The new agreements expand bilateral cooperation in quantum computing, quantum photonics and energy-efficient quantum technologies, building on exchanges from FSQS 2024
Singapore, November 26th, 2025 – France and Singapore’s quantum ecosystems signed three new research agreements at the second French–Singaporean Quantum Symposium (FSQS 2025) in Paris, strengthening collaboration in quantum computing (hardware and algorithms), energy-efficient quantum technologies and quantum photonics.
Connections formed at the inaugural FSQS 2024 continued into 2025, contributing to some of the partnerships announced at this year’s symposium. FSQS 2025 convened leading researchers and industry partners to deepen bilateral research and move quantum discoveries closer to real-world applications.
The two-day symposium was jointly organised by Singapore’s National Quantum Office (NQO), a national platform hosted by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), France’s Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) and Quantonation.
New Partnerships to Advance Quantum Technologies for Sustainability, Finance and Health
NQO, Singapore’s national platform for quantum Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE), brings together researchers, industry and end-users to support long-term collaboration and capability development under Singapore’s National Quantum Strategy. This collaborative environment underpins the three agreements formalised during the symposium, which strengthen cooperation in quantum technologies between research institutions and industry innovators from both countries.
- Expansion of the CNRS–NQO Memorandum of Understanding (MoU):
The MoU now covers quantum computing, in addition to earlier work in quantum photonics and quantum energetics. Scientists from both countries will work together to improve how quantum computers handle errors—a key step towards making these systems reliable and practical for real-world use cases such as drug discovery and financial modelling.
- Pasqal and NQO-led National-level Quantum Programmes (NQPs) Master Research Collaboration Agreement (MRCA):
The MRCA establishes a long-term framework to advance quantum research in neutral atom quantum processors. The research areas include improving the accuracy of quantum computation and the efficiency of quantum algorithms, as well as developing hardware components for the next-generation quantum computers. Together, these advances will make quantum processors more reliable, powerful, and scalable. As these processors improve and can run more capable algorithms, they could help tackle large-scale optimisation problems that today’s computers cannot handle — for example, improving logistics and resource planning, solving complex industrial processes, and simulating new materials.
This MRCA is established between Pasqal, a French quantum computing company backed by Quantonation and specialising in neutral-atom processors, and Singapore’s National-level Quantum Programmes (NQPs) led by NQO, including the National Quantum Processor Initiative (NQPI), National Quantum Computing Hub (NQCH), and National Quantum Federated Foundry (NQFF).[1] - Quobly and NQFF Research Collaboration Agreement (RCA):
Quobly, a pioneering French quantum startup backed by Quantonation, is developing silicon spin-qubit technologies on industrial semiconductor platforms. The RCA with NQFF will focus on testing and characterising qubit chips, improving Quobly’s chip design to enhance their scalability and efficiency, an essential step towards building next-generation quantum devices that could support early-stage experiments in pharmaceutical research, financial modelling and artificial intelligence.
The engagement initiated at FSQS 2024 led to Quobly establishing its first presence outside France in Singapore. The RCA signed with NQFF at FSQS 2025 takes this forward, in coordination with NQO and the broader Singapore quantum ecosystem. This advances collaborative development of critical components aimed at realising practical quantum computers, as Quobly continues to expand its activities locally.
More information on these agreements can be found in Annex A.
Fostering Dialogue Among Global Quantum Leaders
The symposium featured scientific and industry exchanges that highlighted the strength of France–Singapore collaboration in quantum technologies. A highlight was the dialogue between pioneers in quantum Prof. Alain Aspect, 2022 Nobel Laureate in Physics, and Prof. Artur Ekert, Founding Director and Distinguished Fellow of Singapore’s Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT), on how foundational research continues to drive advances in computing, communication and sensing. These discussions showcased how joint research is translating scientific discovery into technologies with practical and commercial impact, while underlying the importance of keeping strong basic research in quantum science including quantum foundations.
Continuing a Shared Vision for Quantum Cooperation
FSQS 2025 also outlined new directions for joint research and industry collaboration in quantum technologies. These will guide upcoming projects that connect researchers, companies and end-users to accelerate the translation of quantum research into practical applications. The next edition, FSQS 2026, will be held in Singapore, continuing efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation, while underlying the importance of keeping strong basic research in quantum science including quantum foundations.
“FSQS 2025 deepens France–Singapore collaboration in quantum technologies. Through our partnerships with CNRS, Pasqal, and Quobly, we’re not just advancing quantum research but also laying the groundwork for future quantum systems that are faster, more energy-efficient, and more reliable. These joint efforts will accelerate the development and testing of next-generation quantum platforms in areas such as drug discovery, financial modelling, logistics optimisation and new materials, helping to boost productivity, create high-value industries and deliver real benefits to society.”
Mr. Ling Keok Tong, Executive Director of the National Quantum Office
“FSQS 2025 strengthens the strategic cooperation established between France and Singapore in quantum science and technologies, turning our shared scientific ambition into tangible impact. Combining fundamental academic research with the leading startups Pasqal and Quobly- both born from CNRS research laboratories – we are jointly building the foundations for quantum systems that will enable more resilient, efficient, and sustainable economies”
Prof. Antoine Petit, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre national de la recherche scientifique
“These agreements show the strength and maturity of the France–Singapore partnership in quantum technologies. As co-organisers of FSQS 2025, Quantonation is proud to help connect world-class research with the emerging quantum industry, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs can translate into useful, scalable technologies.”
Mr. Olivier Tonneau, Partner at Quantonation
For media queries and clarifications, please contact:
Sheryl Quah, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Corporate Communications
Mobile: +65 9113 7937
Email: Sheryl_Quah@a-star.edu.sg
Augustin Baudier, CNRS presse office
Email: presse@cnrs.fr
Eléonore de Rose, Quantonation, Head of Communication & PR
Email: eleonore@quantonation.com
About the National Quantum Office
The National Quantum Office (NQO) was established with the support of the National Research Foundation (NRF) to drive the development and implementation of the Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) strategy for Quantum in Singapore. The Office was set up in April 2022 and is hosted by A*STAR, the Implementing Agency for Quantum. NQO, as a control tower, supports fundamental and translational research in Quantum through various strategic programmes that it oversees. It partners both public and private sectors to create a vibrant RIE quantum ecosystem in Singapore. For more information, visit https://nqo.sg.
About the Centre national de la recherche scientifique
A major player in basic research worldwide, the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) is the only French organisation active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist enables it to bring together all of the scientific disciplines in order to shed light on and understand the challenges of today’s world, in connection with public and socio-economic stakeholders. Together, the different sciences contribute to sustainable progress that benefits society as a whole. (www.cnrs.fr)
About Quantonation
Quantonation is the first early-stage venture capital fund dedicated to deep physics and quantum technologies, managing close to three hundred million euros across two main funds. Fields such as high-performance computation, secure communications, materials design, and ultra-precise sensing are now driven by innovation based on these disruptive technologies. Quantonation aims to support their transition into commercially available products. The firm is headquartered in Paris, France, and Boston, USA, with investments spanning Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. More at www.quantonation.com or on LinkedIn.
About the National Quantum Computing Hub
The National Quantum Computing Hub (NQCH) is Singapore’s national initiative for advancing quantum software and applications. The hub is building foundational capabilities, providing access to quantum computers, and driving public-private partnerships. NQCH pursues practical quantum advantage across high-impact fields, including quantum chemistry, computational biology, finance and optimisation. The Hub also runs a programme to develop talent for the emerging quantum industry. NQCH is a joint effort by Singapore’s Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT), A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing (A*STAR IHPC), and the National Supercomputing Centre (NSCC) Singapore.
For more information, visit: nqch.sg
About the National Quantum Federated Foundry
The National Quantum Federated Foundry (NQFF) is a programme established to advance Singapore’s capabilities in the design, fabrication, and testing of micro- and nano-scale devices critical for next-generation quantum technologies. Hosted at the A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (A*STAR IMRE) with participating teams at A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics (A*STAR IME) and the National University of Singapore (NUS), NQFF provides consolidated access to a network of state-of-the-art cleanrooms and characterization facilities across Singapore, enabling researchers and industry partners to accelerate innovation and commercialization in quantum technologies.
For more information, visit: nqff.sg
About the National Quantum Processor Initiative
The National Quantum Processor Initiative (NQPI) is a programme under Singapore’s National Quantum Strategy, dedicated to building advanced capabilities in quantum processor design and development. NQPI focuses on two leading architectures, trapped ions and neutral atom arrays, as well as critical component technologies in photonics, which are essential for scalable quantum systems. By fostering collaboration across research institutes, universities, and industry partners, NQPI aims to accelerate innovation in quantum hardware and enable practical applications in areas such as healthcare, finance, and sustainability.
Annex A – Agreements signed at FSQS 2025
Expansion of the CNRS-NQO Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
The existing MoU between CNRS and Singapore’s National Quantum Office (NQO) has been expanded to include quantum computing, building on its original focus in quantum energetics and quantum photonics. Signed by Prof. Antoine Petit, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CNRS and Mr. Ling Keok Tong, Executive Director of NQO, the enhanced agreement enables deeper collaboration in four strategic areas.
These include the proposed co-funding of a Quantum Energy Hub to develop energy-efficient quantum technologies, and joint efforts in quantum photonics, such as integrated photonics and satellite-based quantum key distribution (QKD) between France and Singapore. In quantum computing, the collaboration will focus on hybrid quantum-classical systems and fault-tolerant architectures (which includes the development of quantum error correction techniques and associated algorithms). Both parties will also contribute to their respective national quantum roadmaps to support long-term cooperation.
The expanded scope is reflected in FSQS 2025’s programme, which now features nine speakers in quantum computing, showcasing cutting-edge research across academia and industry.
Pasqal and NQO-led National-level Quantum Programmes (NQPs) Master Research Collaboration Agreement (MRCA)
Pasqal, a French scale-up specialising in neutral atom quantum computing co-founded by Physics Nobel Laureate Prof. Alain Aspect, has established a Master Research Collaboration Agreement (MRCA) with Singapore’s National-level Quantum Programmes (NQPs), to accelerate research and development on the neutral atom array (NAA) platform.
The agreement establishes a long-term research framework between Pasqal and the research institutes and universities under the various NQP focal points, driven by Singapore’s National Quantum Office, to co-develop key enablers for the scaling of devices and practical utility. This collaboration will drive innovation across three critical domains: quantum error correction, quantum algorithms, and quantum hardware development.
Under the MRCA framework, the National Quantum Computing Hub (NQCH) will jointly develop advanced error mitigation and correction protocols tailored to NAA quantum processors. In the area of quantum algorithms, the collaboration will focus on designing and prototyping quantum graph algorithms for distribution sampling and drug discovery, leveraging quantum and hybrid quantum-classical methods to enable practical applications in industry.
In collaboration with the National Quantum Processor Initiative (NQPI) and National Quantum Federated Foundry (NQFF) for quantum hardware development, the parties will co-develop critical modules and integrate enabling hardware technologies to support scalable device fabrication for next-generation NAA platforms. This includes creating protocols and benchmarking tools for NAA analog and digital platforms by combining expertise across the different NQPs with Pasqal’s hardware and software capabilities.
This partnership advances efforts toward building robust quantum ecosystems and accelerating real-world applications in science and industry.
“Singapore has developed a world-class research ecosystem in quantum science, with brilliant teams driving cutting-edge innovation. Pasqal is proud to launch this collaboration with multiple Singaporean research institutes. Together, we will advance quantum error correction and hardware performance for neutral-atom processors, unlocking real-world impact for quantum computing. We look forward to a long and productive partnership.”
Dr. Georges-Olivier Reymond, Co-Founder & Chief Strategic Alliances Officer of Pasqal
About Pasqal
Pasqal is a leading Quantum Computing company that builds quantum processors from ordered neutral atoms in 2D and 3D arrays to bring a practical quantum advantage to its customers and address real-world problems. Pasqal was founded in 2019, out of the Institut d’Optique, by Georges-Olivier Reymond, Christophe Jurczak, Professor Dr. Alain Aspect, Nobel Prize Laureate Physics, 2022, Dr. Antoine Browaeys, and Dr. Thierry Lahaye. Pasqal has secured more than €140 million in financing to date. To learn more about us, visit www.pasqal.com.
Quobly and NQFF Research Collaboration Agreement (RCA)
The National Quantum Federated Foundry (NQFF) has entered into a bilateral Research Collaboration Agreement (RCA) with Quobly, a pioneering French quantum startup that has demonstrated spin qubits fabricated on commercial 300 mm FDSOI foundry platforms. This partnership focuses on the cross-benchmarking and characterisation of silicon spin qubit chips, leveraging NQFF’s advanced cryogenic measurement infrastructure alongside Quobly’s proprietary measurement methodologies. Together, the teams will establish a “measurement twin” platform that enables high-precision, reproducible evaluation of key performance metrics including gate fidelities, coherence times, charge stability, and tunnel rates, all critical for scalable and manufacturable quantum hardware.
By combining Quobly’s expertise in industrial semiconductor fabrication with NQFF’s cryogenic and instrumentation capabilities, this collaboration positions Singapore as a strategic hub for the company’s first international cross-benchmarking initiative. The agreement reinforces Quobly’s ties with the Singaporean quantum ecosystem and national-level programs coordinated by the NQO, providing a framework for co-development opportunities across research, industry, and policy.
The RCA further marks a strategic milestone in Quobly’s expansion, as the company has formally incorporated a Singapore office, enabling closer interaction with research institutions, semiconductor companies, and innovation agencies in the region. This presence consolidates the collaboration initiated at FSQS 2024 and advances the development of next-generation quantum devices, supporting practical applications in pharmaceutical research, financial modelling, and artificial intelligence, and paving the way toward scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing.
“This collaboration allows us to establish a high-precision benchmarking platform for spin qubits fabricated on an industrial platform,” said Dr. Victor Leong, Lead Principal Investigator of National Quantum Federated Foundry. “It brings together Quobly’s semiconductor expertise and NQFF’s cryogenic measurement capabilities using dilution refrigerators, advancing the development of industrially manufacturable spin qubits for quantum computing. This work strengthens Singapore’s edge in precision measurement and device validation—capabilities that are important contributors to advanced semiconductor and quantum technologies—and further anchors Singapore as a trusted global partner in quantum hardware and semiconductor research.”
“NQFF’s expertise in cryogenic measurements and instrumentation capabilities make Singapore an ideal hub for our first international cross-benchmarking collaboration,” said Dr. Jean-Charles Barbé, Chief Technology Officer of Quobly. “This joint effort is a major step toward the reproducibility and manufacturability required for future quantum processors, and we look forward to deepening our partnership with NQFF through further co-development opportunities in the region.”
About Quobly
Quobly is a pioneer in quantum microelectronics, developing silicon-based quantum chips using proven semiconductor manufacturing processes. Founded in 2022 in Grenoble, France, the company builds on over 15 years of collaborative research between world-class institutions CEA-Leti and CNRS, combining expertise in quantum physics and microelectronics. Co-founded by Maud Vinet, Ph.D. in quantum physics, author of 300+ papers and 70+ patents, and Tristan Meunier, a leading expert in semiconductor quantum engineering trained under Nobel laureate Serge Haroche, Quobly bridges science and industry to make quantum computing scalable and manufacturable.
The company has a strategic partnership with STMicroelectronics to accelerate the industrialization of its silicon quantum chips. In 2023, Quobly raised €19 million, a record European seed round for a quantum hardware startup, followed in 2025 by €21 million to advance its Q100T program, a key step toward fault-tolerant quantum computing. Follow us on LinkedIn.
[1] The programmes comprises research institutes and universities across Singapore’s quantum research ecosystem such as A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing (A*STAR IHPC), A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (A*STAR IMRE), A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics (A*STAR IME), the National Supercomputing Centre (NSCC) Singapore, Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) with nodes in National University of Singapore (CQT@NUS), Nanyang Technological University (CQT@NTU) and Singapore University for Technology and Design (CQT@SUTD), and others.
