QuiX Quantum Photonic Quantum Chip Joins National Scientific Heritage at Rijksmuseum Boerhaave
Dutch photonic quantum computing milestone marks the transition from laboratory research to real-world technology
Leiden, the Netherlands, 13 May 2026 — Today, QuiX Quantum, the Dutch full-stack developer of quantum computers, donated its award-winning quantum photonic chip to Rijksmuseum Boerhaave, the national museum of science and medicine. The chip, which won the Quantum Tech category at the SPIE Prism Awards in 2023 - the leading industry recognition in photonics - making an early breakthrough in scalable photonic quantum computing. It demonstrated for the first time how complex quantum optical circuits could be integrated onto a reconfigurable, chip-based platform.
At the time of its development the chip represented one of the most advanced integrated photonic quantum circuits created in Europe, helping establish photonics as a serious platform for the future of quantum computing. Developed as part of QuiX Quantum’s roadmap toward large-scale quantum systems, the chip demonstrated that quantum computers can be built using integrated photonics, leveraging light as the foundation for computation. Unlike many quantum approaches that rely on extreme cryogenic cooling, photonic quantum systems offer a pathway toward more stable, energy-efficient, and deployable quantum computers.
“Scientific breakthroughs become part of history surprisingly quickly” said Ad Maas, Conservator at Rijksmuseum Boerhaave. “This chip reflects a moment when quantum computing began moving beyond the laboratory and into the broader story of technology and society.”
The chip reflects a broader shift across the quantum industry, as technologies once confined to research laboratories increasingly move toward practical systems with real-world applications. Its admission to Rijksmuseum Boerhaave signals the moment when quantum computing began transitioning from scientific promise toward emerging computing infrastructure.
“This chip is small in size, but significant in meaning,” said Dr. Jelmer Renema, Chief Scientist at QuiX Quantum. “It is a beautiful demonstration of why photonics is such a strong platform for quantum computing. It shows how we can move from complex optical experiments toward integrated, scalable, and ultimately deployable quantum systems. Donating it to Rijksmuseum Boerhaave is a meaningful way to make that progress visible to a broader audience.”
About QuiX Quantum
QuiX Quantum is a leading provider of photonic quantum computing hardware driving innovation across Europe in the development of its Universal Quantum Computer. The first system, already sold and contracted for delivery, underscores the impact of QuiX Quantum’s market-leading hardware and renowned quality. Following its expansion across Europe and UK, QuiX Quantum pushes the boundaries of quantum technology and industry, strengthening Europe’s international competitiveness, leveraging a wide network of partners while serving a growing global customer base.
About Rijksmuseum Boerhaave
Rijksmuseum Boerhaave, located in Leiden, is the national museum of science and medicine in the Netherlands. The museum manages a leading collection of scientific instruments, medical objects, archives and artworks spanning more than five centuries of Dutch scientific history.
Through exhibitions, educational programmes and public events, Rijksmuseum Boerhaave connects historical collections with contemporary issues in science, health, technology and society. The museum collaborates with universities, researchers, cultural institutions and public partners to make science accessible, relevant and inspiring for a broad audience.
In Header Photo (Left to Right): Jan-Jaap de Haan (Director Rijksmuseum Boerhaave), Ad Maas (Conservator Rijksmuseum Boerhaave), Jelmer Renema (Chief Scientist QuiX Quantum).
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