Phasecraft

Founders and Origins

Phasecraft was co-founded by a group of prominent quantum computing researchers. The founding team includes Toby Cubitt, Ashley Montanaro, and John Morton, all of whom are established academics with strong track records in quantum information science.

• Toby Cubitt is a Professor of Quantum Information at University College London, known for foundational contributions to the theory of quantum many-body systems and quantum algorithms.
• Ashley Montanaro is a Professor of Quantum Computation at the University of Bristol, whose work spans quantum algorithms and their applications.
• John Morton is a Professor at UCL working in quantum technologies and experimental quantum systems.

The company's roots in two of the UK's leading quantum research institutions give it a strong scientific foundation, and its team combines deep theoretical expertise with practical software engineering capabilities.

What the Company Does

Phasecraft's central activity is the design and implementation of quantum algorithms that are tailored to solve real-world problems more efficiently than classical methods, while also being suited to the constraints of current and near-term quantum hardware. The company recognises that today's quantum computers are limited by noise, short coherence times, and relatively small numbers of qubits, and therefore places great emphasis on developing algorithms that are efficient in their use of these scarce resources.

A key part of Phasecraft's philosophy is co-designing algorithms with an understanding of the specific characteristics of the underlying hardware. By tailoring algorithms to particular quantum processors, the company aims to achieve meaningful results on machines that would otherwise be too limited for practical applications. This hardware-aware approach distinguishes Phasecraft's work from more theoretical efforts that assume idealised, error-free quantum computers.

The company focuses particularly on problems in the physical sciences, where quantum computers are widely expected to offer some of their earliest and most significant advantages. These include the simulation of quantum materials and molecules, which is central to fields such as chemistry, materials science, and energy. Simulating the behaviour of electrons in complex materials is notoriously difficult for classical computers, and quantum computers are naturally suited to this class of problem because they operate according to the same quantum mechanical principles that govern the systems being studied.

Areas of Focus and Applications

Materials Simulation

One of Phasecraft's most prominent areas of work is the simulation of new materials. Understanding and predicting the properties of materials at the quantum level has enormous implications for developing better batteries, more efficient solar cells, superconductors, and other advanced technologies. Phasecraft develops quantum algorithms aimed at modelling these systems with greater accuracy and efficiency than is possible with existing computational techniques.

Quantum Chemistry

Closely related to materials simulation, quantum chemistry involves modelling molecules and chemical reactions. Accurate quantum chemical simulations could accelerate the discovery of new drugs, catalysts, and industrial processes. Phasecraft's algorithmic research addresses the challenge of representing and computing molecular systems on quantum hardware.

Optimisation

Phasecraft also investigates the application of quantum computing to optimisation problems, which arise across many industries including logistics, finance, and energy. Optimisation is another domain in which quantum approaches may eventually offer advantages, and the company explores algorithms designed to tackle such problems.

Products and Services

Phasecraft's offerings centre on its quantum algorithms expertise and software capabilities. The company provides:

• Quantum algorithm development: Custom design of algorithms optimised for specific problems and hardware platforms, drawing on the founders' and team's deep research expertise.

• Hardware-aware software: Techniques and software tools that enable quantum algorithms to run effectively on real, noisy quantum devices, maximising performance within the limits of current technology.

• Collaborative research and consulting: Partnerships with industrial clients and hardware providers to apply quantum computing to their particular challenges, particularly in materials, chemistry, and optimisation.

• Intellectual property and know-how: As a research-driven company, Phasecraft generates novel methods and techniques that form the basis of its competitive advantage and value proposition.

The company has worked with major quantum hardware platforms, running its algorithms on devices from leading providers to demonstrate practical results. This includes conducting experiments on superconducting and other qubit technologies to show that its algorithmic approaches deliver improvements in real-world settings.

Funding and Investment

Phasecraft has attracted significant investment from venture capital and other backers who see potential in quantum software. The company raised a substantial Series A funding round, backed by investors including AlbionVC, Parkwalk Advisors, LocalGlobe, and UCL Technology Fund, among others. This funding has supported the growth of its team and the expansion of its research and development activities. The company has also received support and recognition through UK government and innovation initiatives aimed at fostering the country's quantum technology sector.

Research and Reputation

Phasecraft maintains strong ties to academic research and regularly publishes its findings in scientific venues, contributing to the broader advancement of quantum computing. Its work has been featured in scientific literature and it is regarded as a significant contributor to the practical development of quantum algorithms. The company's dual identity as both a commercial enterprise and a serious research organisation is a defining feature, allowing it to push the boundaries of what is theoretically possible while remaining focused on delivering practical value.

The company is often cited as one of the UK's leading quantum computing startups and a key part of the country's ambition to become a global leader in quantum technologies. Its presence contributes to a growing ecosystem of quantum companies, research institutions, and government programmes across the United Kingdom.

Conclusion

Phasecraft occupies a distinctive and important position in the quantum computing landscape. By focusing on quantum software and algorithms rather than hardware, and by emphasising a hardware-aware, practical approach, the company aims to bring forward the day when quantum computers deliver genuine commercial and scientific value. Its emphasis on materials simulation, quantum chemistry, and optimisation targets some of the most promising early applications of quantum computing. Backed by world-class academic founders, strong investment, and deep technical expertise, Phasecraft represents a leading example of the United Kingdom's growing strength in quantum technologies.