The collaboration between Photonic and Microsoft is set to deliver a cohesive roadmap for technologies and products, facilitating reliable quantum communications over vast distances. Additionally, it will allow access to Photonic's quantum computing solutions through Microsoft Azure Quantum Elements. This union is expected to herald a new age in quantum networking and spur advancements in the quantum computing field.

Microsoft's contribution involves crafting a fault-tolerant quantum supercomputing ecosystem on Azure, promoting scientific breakthroughs. Photonic, having amassed $140 million in funding, boasts one of the largest assemblies of quantum silicon experts globally. Its unique quantum architecture utilises photonically linked silicon spin qubits, solving challenges that hinder other quantum platforms. Photonic's innovative method employs a qubit with a photon interface, enabling communication through ultralow-loss standard telecom equipment and wavelengths.

Dr Stephanie Simmons, Founder and Chief Quantum Officer of Photonic and Co-chair of Canada’s National Quantum Strategy Advisory Board, remarked: “Our strategic collaboration with Microsoft will enable us together to accelerate the pursuit of quantum at scale. Microsoft is the perfect partner for Photonic, enabling us to tap into global infrastructure, proven platforms, and the tremendous scale of Microsoft Azure.”

Jason Zander, Executive Vice President of Strategic Missions and Technologies at Microsoft, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are thrilled about joining forces with Photonic in improving the world through quantum technologies. There is an opportunity to ignite new capabilities across the quantum ecosystem extending beyond computing, such as networking and sensing, and unlocking applications and scientific discovery at scale across chemistry, materials science, metrology, communications, and many other fields. The capabilities we aim to deliver together with Photonic can enable this vision and bring about quantum’s impact far more quickly than otherwise possible.”