AQSolotl Establishes Quantum Hardware R&D Base at UTM

AQSolotl Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based company, is establishing its research, development, and commercialization operations at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s (UTM) Technovation Park in Johor Bahru. Indeed, this move, announced by UTM on September 25, 2026, positions AQSolotl as Malaysia’s first quantum computing hardware company, transforming two decades of UTM’s research collaborations into an industrial base on Malaysian soil.

UTM’s Announcement Details

Specifically, on September 23, 2026, the two organizations met at UTM to finalize the agreement for these R&D&C operations, which will be hosted at Technovation Park. AQSolotl specializes in developing quantum computer controllers, the hardware responsible for driving and reading out qubits. Its work stems from UTM’s research collaborations with institutions in Japan and Singapore.

Key details from the announcement include:

• Company: AQSolotl Pte. Ltd., a spin-off from Singapore’s quantum ecosystem in collaboration with UTM.
• Host Site: UTM Technovation Park, Johor Bahru.
• Focus: Research, development, and commercialization of quantum computer controllers.
• Leadership: CEO Patrick Bore and co-founder/CTO Dr. Yap Yung Szen, who also leads UTM’s quantum initiatives.
• Research Lineage: UTM’s connections with The University of Osaka date back to 2009, expanding to Singapore’s CQT, NTU, and NUS from 2018.

UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim stated that sustained research, supported by international collaboration and local expertise, can lead to technological innovation, commercialization, and the creation of new industries.

Technology and Unconfirmed Details

AQSolotl’s controllers originated from quantum control and computing hardware technologies developed through UTM partnerships before progressing towards commercialization. Dr. Yap’s contributions led to his selection for Quantum 100, a global initiative linked to the UNESCO-organized International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. UTM also stated that this facility will offer its students industrial internships and direct exposure to quantum hardware development.

However, several details remain undisclosed. UTM has not specified the qubit modality targeted by the controllers, nor has it released funding figures, the operational start date, or whether the arrangement is a lease, subsidiary, or joint venture.

Significance of the Development

Hosting a hardware company on campus aligns with a model adopted by other universities to foster the quantum industry. George Mason University, for instance, implemented a similar strategy with its Virginia Quantum Hub, integrating physical quantum systems into a university program. UTM’s proximity to Singapore positions it as a crucial link between the Malaysian and Singaporean deep-tech ecosystems. The full impact of this milestone will depend on the funding and timeline, which UTM has yet to disclose, suggesting that the announcement currently represents a hosting commitment rather than a fully operational facility with defined capabilities.