British quantum computing startup Quantum Motion has opened a new lab and offices in London, UK.

The site in Islington, north London, will employ 25 full time staff, and house its experimental quantum computers. The systems rely on silicon-based integrated circuits cooled to near zero to achieve a quantum state.

“Islington is officially now the coolest part of London,” said James Palles-Dimmock, COO of Quantum Motion.

“We’re working with technology that is colder than deep space and pushing the boundaries of our knowledge to turn quantum theory into reality. Our approach is to take the building blocks of computing – the silicon chip – and demonstrate that it is the most stable, reliable and scalable way of mass manufacturing quantum silicon chips. We’ve built up a talented team, made major industry breakthroughs and now we’re leading the charge of quantum start-up companies in the UK by opening our own independent lab.”

The company raised nearly £20 million ($27m) from investors and government grants. Backers include INKEF, IP Group, NSSIF, Octopus Ventures, Oxford Sciences Enterprises, and Parkwalk Advisors.

“The Quantum Motion Lab is a great example of world-leading talent, investment, and advanced technology coming into London and the UK," the chief digital officer for London, Theo Blackwell, said.

"Quantum computing represents one of the most exciting emerging technologies we are seeing in our city. In the future, we hope that the power of quantum computing will be able to solve problems faced by people across this city and elsewhere, such as looking for solutions to pollution and air quality, to transport congestion and beyond."

DCD visited the lab ahead of its official launch and talked to the people trying to build silicon-based quantum computers. For the full deep dive, be sure to subscribe to the next issue of the DCD Magazine - it's free.