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Neutral AtomEst. 2018Berkeley, California

Atom

Atom Computing

“First to 1,000 qubits.”

First to cross the 1,000-qubit threshold using neutral atoms held in place by lasers — with atoms that can live for minutes.

First Past 1,000 Qubits

Atom Computing's 1,180-qubit machine was the first to break the four-digit qubit barrier.

Led by Rob Hays (CEO)
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The Story

Timeline.

2018

Founded in Berkeley to pursue neutral-atom quantum computing.

2021

Unveils Phoenix, its first 100-qubit machine.

2023

Announces the first quantum computer to exceed 1,000 qubits — Atom-2 at 1,180.

2024

Partners with Microsoft to demonstrate 24 logical qubits on neutral atoms.

What makes them different

Key Facts

  • Neutral strontium atoms trapped in a grid of optical tweezers.
  • Coherence times of tens of seconds — orders of magnitude beyond superconducting.
  • Atoms are naturally identical, sidestepping fabrication variability.
  • Operates at near-room temperature with laser cooling, no dilution fridge.

Real-world pilots

Quantum Uses Today

  • Government contracts including AFRL and DARPA.
  • Joint research programs with Microsoft on logical qubits.

If they succeed

Potential Applications

  • Fault-tolerant quantum computing at commodity temperatures.
  • Precision timekeeping and quantum sensors from the same platform.
  • Large-scale simulation of quantum materials.
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