Quantum Motion and the Bet on Silicon Quantum Computers

What Quantum Motion builds

Quantum Motion is developing a silicon‑based quantum computing architecture that uses quantum bits (qubits) formed from electrons in silicon transistors. These devices are built using techniques closely related to the CMOS semiconductor manufacturing processes used in modern chips.

Unlike many quantum hardware approaches that rely on exotic materials or specialized fabrication methods, silicon‑based qubits aim to run on existing semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure. That compatibility could make large‑scale quantum systems easier to produce and integrate with conventional computing technologies.

The company is pursuing a full‑stack approach, meaning it is developing not only the quantum processor itself but also the surrounding control systems, architecture, and software needed to operate practical machines.

The founders and origins

Quantum Motion was founded in 2017 by Professor John Morton and Professor Simon Benjamin, researchers affiliated with Oxford University and UCL.

Their work builds on years of academic research into silicon spin qubits, a promising route toward scalable quantum processors because the devices can be fabricated with technology already widely used in the semiconductor industry.

Why silicon could change quantum computing

Quantum computers today are typically large, complex systems built with specialized technologies such as superconducting circuits or trapped ions. These approaches work but can be difficult to scale and manufacture.

Quantum Motion argues that silicon‑based qubits offer a path to mass manufacturing, because they can use fabrication processes already perfected by the global chip industry.

According to the company, its silicon transistor architecture could enable:

• Around 100× reductions in cost and physical footprint compared with some competing hardware approaches
• Up to 1,000× lower energy consumption, according to company claims tied to its architecture design
• Quantum processors that can potentially fit into standard data‑center racks, rather than requiring large experimental setups

If those improvements prove achievable at scale, quantum computers could become far more practical for real‑world deployment.

Inside the $160M Series C funding round

Quantum Motion’s $160 million Series C was co‑led by venture firm DCVC and deep‑tech investor Kembara.

Other participants included:

• British Business Bank (which reportedly made a £40 million anchor investment)
• Firgun
• Existing investors such as Oxford Science Enterprises, Inkef, Bosch Ventures, and others

Following the round, the company said it had raised more than $200 million in total funding, strengthening its position in the global race to build scalable quantum hardware.

What the new funding will support

The Series C funding is intended to push the company toward commercial deployment of its silicon quantum technology.

Key priorities include:

• Advancing research and development of its silicon qubit architecture
• Scaling manufacturing approaches compatible with semiconductor fabrication
• Building systems that can operate in standard data‑center environments
• Expanding commercialization efforts for future quantum computing platforms

The company has described this transition as quantum computing’s potential “transistor moment”—a shift from laboratory‑scale prototypes toward manufacturable quantum processors built using transistor technology.

Why the funding matters for the quantum industry

Quantum computing is still an emerging field, and many hardware approaches are competing to become the dominant platform. Silicon‑based qubits are attractive because they promise scalability through conventional chip manufacturing, but proving that advantage remains an active engineering challenge.

Quantum Motion’s funding round signals growing investor confidence in this approach. By combining academic research roots with semiconductor manufacturing techniques, the company is attempting to bridge the gap between experimental quantum devices and industrial‑scale quantum computers.

If the silicon strategy succeeds, it could make quantum computing systems smaller, cheaper, and easier to deploy—bringing them closer to mainstream computing infrastructure.