Singapore is positioning itself as a global leader in quantum computing hardware through a groundbreaking partnership between the National Quantum Federated Foundry (NQFF) and Qolab. Announced on February 23, 2026, during the NQFF Industry Day, this collaboration focuses on developing wafer-scale cryogenic low-pass filters essential for scaling superconducting quantum processors. These filters address a critical bottleneck in quantum systems by enabling denser qubit integration at ultra-low temperatures, paving the way for practical, large-scale quantum computers.
The agreement, witnessed by Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, highlights Singapore's semiconductor prowess and deep tech ecosystem. It unites NQFF's nanofabrication expertise with Qolab's systems knowledge, targeting deployment in quantum setups at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). This move not only advances hardware innovation but also strengthens ties between Singapore's universities and international quantum leaders.
The Role of Cryogenic Filters in Quantum Hardware
Superconducting qubits, the building blocks of many leading quantum computers, operate at millikelvin temperatures—near absolute zero—in dilution refrigerators to maintain quantum coherence. However, high-frequency noise from control lines can cause unwanted heating and decoherence, limiting qubit performance and scalability.
Cryogenic low-pass filters act as protective barriers, allowing low-frequency control signals (DC to a few GHz) while attenuating higher frequencies that introduce thermal noise. Traditional filters are bulky discrete components, consuming valuable space in already cramped cryostats and complicating wiring for thousands of qubits. The NQFF-Qolab solution shifts to wafer-level fabrication, akin to semiconductor chip production, for compact, integrated filters directly on qubit chips.
- Noise suppression: Blocks microwave signals >10 GHz, preserving qubit fidelity.
- Footprint reduction: Enables 10x denser wiring, critical for scaling to 1,000+ qubits.
- Manufacturability: Wafer-scale processes ensure high yield and uniformity.
This innovation tackles one of the primary engineering hurdles in superconducting quantum computing, where wiring density and thermal management are paramount.
Technical Breakdown: From Design to Deployment
The development process begins with nanofabrication at NQFF's federated cleanrooms. Engineers design filter circuits using thin-film superconductors and capacitors, patterned via lithography and etching—standard CMOS-like steps adapted for cryogenic operation.
- Design Phase: Simulate filter response for cutoff frequencies matching qubit control needs (typically 1-20 GHz passband).
- Fabrication: Deposit multi-layer structures on silicon wafers at facilities like A*STAR IME and NUS E6Nanofab.
- Characterization: Test at mK temperatures for insertion loss (<1 dB), attenuation (>40 dB at 10 GHz), and thermal conductivity.
- Integration: Bond filters to qubit chips, minimizing parasitics.
- System Test: Deploy in full quantum stacks, measuring qubit coherence times.
Qolab contributes control electronics expertise, optimizing for their fault-tolerant architectures. Initial prototypes aim for UCLA deployment, validating performance in real quantum systems.
| Parameter | Conventional Filter | Wafer-Scale Filter |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Bulky (cm-scale) | Chip-scale (mm²) |
| Integration | Discrete wiring | On-wafer |
| Scalability | Limited by wiring | Supports 1000s qubits |
| Yield | Variable | High-volume fab |
This table illustrates the transformative potential for quantum hardware scalability.
NQFF: Singapore's Quantum Fabrication Hub
The National Quantum Federated Foundry (NQFF), launched under Singapore's National Quantum Strategy, is a networked platform hosted at A*STAR's Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE). It doesn't own cleanrooms but federates existing ones across A*STAR IME, NUS CA2DM, NUS E6Nanofab, and others, adding quantum-specific tools like dilution fridges and parametric amplifiers.
NQFF supports four qubit modalities: superconducting, trapped ions, photonic ICs, and silicon donors. It has fabricated devices for local researchers, including prototypes for quantum processors. Ties to higher education are strong: NUS and NTU PIs access facilities for PhD projects and grants. For instance, NUS Centre for Advanced 2D Materials contributes graphene-based components.
The Industry Day event featured Prof. John Martinis' lecture on qubit history, underscoring NQFF's role in bridging academia and industry. Learn more about NQFF capabilities.
Photo by Logan Voss on Unsplash
Qolab and the Legacy of John Martinis
Qolab, co-founded in 2024 by 2025 Nobel Laureate John Martinis (for quantum error correction), aims to build high-fidelity superconducting qubits for fault-tolerant computing. Martinis, formerly UCSB prof and Google Quantum AI lead, drove Sycamore's quantum supremacy demo.
"Singapore’s semiconductor strengths make it ideal for scaling quantum hardware," Martinis stated. Qolab's first chip deployed in late 2025, focusing on coherence times >100 µs.
The partnership leverages Qolab's systems design with NQFF's fab, accelerating component maturity.
Singapore's National Quantum Strategy: A S$300M Commitment
Singapore's 2024 National Quantum Strategy (NQS) invests nearly S$300 million (~US$222M) across five platforms: NQSN (quantum-safe networks), NQCH (computing hub), NQFF (foundry), NQPI (processors), NQSP (sensors). Prior QEP (S$121.6M since 2018) built CQT at NUS/NTU.
Goals: Commercial quantum tech by 2030, global supply chain role. NQFF exemplifies hardware focus, with 20+ projects underway. Explore NQS programs.
This fuels university research: NTU's quantum optics lab, NUS's qubit fab, training 500+ PhDs.
Universities Driving Singapore's Quantum Research
Singapore's universities anchor the quantum ecosystem. NUS hosts CQT (Centre for Quantum Technologies), a NRF flagship with 200 researchers developing qubits and sensors. NTU's Quantum Science and Engineering Centre advances photonic processors. SUTD contributes nanofab.
OCBC partners NUS/NTU/SMU for quantum finance apps. Spin-offs like AQSolotl (NTU/NUS) launch controllers. Faculty lead NQFF projects, offering students hands-on fab experience. Quantum courses at NUS/NTU attract global talent, with scholarships via NRF.
Check quantum research jobs in Singapore universities.
Overcoming Scaling Challenges in Superconducting Qubits
- Wiring Bottleneck: Each qubit needs ~10 lines; 1M qubits require impossible wiring without integration.
- Thermal Load: Filters must conduct heat minimally (<1 µW/K).
- Yield: Wafer-scale ensures >90% good dies.
Competitors like IBM (Condor 1,121 qubits) face similar issues; Singapore's approach via NQFF accelerates solutions.
Photo by Google DeepMind on Unsplash
Global Impact and Future Outlook
This partnership positions Singapore in the quantum supply chain, akin to TSMC for chips. With UCLA adoption, it validates tech for broader use. Future: 2030 utility-scale systems, spin-offs, jobs in quantum eng.
For academics, it means more grants, collaborations. Singapore aims 1,000 quantum jobs by 2030. Explore career advice for quantum roles.
Implications for Higher Education and Careers
The NQFF-Qolab tie boosts Singapore universities' profiles, attracting talent. NUS/NTU grads lead in quantum fabs, with salaries 20-30% above avg. Programs like NUS MSc Quantum Tech train specialists.
Stakeholders: Gov invests for security/economy; unis gain facilities; industry accesses talent. Actionable: Pursue quantum PhDs, apply to university jobs.