Optalysys says photonic chips can move data, not just connect it, read on Quantum Zeitgeist
Optalysys argues that modern AI’s scaling is limited by data movement, not just processing power.
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Optalysys
Company · Leeds
Optalysys works on classical photonic computing rather than quantum hardware: its silicon photonic chips perform calculations inside the optical data path, which it calls Compute-in-Transit, aimed at fully homomorphic encryption and AI data movement. The quantum link is cryptographic, and a 2026 preprint describes porting ML-KEM, the NIST post-quantum key exchange standard, onto its photonic prototype. Founded in Leeds in 2013, it raised £23m in January 2026 in a round led by Northern Gritstone, with the National Security Strategic Investment Fund taking part, and in June 2026 named former Intel executive Chris Walker as chief executive.
Optalysys is a Leeds company working on post quantum cryptography and quantum security, founded in 2013. No project in this directory lists it yet.
Sources: Optalysys secures £23m to advance photonic computing and US expansion · Optalysys raises £23 million to advance privacy-enhancing technologies, NSSIF · Programmable Compute-in-Transit using Integrated Photonics (arXiv) · Optalysys · OPTALYSYS LTD, Companies House
Projects (0)
No project in this directory lists Optalysys as lead, partner or funder yet.
In the news
Recent articles from Quantum Zeitgeist that mention Optalysys.
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Optalysys aims to compute as data travels, not just when it arrives, read on Quantum Zeitgeist
Optalysys demonstrates programmable Photonic hardware for Programmable Compute-in-Transit, performing tens of GFLOPs on data links.
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400+ Quantum Companies Powering Tech Era, read on Quantum Zeitgeist
We have gathered over 400 quantum companies from around the globe into one place. From quantum start-ups to well-established companies, the list often includes written-about entities such as Xanadu, IBM, and Microsoft, but also includes newer start-ups and scale-ups who are popping up to tackle ever
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Partnerships (2)
Research, commercial and investment relationships, by year. Partners with a profile here are linked.
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DARPA Research 2017
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National Security Strategic Investment Fund Investment
Recorded on National Security Strategic Investment Fund's profile.
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