Think of a quantum computer as a fussy instrument that only behaves if its controls are exact. Learning to do that usually happens in a university lab, long before anyone sells it. Now a company is moving into the lab’s neighbourhood.
AQSolotl Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based spinout, is setting up research, development and commercialisation operations at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Technovation Park in Johor Bahru. UTM describes it as the first quantum computing hardware company operating in Malaysia, and announced the arrangement on 24 September 2026. That ranking is the university’s own claim.
Years in the making
UTM began building quantum expertise in 2009 through work with The University of Osaka in Japan. Collaboration with Singapore’s Centre for Quantum Technologies, Nanyang Technological University and the National University of Singapore followed, and the AQSolotl link with UTM dates from 2018. AQSolotl grew out of quantum-control work tied to NTU and NUS, and will focus on developing controllers for quantum computers.
UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim called it proof that long research can reach the market. “This achievement demonstrates how sustained research, supported by international collaboration and local expertise, can be translated into technology, commercialisation, talent development and new industries for the country,” he said.
The people involved
UTM’s quantum work is led by Dr. Yap Yung Szen, with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Haza Nuzly Abdull Hamed and Dr. Koh Meng Hock. Yap was named to Quantum 100, a UNESCO-associated initiative honouring leaders in quantum science. Senior representatives of both organisations met at UTM on 23 September 2026.
The announcement says UTM’s closeness to Singapore could make it a bridge between the two countries’ research and talent. What it does not say is how much money is involved, or whether any system is running or any customer signed. The confirmed news is the Johor base itself, not a finished machine.
Sources
- AQSolotl Sets Up Malaysia’s First Quantum Hardware Base At UTM
- UTM becomes Johor base for AQSolotl quantum-control commercialisation
