BY Harshit September 26, 2025 | London | 9:15 AM BST
A major leap in computing technology was announced this week as Quantum Motion revealed the first full-stack quantum computer built entirely using standard silicon CMOS chip fabrication techniques. The breakthrough, delivered to the UKRI National Quantum Computing Centre in London, is being compared to the transformative shift from vacuum tubes to integrated circuits, setting the stage for a new era of scalable quantum computing.
A True “Full Stack” System
The machine introduced by Quantum Motion, often referred to as QM, is notable not just for its use of widely available semiconductor technology but also for its complete design. A full-stack quantum computer includes not only the quantum processing unit (QPU) but also the control electronics required for qubit management, a software stack, and a user interface. Remarkably, the system fits within a compact footprint of just three 19-inch server racks, making it suitable for data center environments.
“This is quantum computing’s silicon moment,” said James Palles-Dimmock, CEO of Quantum Motion. “Today’s announcement demonstrates you can build a robust, functional quantum computer using the world’s most scalable technology, with the ability to be mass-produced.”
Scalable Tile Architecture
At the heart of the machine is a scalable tile architecture designed to allow millions of qubits to be integrated on a single chip. Unlike traditional qubits that rely on exotic materials or specialized environments, Quantum Motion’s approach builds directly on silicon technology that underpins most of today’s electronics. Each tile integrates compute, readout, and control elements into a dense array that can be replicated repeatedly, promising expansion without the complexity of networking numerous systems.
Hugo Saleh, the company’s president and chief commercial officer, emphasized the customer-first vision. “With this delivery, Quantum Motion is on track to bring commercially useful quantum computers to market this decade,” he said. “By using standard CMOS, the same foundation as mobile phones and AI chips, we can offer a revolutionary leap in computing.”
Expert Reactions: A Monumental Step
Industry experts have described the announcement as a monumental milestone. Roger A. Grimes, author of Cryptography Apocalypse, explained that this step pushes quantum computers out of the realm of massive, specialized projects into something more practical and accessible. “It brings us closer to the day when people can simply use a quantum computer without worrying about maintaining extreme conditions,” he said.
Ensar Seker, chief information security officer at SOCRadar, highlighted the significance of merging quantum mechanics with classical semiconductor engineering. “It essentially opens the door to scalable, manufacturable quantum computing using the same infrastructure that underpins modern electronics,” he said.
Catching Up With Other Quantum Technologies
Until recently, silicon-based quantum systems trailed behind superconducting qubits and trapped-ion platforms. Quantum Motion’s progress demonstrates that solid-state technologies are catching up. “This is another way to go at it, and it’s a scalable way,” said Prineha Narang, professor of physical sciences and engineering at UCLA.
The company’s system is based on silicon spin qubits, which manipulate information through the spin of electrons. Although still less mature than superconducting circuits or neutral atom technologies, this marks the first full implementation of a silicon spin qubit system. Analysts point out that while performance data remains limited, the architecture may scale far more efficiently than competing methods.
The Ongoing Challenge of Error Correction
Despite the achievement, significant hurdles remain. One of the largest is error correction, a critical process for turning unstable qubits into reliable, fault-tolerant logical qubits. Austin Bosarge, co-founder of QuSecure, noted that while scalability is progressing, building stable quantum systems still requires vast engineering resources. “Quantum systems continue to demand advanced cryogenics, precision calibration, and complex control electronics,” he said. “Overcoming these barriers will determine how quickly we see commercial deployment.”
Yuval Boger, chief commercial officer at QuEra Computing, agreed that multiple approaches to quantum design should be explored. “It’s too early to know which path will ultimately scale most effectively,” he said. “What’s clear is that the potential value is immense, and announcements like this underscore how close we are to a quantum future.”
Implications for Encryption and Security
Beyond computing power, the rise of silicon-based quantum systems raises urgent concerns about cybersecurity. Experts warn that once quantum machines reach the threshold of around 4,000 error-corrected qubits, they could break widely used encryption methods. Some forecasts suggest that this could become a reality as soon as 2029.
Tim Hollebeek, vice president of industry standards at DigiCert, emphasized the urgency of preparing digital infrastructure. “Advances like this show that the day is coming when quantum computers will be built in standard foundries. That means it’s no longer a question of if but when, and the time to adopt quantum-safe encryption is now,” he said.
A New Chapter for Quantum Computing
Quantum Motion’s breakthrough positions silicon-based quantum technology as a serious contender in the race toward practical, large-scale quantum systems. By leveraging decades of CMOS development, supply chain maturity, and established quality control, the company has brought quantum closer to the mass-manufacturable reality that could transform industries.
As the UKRI National Quantum Computing Centre integrates this system into its research ecosystem, the global community will watch closely to see whether this silicon-based approach can overcome the challenges of error correction, scaling, and cost.
For now, experts agree on one point: quantum computing has entered its next major chapter, and Quantum Motion’s achievement may be remembered as the spark that accelerated its path to mainstream adoption.
