Quanfluence Raises $10 Mn for Quantum Computer

What stage of funding is this?

This is a follow-on round: $10 million fresh funding led by Chiratae Ventures, with Pi Ventures returning and Rainmatter by Zerodha joining. Quanfluence was founded in 2021 and had already raised a $2 million seed round in 2024. The plan is to build its full-stack photonic quantum computing system, aiming for early processors by 2027.

What will they do with the money raised

The money will be used to build Quanfluence's full-stack photonic quantum computing system, combining its own photonic chips, control electronics, and software into one machine. The company targets early processors by 2027 and larger, scalable quantum machines by 2029. It will also grow its team from 25 to about 40 employees.

How does Quanfluence fit into India's National Quantum Mission?

Quanfluence is not listed as one of the 17 startups supported by India's National Quantum Mission (a government programme launched in 2023 with ₹6,003.65 crore) as of April 2026.

Why is the government backing so many quantum startups now?

India's National Quantum Mission, a government programme funded with ₹6,003.65 crore from 2023 to 2031, aims to build 50-1000 qubit computers and secure quantum networks. It supports startups through four Thematic Hubs and has backed 17 ventures so far. The push mirrors global competition and treats quantum as strategic for national security and economic growth.

What kind of startup is Quanfleunce?

Quanfluence is a Bengaluru deep-tech startup building a photonic quantum computer, meaning it uses photons (light particles) as the qubits, the units of computation. Uniquely, it runs at room temperature except for its detectors, bypassing the huge refrigerators other quantum computers need. It also sells an optical Ising machine for optimisation problems to generate revenue while it develops its system.

How do the photonic chips work?

They use photons, light particles, as the qubits, the units of quantum information. These photons are routed through the chip's beamsplitters and phase shifters, which act as the gates that perform calculations. The advantage is these chips run at room temperature, built on existing silicon photonics manufacturing.

Can Quanfluence's room-temperature approach really scale?

Photonic quantum computers avoid the huge refrigerators other designs need, using standard silicon photonics already used in datacenters. But generating single photons on demand and making reliable two-photon gates remain hard. Our read: Quanfluence's bet depends on closing those gaps by its 2027 and 2029 targets, competing with PsiQuantum and Xanadu (two other photonic quantum firms).