Advancing quantum processor manufacturing: Air Liquide invests in start-up Quobly

Air Liquide has announced an investment in the French start-up Quobly, through the Group’s corporate venture capital arm, ALIAD. Quobly develops quantum processors using proven semiconductor manufacturing processes. This strategic partnership supports the shift from fundamental research to industrial-scale manufacturing. This investment underlines Air Liquide's role as a key partner in the quantum computing value chain.

Announced today, ALIAD participates in Quobly’s 115 million euros Series A financing round , alongside leading investors. This capital injection will support the start-up’s continued R&D, advance its industrialization efforts and drive its international commercial expansion. Leveraging its extensive industrial expertise, Air Liquide will support Quobly in transitioning its technology to an industrial scale, aiming to launch the first commercial product by the end of 2026 .

Founded in 2022 in Grenoble, France, Quobly develops silicon-based quantum processors using proven semiconductor manufacturing processes. The company is focused on making quantum computing scalable, manufacturable and deployable to grow the quantum computing market.

Beyond capital increase, ALIAD also acts as an industrial partner to its portfolio companies, actively accelerating start-up growth by unlocking new business opportunities and providing direct access to Air Liquide’s resources and expertise . For Quobly, this synergy includes expertise in Advanced Materials and specialty gases that are critical to the manufacturing of silicon quantum processors.

The Group already plays a pivotal function in the broad quantum computing ecosystem, providing the extreme cooling technology and ultra-pure materials necessary to keep quantum processors stable, ensuring they operate without errors. Air Liquide collaborates closely with hardware innovators to support quantum chip manufacturing, and also secures the supply chain for high purity gases.

Armelle Levieux, member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee, notably supervising Innovation and Technology activities, stated:

"Quantum computing represents the next major technological frontier. Quobly is pioneering the path toward scalable quantum processors, and this is exactly the kind of game-changing innovation Air Liquide looks for when supporting tech start-ups with a strong potential. We are proud to participate in this journey and to continue shaping the future."