Irish startup Equal1 has introduced Bell-1, the world’s first quantum computer that runs on a hybrid quantum-classical silicon chip. This compact, rack-mountable machine weighs just 200kg and can be plugged into a standard power socket — a far cry from the large and complex systems typically associated with quantum computers. Designed to integrate easily into high-performance computing (HPC) data centres, Bell-1 brings quantum technology a step closer to real-world use and commercial deployment.
Hybrid Silicon Design and Cryo-Cooling Make Bell-1 Scalable, Compact, and Research-Ready
Equal1’s innovative approach combines classical transistors with quantum transistors on a single silicon-based chip. These hybrid chips house silicon-spin qubits, a unique alternative to the more common superconducting or trapped-ion qubits.
Though Bell-1 currently has only 6 qubits — well below what’s needed for practical quantum advantage — the architecture allows for scalable growth. According to CEO Jason Lynch, this integration of mature semiconductor technologies offers the fastest path to a truly powerful quantum system.
Equal1 Launches Bell-1, the First Plug-and-Play Quantum Computer Powered by Hybrid Silicon ChipOne of the standout features of Bell-1 is its closed-cycle cryo-cooler, which enables it to operate at ultra-low temperatures (0.3 Kelvin) without the bulky dilution refrigerators typically required.
This technological choice not only reduces the machine’s physical footprint but also makes it more accessible to companies looking to experiment with quantum computing without significant infrastructure investment. Despite its current limitations, Bell-1 is already enabling foundational research, including error correction and quantum phase estimation.
Bell-1 Bridges Today’s Research Needs With Tomorrow’s Quantum Computing Breakthroughs Globally
Although Bell-1 doesn’t yet have the computational power of systems like Google’s 105-qubit Willow chip, it is commercially available — a crucial differentiator. Equal1’s machine is targeted at research institutions and tech companies looking to build quantum expertise and lay the groundwork for future advancements. The demand for quantum talent is increasing, and Bell-1 provides a viable platform for experimentation, positioning Equal1 as a bridge between current capabilities and future breakthroughs.
Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from University College Dublin, Equal1 has grown from a local startup to a global contender in quantum tech. With about 45 employees and a growing presence in the Netherlands — a key European quantum hub — the company is well-positioned for future success.
Backed by investment from the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Equal1 is racing against tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon to make quantum computing practical. Its strategy: leverage standard chip manufacturing to scale faster and bring quantum into the mainstream.
