From Research to Spin-off: IceCirc GmbH Brings Cryogenic Electronics Closer to Quantum Computers
From Academic Research to Industrial Innovation
How can excellent research become technology with impact beyond academia? One answer is IceCirc GmbH, a new spin-off from the Integrated Computing Architectures Institute at Forschungszentrum Jülich.
IceCirc develops cryogenic integrated circuits for quantum computers. These are highly specialized chips designed to operate close to the quantum processor at extremely low temperatures. They support the control and readout of quantum information - a central requirement for making future quantum computers more compact, efficient and really scalable.
The company builds on a long-standing vision at ICA: scalable quantum computers will not only need better qubits, but also integrated electronics that can work in their immediate environment. For more than a decade, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stefan van Waasen and the ICA team have advanced the scientific foundations of cryogenic electronics, system architectures, chip design, modelling and verification - from IC development to measurements in cryostats close to absolute zero.
IceCirc now takes the next step: translating this expertise into application-oriented cryogenic ASICs for quantum computer control and readout. The goal is to help quantum computer manufacturers reduce system complexity, wiring overhead and power consumption by bringing tailored electronics closer to the quantum processor.
From ICA to IceCirc
The founding story is closely connected to the institute. The members of the team have their scientific roots at ICA, where they worked on the challenges that now form the basis of the company. Led by Managing Directors Jonas Bühler and Viktor Koch, IceCirc combines deep technical knowledge with the ambition to turn research results into usable technology.
For ICA, the spin-off is not a departure from science, but an extension of its impact. The institute continues to advance the scientific foundations of cryogenic electronics, while IceCirc focuses on product-oriented development, industrial partnerships and the commercialization path. Both sides work on complementary parts of the same mission: enabling scalable quantum computing hardware.
Creating Impact Beyond Research
Publicly funded research carries a responsibility to create impact. Publications and prototypes are essential, but many technologies only reach society when they are developed further, made reliable and brought into real-world use. Spin-offs need to play a crucial role in this process: they attract private capital, build dedicated teams, work with customers and turn scientific results into products.
We are grateful for the people, infrastructure and support that made this step possible - and look forward to seeing how IceCirc contributes to the next generation of scalable quantum computers.
Last Modified: 23.07.2026