FrostByte raises €1.3 million for cryo-electronics for scalable quantum computers

FrostByte is developing cryo-electronics for one of the biggest scaling challenges in quantum computing: how to control millions of qubits within a limited space without overwhelming systems with cabling that would lead to disruptive heat generation. The Delft-based startup develops technology that brings control infrastructure closer to the quantum processor itself, laying the foundation for scalable quantum systems.

To further develop this technology, the company has raised €1.3 million from InnovationQuarter Capital, Graduate Ventures, Paeonia Group, UNIIQ and an angel investor.

Quantum processors operate at temperatures close to absolute zero. In current systems, a large part of the control electronics remains outside this so-called cryogenic environment, meaning that every additional qubit requires more cables, complexity and generates additional heat. FrostByte moves part of that control electronics closer to the qubits themselves, using specialized cryo-CMOS technology designed to operate at extremely low temperatures.

With the investment, FrostByte aims to further develop its technology. The company will expand its team, scale up production of cryogenic switches and develop integrated cryo-CMOS chips designed to drastically reduce the size and complexity of future quantum systems.

The startup’s technology builds on more than ten years of research within TU Delft and QuTech, the Dutch research institute for quantum technology. The company combines extensive expertise in both quantum architecture and chip design, translating fundamental research into manufacturable hardware for quantum systems.

Supported by pioneers in cryo-CMOS

FrostByte is led by founders James Kroll (CEO) and Luc Enthoven (CTO), and is scientifically supported by Fabio Sebastiano and Masoud Babaie. Both advisors are internationally recognized pioneers in this field and bring decades of research experience that is now being translated into commercial applications.

James Kroll, CEO and co-founder of FrostByte: “This investment enables us to further develop our technology towards manufacturable cryo-electronics for the global quantum industry.”

“What makes FrostByte particularly interesting is that the company addresses a bottleneck the entire quantum sector is facing,” says Mike Theunissen, Investment Manager at UNIIQ. “The team combines deep scientific expertise with a clear route towards concrete products and applications. That strongly aligns with UNIIQ’s mission: helping technologies from Zuid-Holland grow from research into commercial impact.”

“InnovationQuarter Capital supports that next stage of growth,” says Max Straatman, Investment Manager at InnovationQuarter Capital. “FrostByte brings together highly specialized expertise in cryogenic electronics, semiconductors and quantum systems, developing an important enabling technology for the next generation of scalable quantum systems.”

“FrostByte is exactly the type of company that demonstrates the strength of the Dutch knowledge economy,” says Auke van den Hout, Managing Partner at Graduate Ventures. “Our investment in FrostByte aligns with the broader strategy of Graduate Ventures to invest in key technologies such as quantum, AI and climate tech, where fundamental research is directly translated into industrial applications.”

About UNIIQ

UNIIQ is a €50 million proof-of-concept fund that helps entrepreneurs in Zuid-Holland bring unique innovations to market. The fund provides academic spin-offs and innovative startups with the seed capital and strategic coaching needed to bridge the riskiest phase — from concept to promising company. Over 60% of UNIIQ-backed startups have already secured follow-on funding, collectively raising over €275 million. UNIIQ is made possible by Erasmus MC, TU Delft, Leiden University, Erasmus University, InnovationQuarter, the European Union, the Province of Zuid-Holland, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), TNO, and the municipalities of Rotterdam, The Hague, and Leiden. InnovationQuarter acts as the fund manager of UNIIQ. 

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