A century after quantum mechanics revolutionised physics, one of its most transformative applications - the quantum computer - is edging closer to reality. Among the global race of companies pursuing this technology, French startup Quandela is taking a distinctive approach from its headquarters in Massy, just outside Paris.
The company has already built two quantum computers that use photons - particles of light, to encode and process information, setting it apart from competitors relying on other quantum computing architectures.
Established in 2017 as a spin-off from France's National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the University of Paris-Saclay, Quandela represents a new generation of European quantum technology ventures translating academic research into commercial systems.
RFI English's Dhananjay Khadilkar recently visited Quandela's facility to speak with the company's chief operating officer, Valérian Giesz, about the firm's progress in making quantum computing a practical reality.
