Compact and deployable atomic clocks

EpoQ builds on research conducted in the UvA-IoP research group of Rene Gerritsma, where researchers develop and investigate trapped-ion quantum systems. Trapped ions are among the most precise systems available for atomic timekeeping, but the complex laser and optical equipment required to operate them has traditionally restricted their use to specialised laboratories. EpoQ aims to overcome these limitations by using photonic integrated circuits, or photonic chips, to miniaturize key optical components and develop compact, deployable atomic clocks.

The pre-incorporation venture is led by Louis Gallagher, an NWO Faculty of Impact postdoctoral fellow at UvA; Matteo Mazzanti, currently an NWO Rubicon postdoctoral fellow at ETH Zurich; and group leader Rene Gerritsma, who oversees the technical development at UvA. The technology is particularly relevant for space, defence and critical infrastructure, where highly accurate and reliable timing is essential, especially when satellite navigation signals are unavailable or disrupted.

PhotonDelta contest

As winner of the international competition, EpoQ will receive up to €100,000 in technology services from companies within the PhotonDelta ecosystem, providing access to expertise and infrastructure for developing its photonic chips. The venture will also have the opportunity to secure up to €2 million in pre-seed investment, subject to PhotonDelta's investment process, and will deliver a keynote presentation of their project at the upcoming PIC summit Europe 2026 in Eindhoven. The award marks an important step towards translating quantum technology developed at the UvA into a commercially viable product.