Gothenburg's ConScience expands in the quantum world

ConScience began as a researcher's side project in a cleanroom at Chalmers University of Technology. Today, the company supplies components to quantum computer developers across several continents, having built its business without external investors. COO Ellen Andreasson discusses what Gothenburg has to offer – and the challenges holding the company back.

Ellen Andreasson, COO at ConScience, standing in a laboratory with advanced technical equipment in Gothenburg. — Ellen Andreasson, COO at Gothenburg-based ConScience, which develops and manufactures advanced components for applications including quantum technology.

Just a few minutes' walk separates ConScience's offices at Stena Center from the cleanroom facilities at Chalmers University of Technology. This proximity is one of the reasons the company is based in Gothenburg. The cleanroom serves as the company's production environment, where chips are manufactured under controlled conditions using processes similar to those employed in the semiconductor industry to produce chips for computers and mobile phones, but for different applications.

ConScience helps customers develop and realise their ideas, from design to finished chips. Applications range from medical technology and diagnostics to advanced sensors. Chalmers owns the cleanroom, and ConScience has access to the facility, allowing customers to benefit from advanced manufacturing equipment, specialist expertise and experience.

From idea to company

The story began in 2012. Joachim Fritzsche, who remains CEO of ConScience and a researcher at Chalmers University of Technology specialising in cleanroom fabrication, established a small sole proprietorship in response to growing demand for specialised support in developing and manufacturing micro- and nanostructures.

The business was eventually incorporated as a limited company, with Marcus Rommel (CTO) and Professor Kasper Moth-Poulsen (board member) joining as co-owners. The first full-time employees joined around 2021. Today, ConScience also has a subsidiary in Denmark.

ConScience has grown without external investors or bank loans. Its growth has been financed primarily through its own revenue and profits. Over the years, its customer base has expanded steadily, largely through personal recommendations. Today, the company serves an international customer base, with a focus on high quality and long-term customer relationships.

"The company has grown organically from the outset, without external venture capital and with profitability driving its growth. This success was recognised with Dagens Industri's Gazelle Award," says Ellen Andreasson, COO at ConScience.

Quantum bits as a ready-made product

A few years ago, a new business area began to emerge: quantum technology, with the Qubit-in-a-box (QiB) product range. A qubit, or quantum bit, is the fundamental unit of a quantum computer. The component is used by quantum computer developers to test their systems and individual parts without needing a complete and expensive system.

ConScience has chosen to focus on superconducting qubits (circuits that conduct electricity without resistance), one of several competing technologies being developed as the foundation for quantum computers. The company has established itself in the international market for manufacturing and selling superconducting qubits, with customers and partners around the world.

Employees wearing blue protective gloves operate advanced technical equipment in a laboratory environment. — ConScience develops and manufactures advanced micro- and nanotechnology components, supplying companies and research institutions working on quantum computers.

Quantum technology customers form a more clearly defined segment than the company's otherwise diverse customer base. They include venture capital-backed or publicly listed quantum companies, universities and research institutes. According to Ellen Andreasson, roughly half are companies and half are universities. Fewer than one in five customers are based in Sweden, with the rest spread internationally, primarily across Europe and the United States, but also in Asia.

Challenges along the way

Specialist expertise in ConScience's fields is scarce and difficult to find, and attracting international talent to Gothenburg is not always easy.

"One candidate recently said in an interview, 'I've been to Gothenburg. It's so dark and cold,'" says Ellen Andreasson with a smile.

One of the company's new hires this year also required an extensive work permit process. At the same time, ConScience competes with major global players that have very different resources and conditions.

Another significant challenge is export regulations. Certain quantum technology products are classified as dual-use items, meaning they can be used for both civilian and military purposes, and are subject to strict controls. This entails specific export restrictions and may require individual export licences for each component sold outside the EU.

"Long processing times and a lack of feedback on export licences create considerable uncertainty. Without knowing whether or when a licence will be approved, it becomes difficult to give customers clear delivery information and plan production," says Ellen Andreasson.

A quantum ecosystem around Chalmers

Gothenburg has developed into an important centre for quantum technology, not least through the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT), a national research initiative hosted by Chalmers University of Technology. The initiative has helped strengthen research and expertise in the field. Several new quantum technology companies have also emerged in the region in recent years.

ConScience is also part of the Quantum Sweden Innovation Platform (QSIP), a national innovation platform coordinated by Chalmers Industriteknik that brings together stakeholders from research and industry. According to Ellen Andreasson, there are plenty of opportunities to make connections and exchange knowledge and experience within Gothenburg's quantum ecosystem.

Looking ahead, an important issue is the need for increased national investment in quantum technology. Several European countries have already made substantial investments, and ConScience, together with other Swedish quantum technology companies, sees significant opportunities to strengthen Sweden's position through greater collaboration and long-term support.

"Sweden has great potential, but larger and more sustained investments are needed to strengthen our competitiveness," she says.

Internationally, investment is moving quickly. One of the company's co-owners recently returned from a week in the United States with a Swedish quantum delegation, describing the scale of investment there as extraordinary. Exactly when quantum computers will achieve widespread adoption remains uncertain, but Ellen Andreasson has no doubts about the direction of development.

"The question is: how long will it take? We can't say, but we know that it will happen."