OrangeQS: radically accelerating quantum chip testing

Published on / 27.05.2025

Anyone working on quantum computers will quickly encounter a critical obstacle: quantum chip testing. This is a complex and costly process that can take up to 18 months per chip. Co-founder Amber van Hauwermeiren explains how the advanced testing solutions developed by Dutch quantum technology company OrangeQS are designed to radically accelerate this process over the next five years.

OrangeQS was founded in 2020 as a spin-off from QuTech, the quantum research institute of TNO and Delft University of Technology. Its founders previously worked on Quantum Inspire, Europe’s first publicly accessible quantum computer. At the heart of every quantum chip are qubits, which must be tested under extreme conditions — a process that takes much longer than the actual qubit fabrication. While quantum computing is advancing rapidly, progress is hampered by these time-consuming testing procedures. OrangeQS offers an innovative, scalable solution for faster quantum chip testing, thereby driving the entire quantum ecosystem forward.

Rapid growth

In just five years, OrangeQS has grown into an international player in the quantum industry. Located in Delft, the team now numbers around 30 and works with major clients such as the Finnish-German firm IQM Quantum Computers. The breakthrough came with the OrangeQS MAX — an advanced full-stack test system capable of analysing chips with up to 150 qubits in less than ten days. This achievement makes OrangeQS unique on a global scale. “At the moment, we’re the only company offering this commercially”, says Amber. “We’re fully focused on quantum chip testing and aim to set the standard for test technology in this field.”

Modular building blocks

In addition to its work with industry, OrangeQS also supports the academic community. Researchers working on qubits and quantum chips require test set-ups that are both flexible and reliable. To meet this need, the company developed OrangeQS FLEX — a set of modular building blocks that enable quantum labs to easily adapt, expand or repurpose their equipment. This keeps the set-up functional, even if, for example, a PhD researcher leaves the lab. The standardised tools provide continuity and make quantum research more reproducible and future-proof.

“Partnerships are essential for scaling and innovation. We genuinely improve the technology together, because our customers have high expectations in all three areas.”

Amber van Hauwermeiren, Co-founder Orange Quantum Systems

Speeding up on all fronts

By 2030, we will have a clearer picture of whether quantum computers are powerful and stable enough for practical applications such as materials research, drug development and cybersecurity. OrangeQS must be able to deliver its test solutions at industrial scale well before then. “If we’re not ready in time, we’ll be overtaken by customers who decide to do it themselves”, says Amber. That means speeding up on all fronts — in technology, organisational development and recruitment. The latter is especially challenging: “We need experienced engineers from different fields, but we don’t know when they’ll be ready to take the leap to the still-emerging quantum industry.” Yet their contribution is vital, and the search is very much under way.

“We are dealing with systems that involve highly advanced and complex technology, and Zuid-Holland happens to be home to many front-runners.”

Shortening the development cycle

The development cycle remains one of the biggest bottlenecks in the quantum industry. OrangeQS plays a key role in addressing this challenge by providing quantum computer builders with test infrastructure that enables much faster chip validation. However, further acceleration through standardisation is not an option. “Our solutions are never off-the-shelf”, explains Amber. “The system’s configurations are tailored to the specific needs of each customer. Every customer is different, so we always develop in close collaboration and learn from each other along the way.” The company is also part of ImpaQT UA, a cooperative consisting of Delft Circuits, QuantWare, and Qblox, and collaborates within the QUST network. This initiative strengthens cooperation between quantum and semiconductor companies in South Holland.

Partnerships with suppliers are crucial

With shorter development cycles for components and subsystems, OrangeQS’s suppliers can help drive the exponential acceleration that’s needed. “We rely on their technical expertise to integrate the complex subsystems they deliver to us in our equipment”, says Amber. That’s why OrangeQS works closely with suppliers to continuously improve the reliability, speed and cost-effectiveness of each component: “Partnerships are essential for scaling and innovation. We genuinely improve the technology together, because our customers have high expectations in all three areas.”

A strong regional ecosystem

Sometimes, these partnerships are just around the corner: three of OrangeQS’s most important subsystems are supplied by companies in its home province of Zuid-Holland. As Amber explains, “We are dealing with systems that involve highly advanced and complex technology, and Zuid-Holland happens to be home to many front-runners.” These companies provide more than just critical components — they help strengthen the regional economy and open the door to cross-sector collaboration. “The future of the quantum industry doesn’t lie in one giant company”, Amber adds, “but in a strong, collaborative network of specialists. And we’re always looking to grow that network.”

Find out more at orangeqs.com.

About this series

OrangeQS is one of InnovationQuarter’s portfolio companies. For this interview series, we spoke with seven innovative companies about their journey, key partnerships and the growth opportunities they are looking to seize. Each company highlights how regional strength can help tackle global challenges. Watch the video featuring OrangeQS.