Author: Andrew See

Syenta, a NSW-based start-up and ANFF-NSW client, has raised US$26M in Series A funding to accelerate chip-to-chip connectivity for next-generation AI systems.

Led by Playground Global and Australia’s National Reconstruction Fund, this brings our total funding to US$36M+. Former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger is also joining Syenta’s Board of Directors.

As AI scales, advanced packaging is becoming the bottleneck. Syneta’s proprietary Localized Electrochemical Manufacturing (LEM) technology enables higher-density interconnects, improved performance, and ~40% fewer process steps, all within existing manufacturing infrastructure. Syenta is also expanding into Arizona to collaborate more closely with customers and partners across the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem.

Source: LinkedIn,

 

Supporting NSW Research Case Study 5: Equipment and Expertise Turning Startups into Unicorns Diraq’s technology, developed over a span of 15 years, relied heavily on the facilities at the The Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) NSW node at UNSW Sydney. Their fundamental technology – including the qubit technology central to their quantum computers – originates from the technology and fabrication work conducted at ANFF. The NSW Consortium of Australian National Fabrication Facility delivers advanced nanofabrication capability for a diverse range of applications to drive greater innovation and collaborative R&D in NSW via the provision of open-access world-class fabrication facilities, training, and expertise focused on micro and nano fabrication. Matt Boreland from ANFF discusses the importance of collaboration, open access research infrastructure and continued investment from the NSW Government. The NCRIS Support Program provides funding for NSW-based NCRIS research and innovation infrastructure facilities, equipment and technical expertise.

Source: LinkedIn

 

UNSW Sydney quantum computing spinout Diraq has banked $20 million from the federal government’s National Reconstruction Fund.

Sources:
Startupdaily.net
Financial Review

Prof. Simmons has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for eminent service to quantum physics and nanotechnology, technology innovation and STEM education. She is one of just 10 Australians to receive the coveted title this year.

UNSW media release:

Professor Andrea Morello has led 33 Australian universities and partners and won the bid of ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computer Performance and Integration. This Centre will tackle scientific barriers to scalable, reliable quantum computing and unlock the full potential of quantum technologies. The bid has secured $35 million in funding. Associate Professor Jarryd Pla and Professor Andrew Dzurak are also part of the winning team.

UNSW media release