain why applying the economic laws of the traditional semiconductor industry to quantum is essential for driving down cost curves.

Furthermore, they evaluate the direct and indirect sustainability impacts, focusing on how quantum computing will drastically reduce the energy required per watt for massive data processing whilst simultaneously unlocking breakthroughs in clean fuels, batteries and the natural sciences. Finally, Matt shares lessons in deep-tech entrepreneurship, reflecting on the importance of aggressive ambition from day one and transitioning the industry towards commercial scale and industrial production.

Whether you are fascinated by the future of high-performance computing, deep-tech investment, or how next-generation technology will help us solve global environmental challenges, Matt’s insights on open architecture and supply chain economics are essential listening. Listen now to discover how QuantWare is helping accelerate the timeline to a more sustainable future.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Quantum Computing and Sustainability
03:09 Current State of Quantum Computing
06:22 The Breakthrough of Independent Quantum Processors
11:01 Challenges in Building Quantum Processing Units
13:56 The VIO™Technology and Its Impact
17:06 Business Models and Industry Scaling
19:10 Learning from Customers and Building Relationships
22:00 Quantum Computing’s Role in Environmental Challenges
25:32 Cost Efficiency and Future of Quantum Computing
29:08 Global Ambitions and Market Positioning
33:04 Lessons Learned and Future Outlook

About The Guest:

Matthijs co-founded QuantWare and has since grown it into the world’s leading quantum processor maker. He has a background in computer science and quantum information, with research experience in quantum simulation at QuTech.

As CEO, Matthijs drives QuantWare’s strategic direction and growth, bridging deep-tech innovation with real-world industrial scalability. He is also a member of the TechChampions. In his free time, he loves hiking in the mountains.

To follow Matthijs Rijlaarsdam on LinkedIn, click HERE.

Find out more about QuantWare HERE.