This article originally appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Startups Magazine. Click here to subscribe

Artists have always been pioneers when it comes to experimenting with new technology, and Moth is the first quantum computing company to empower them in that pursuit. Moth’s debut offerings include a suite of quantum-powered music production tools: a synthesiser, a generative music model, and advanced audio-processing technology. T hese innovations ensure that artists have the autonomy to shape the future of their own artistic expression by giving them access to the kind of computational power that was once out of reach – turning quantum theory into an instrument of creativity.

From building speakers to amplifying artists

Tomassini has always been passionate about working with artists and creativity, and also with technology. His first startup focused on building speakers and signal processing equipment and it was this that sparked his interest in how technology could enhance artistic expression. Spurred by this, he enjoyed a career in traditional tech startups before joining Quantinuum “one of the world’s, if not the world's, leading quantum computing company” . It was during this time that he met Moth’s Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Harry Kumar, who was working with Quantinuum’s Founder Ilyas Khan on a quantum music project.

While working at Quantinuum, Tomassini began to notice a growing number of artists, musicians, and game designers experimenting with quantum computing. “For us, that was the most exciting thing ever,” he says. “And it got us thinking, this could be a business. So first, we started building some fun applications and open-source tools, and they gained incredible traction. And that’s what really led us to starting Moth.”

Quantum computing enhanced creativity

So how much do you need to know to be able to use Moth technology? Well, by using quantum computing to solve complex creative problems, you don’t need to know a lot about tech – you just need to want to create – Moth does the hard work for you.

“If you’re a musician and you want to use AI to enhance your music production, it’s hard today,” explains Tomassini. “Whereas with what we’re building, you can very easily train your own model on a tiny amount of data. We do it for you at the moment, but the idea is that artists can have full control.”

By using this approach, artists can use GenAI without needing extensive technical knowledge. The same principle applies to video game design, where AI can assist in generating characters, levels, and environments based on minimal input. Moth’s technology has been designed to ensure that the creative process remains in the hands of the artists, and not dictated by large tech companies.

Addressing AI concerns in the arts

There is fear among artists that AI could replace them or exploit their work, and for good reason. Tomassini acknowledges these concerns: “Today’s Generative AI is fundamentally flawed. There is huge potential for artists to be disintermediated and exploited by large technology companies that take massive amounts of data to produce models that can make music, art, or games without the artist.”

However, Moth aims to counter this trend by ensuring that its AI tools enhance artistic expression rather than replace it. “Whether we do quantum or not, it doesn’t matter,” Tomassini says. “Technology should never be used to cut artists out. Instead, it should expand their creativity in an ethical way, just as previous technological revolutions have done.”

Moth music, helping artists to fly

Moth has already gained traction among artists, including the musician ILĀ, who has been experimenting with the technology to create a continuous stream of music based on her own data.

“She has been blown away by how the music retains her distinctive style and elements,” Tomassini says. “She is completely in control, adjusting parameters in real time. The technology is responsive and expressive in a way that has never been seen before.”

Tomassini believes that quantum computing will spark a cultural movement in the same way that electronic music and the Internet did. “We’re already seeing quantum culture arise,” he says. “The UN declared this the ‘Year of Quantum’ to mark 100 years since Heisenberg discovered quantum mechanics. Last year, we worked with artists and showcased our work at festivals like Sonar Music Festival in Barcelona, CTM in Berlin, SXSW in Austin, and Al Ula Culture Summit in Saudi Arabia. As quantum computing enters the mainstream, it will shape new artistic movements.”

Artists shaping AI ethics

Tomassini is deeply engaged in discussions around AI ethics and copyright laws, particularly in the UK, where regulatory changes are underway. “We are going through a tremendous period of technological change,” he says. “There are ethical and technical considerations that we, as a community, need to navigate. Governments and big tech companies play a role, but historically, it’s always been artists who have provided a way for society to engage with and understand new technologies.”

For founders looking to enter the quantum or deep tech space, Tomassini advises focusing on making technology tangible and usable. “There’s a lot of mystique around quantum computing. If you can show people the result – whether it’s a song, a game, or an artwork – that makes all the difference.”

The future of Moth

Looking five years ahead, Tomassini envisions Moth’s technology being widely used across creative industries. “Whether you’re listening to music, playing a video game, watching a film, or even reading an article, our technology could be integrated into all of those experiences,” he says.

With its honest approach to quantum computing and GenAI, Moth may truly be shaping the future of creativity. And by ensuring  that artists retain control over their work, the company is proving that technology and art can evolve together in a way that is fresh, exciting, and ethical.