Benno Broer, the chief commercial officer (CCO) of French quantum computing darling PASQAL, left the company earlier this week to start a new business, Sifted has learned.
After two years at PASQAL, Broer is launching Science Rockstars, a company operating in stealth in the fields of high-performance computing, scientific software and AI, according to his LinkedIn page.
He joined PASQAL in early 2022 after the French startup acquired Amsterdam-based quantum software company Qu&Co, which was founded by Broer.
Broer has been replaced by Joël Kremer, who was previously head of sales at US SaaS company CloudBlue, which provides services to subscription businesses.
Commercialising quantum computers
Developing a commercial strategy for a company building quantum computing hardware and software is no easy task.
That’s because quantum computers are still far from being industry-ready. The technology is still in its infancy and the current size of quantum processors means that they are not yet able to complete meaningful computation tasks.
At the same time, developing quantum computers is expensive — and PASQAL is competing against deep-pocketed tech giants in the US such as IBM, which has poured billions into building a superconducting quantum computer, as well as well-funded US startups like PsiQuantum, which has raised close to $700m to date. In comparison, PASQAL has raised a total of $140m.
The company, however, is already partnering with high-profile industrial customers such as EDF Energy, Siemens and Johnson & Johnson, who are trialling potential use cases for the technology.
"On the commercialisation front, our strategy is centred around targeting specific industries where quantum computing can provide a significant advantage even in its current stage," says Kremer.
"We are actively collaborating with customers in numerous sectors and PASQAL's computers enable electrical networks optimisation, reduction of the carbon footprint of transport and development of AI and machine learning."
