La DARPA sélectionne Quandela pour la phase A de la Quantum Benchmarking Initiative

Quandela’s spin-photon quantum computing architecture advances into DARPA program evaluating utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum systems

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 16, 2026 — Quandela today announced it has been selected by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to participate in Stage A of the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, a multi-stage program designed to assess whether any quantum computing architecture can achieve utility-scale operation by 2033.

Under Stage A, Quandela will present a detailed concept for a utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer, along with technical evidence supporting its near-term feasibility. Within DARPA’s framework, utility-scale refers to systems whose computational value exceeds their cost.
The QBI program is intended to rigorously evaluate approaches to practical quantum computing and provide government with a clearer basis for assessing which technologies can realistically scale.

“Selection for Stage A of the QBI program reflects the progress and maturity of our approach,” said Yoni Elmalem, General Manager of Quandela Federal. “It highlights the growing relevance of photonic and spin-photon hybrid architectures in addressing the requirements for scalable, fault-tolerant quantum systems. Our focus is on translating validated scientific principles into engineering pathways that can support practical deployment.”

Quandela is developing a spin-photon quantum computing architecture that combines the natural connectivity and modularity advantages of photons with the high-speed logic operations and resource efficiency of semiconductor spin-based technologies. The company believes this approach can enable modular, high-performance quantum systems designed for scalability.

“QBI establishes a structured framework for evaluating quantum computing approaches against clear performance and scalability criteria,” said Niccolo Somaschi, CEO of Quandela. “This aligns closely with our engineering methodology, which emphasizes measurable progress, architectural clarity and system-level scalability from the outset.”

Companies that successfully complete Stage A may advance to subsequent QBI phases focused on research and development planning, risk reduction, and independent validation of system performance.

About Quandela

Quandela is a global quantum computing company that designs, builds and delivers quantum solutions for research and industry. Its offerings include energy-efficient quantum computers for data centers, full-stack quantum computing solutions accessible through the cloud, and quantum algorithm services for academic and industrial customers. Quandela’s mission is to make quantum computing accessible in order to address complex industrial and societal challenges.

For more information, visit: www.quandela.com

Media Relations

• press@quandela.us – +1.202.669.1828

Cyril Dujardin joins as Chief Operating Officer, Michel Zecri as VP Industrialization, and Michel Paulin becomes Chairman of the Board as Quandela accelerates the global deployment of photonic quantum computing.

Massy, France — May 29, 2026 — Quandela, a European leader in photonic quantum computing, today announced a major reinforcement of its leadership and governance with the appointment of Cyril Dujardin as Chief Operating Officer and Michel Zecri as Vice President of Industrialization. Michel Paulin, former CEO of OVHcloud, SFR and Neuf Cegetel, becomes Chairman of the Board.

These appointments mark a new stage in Quandela’s development. As quantum computing enters a more execution-driven phase, success will increasingly depend not only on scientific performance, but also on the ability to industrialize complex hardware, structure global operations, secure supply chains, support customer deployments, and build trusted infrastructure at scale.

With Cyril Dujardin, Michel Zecri and Michel Paulin, Quandela is strengthening the operational, industrial and governance foundations required to move from pioneering photonic quantum systems to repeatable, international deployment across cloud platforms, data centers, high-performance computing environments, research institutions and industrial customers.

“Quantum computing is now moving into a phase where execution matters as much as breakthrough science,” said Niccolò Somaschi, co-founder and CEO of Quandela. “Quandela has built a unique position in photonic quantum computing, with systems designed for real-world environments and a clear roadmap toward fault-tolerant quantum computing. The arrival of Cyril and Michel, together with Michel Paulin becoming Chairman of the Board, gives us the operational depth, industrial discipline and governance experience needed for our next chapter of scale.”

“Quandela is at a pivotal moment: exceptional technology must now be matched by an equally robust operating model,” said Cyril Dujardin, Chief Operating Officer of Quandela. “My focus will be to help the company scale with clarity, speed and reliability, aligning research, product, business execution and customer deployment so that Quandela can serve industrial, institutional and international markets at the highest level.”

Michel Zecri (54 years old) joins Quandela with more than 20 years of industrial leadership experience across high-tech environments, including semiconductors, infrared technologies, aerospace and defense. He has held senior operations and general management roles at Freescale/Motorola Sofradir/Lynred and Rakon, leading multi-site teams and large-scale transformations from R&D to industrial production.

As VP Industrialization, Michel Zecri will lead the scale-up of Quandela’s quantum hardware platforms and components into manufacturable, reliable and cost-optimised products. His scope will include manufacturing operations, industrial processes, supply chain resilience, quality systems, compliance, hardware operations and customer support.

“Scaling quantum hardware requires industrial discipline at every level: design for manufacturability, process control, supplier strategy, quality, reliability and lifecycle support,” said Michel Zecri, VP Industrialization of Quandela. “Quandela’s photonic approach has strong potential for scalable deployment, and I am excited to help turn this technological advantage into a repeatable industrial platform.”

Michel Paulin (65 years old), who joined Quandela’s Board of Directors in 2025, now becomes Chairman of the Board. A recognized leader in the digital industry, he brings extensive experience in cloud, telecoms, sovereign digital infrastructure, international expansion and high-growth technology companies. As Chairman, he will support Quandela’s long-term strategic direction, governance and ecosystem positioning as the company expands its role in the global quantum computing landscape. 

“Quandela brings together world-class science, a pragmatic product roadmap and a strategic European position in one of the defining technologies of the coming decades,” said Michel Paulin, Chairman of the Board of Quandela. “My role as Chairman will be to help the company turn this position into a sustainable international leadership story, with the governance, partnerships and execution standards expected from a global technology champion.”

The leadership reinforcement follows a series of milestones for Quandela, including the expansion of its cloud-accessible quantum computing offering, the deployment of photonic quantum systems in real-world environments, and the development of strategic partnerships across Europe and Asia. Together, these appointments reflect Quandela’s ambition to build not only leading quantum technology, but also the industrial organization capable of delivering it at scale.

About Quandela 

Quandela is a global leader in quantum computing, designing, building, and delivering cutting-edge quantum solutions for research and industry. Its offerings include the most energy-efficient quantum computers for data centers, full-stack quantum computing solutions accessible via the cloud, and algorithm access services for academic and industrial customers. Following a pragmatic, step-by-step roadmap, Quandela has been deploying industrial-grade systems since 2023 while developing future generations of fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of scaling through the integration of thousands of photonic components. Quandela is committed to making quantum computing accessible to all in order to address the most complex industrial and societal challenges. Learn more at https://www.quandela.com/ 

Contact – Media Relations 

Iva Baytcheva, iva.baytcheva@maarc.fr +33(0)6.28.59.07.03 
Charles Courbet, charles.courbet@maarc.fr +33(0)6.28.93.03.06 

Paris – May 12th, 2026 – This evening, over a hundred high-level representatives from French and German industry, policy, start-up and investment sectors will gather for a reception hosted by the German Ambassador to France, His Excellency Mr Stephan Steinlein, with the support of the French Embassy in Germany. This event reflects the growing importance of quantum technologies for Europe’s technological and industrial sovereignty, building on the French-German agenda agreed in August 2025. France and Germany are home to some of the world’s leading players in this field.

At the heart of this dialogue lies a clear ambition: to strengthen ties and coordination between French and German industry, policymaking, funding, innovation and research. By connecting key players across borders and across the value chain, the initiative aims to help Europe accelerate the development and adoption of sovereign, competitive and market-ready quantum technologies.

With the same spirit, on the margins of today’s event, a group of leading industry and research organisations will sign a Joint Declaration of Intent to strengthen cooperation in quantum technologies and support the development of a competitive European quantum ecosystem.

Signed by CEA, Fraunhofer, CNRS, Inria, Le Lab Quantique, Quandela, QUTAC and the European Champions Alliance, this Declaration of Intent solidifies the stakeholders’ commitment to deepening and accelerating exchanges, partnerships and synergies.

Their cooperation will focus on four objectives:

• the development of use cases for the industry and end-users of quantum technologies;
• benchmarking and the development of credible and scalable pathways for the adoption of quantum technologies in Europe;
• the facilitation of multi-stakeholder dialogues among industry, policymaking, funding, innovation and research, with a focus on accelerating deployment;
• the promotion and dissemination of success stories demonstrating the industrial development and commercial use of quantum technologies.

The signatories also reaffirm their commitment to an open and collaborative approach, inviting additional stakeholders to join and contribute to these efforts.

About CEA

The CEA is a public research organisation whose mission is to contribute to the scientific, technological and industrial sovereignty of France and Europe in four key areas: low-carbon energy, digital technology, future medicine, and defence and security, by drawing on excellence in fundamental research. For more information: www.cea.fr

About CNRS

A major player in basic research worldwide, the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) is the only French organisation active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist enables it to bring together all of the scientific disciplines in order to shed light on and understand the challenges of today’s world, in connection with public and socio-economic stakeholders. Together, the different sciences contribute to sustainable progress that benefits society as a whole.

About European Champions Alliance

The European Champion Alliance (ECA) promotes European technology, European values and works to strengthen through a conscious business-related interdependence between European companies and all participants of the European economic ecosystem. To achieve this goal, the ECA builds bridges between national ecosystems, SMEs, companies, start-ups and other supporters of the tech ecosystem in Europe. The ECA harnesses the power of smart collaboration and accelerate the growth of Europe’s digital champions.

About Fraunhofer

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, headquartered in Germany, is the world’s leading applied research organization. With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial exploitation of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for ground-breaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft currently operates more than 70 institutes and research institutions throughout Germany.

About Inria

Inria, the French national institute for research in digital science and technology, supports the French government in national research and innovation strategies in the digital field, acting as Digital Programs Agency. Inria leads over 300 research and innovation projects with its 3,500 scientists, engineers, and support staff, in partnership with universities and the digital ecosystem (businesses, entrepreneurs, and public stakeholders). Together, we explore strategic fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum computing, cloud technologies, digital transformation in healthcare, digital twins, and digital technologies for defence. We develop practical solutions such as software, tech startups, partnerships with national companies, and cutting-edge training programmes. Our goal is to drive scientific, technological, and industrial excellence to ensure France’s digital sovereignty.

About Le Lab Quantique

Le Lab Quantique is a French not-for-profit organisation created in 2018 to support the emergence of the global quantum ecosystem, gathering more than 50 members and partners and organising more than 20 workshops per year. Its mission is to foster the emergence of talent capable of addressing the major challenges of quantum physics, while also guiding the development of entrepreneurial and industrial projects towards the market launch of new products and services.

About Quandela

Quandela is a global leader in quantum computing, designing, building, and delivering cutting-edge quantum solutions for research and industry. Its offerings include the most energy-efficient quantum computers for data centers, full-stack quantum computing solutions accessible via the cloud, and algorithm access services for academic and industrial customers. Following a pragmatic, step-by-step roadmap, Quandela has been deploying industrial-grade systems since 2023 while developing future generations of fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of scaling through the integration of thousands of photonic components. Quandela is committed to making quantum computing accessible to all in order to address the most complex industrial and societal challenges. Learn more at: https://www.quandela.com/

About QUTAC

QUTAC (Quantum Technology & Application Consortium) is a consortium of internationally active German companies from various sectors and potential users of quantum computing technology. It intends to promote the politically desired digital sovereignty of Germany and Europe and to establish an economically successful, independent ecosystem of quantum computing technology in Germany and for Europe. To this end, the members of the consortium want to identify, develop, test and make available use cases for quantum computing technology both for their own sectors and across sectors. Learn more at www.qutac.de

Contact- Media Relations

• Iva Baytcheva, iva.baytcheva@maarc.fr +33(0)6.28.59.07.03
• Charles Courbet, charles.courbet@maarc.fr +33(0)6.28.93.03.06