Quantum + AI startup spins off from Alphabet
Sandbox AQ is an enterprise SaaS company delivering solutions that leverage AI and quantum tech, which represent the “A” and “Q” in “AQ,” respectively – two key tools the company uses to address pressing global challenges. Founded by serial entrepreneur and CEO Jack D. Hidary, Sandbox began at Alphabet Inc. from 2016 through 2022, and is developing commercial products for telcom, financial services, healthcare, government, computer security and other computationally-intensive sectors.
Sandbox AQ is developing and deploying hardware, applications and services that leverage global-scale artificial intelligence and machine learning infrastructures together with quantum technologies that, until very recently, were limited to scientific papers and advanced research facilities. These products include post-quantum cryptography modules to enable global companies to transition to a more secure cyber architecture.
The company’s 55 engineers, scientists and technologists collaborate from a broad range of fields – physics, chemistry, AI, neuroscience, cryptography, mathematics and other disciplines – to develop practical solutions for a broad range of use cases.
“The gravity of the geopolitical climate necessitates that we develop stronger cybersecurity platforms for companies and governments,” says Hidary. “In addition to cybersecurity, quantum tech and AI working together have a powerful compound effect we call AQ, which can impact areas such as drug development, clean energy and data security. We have built an ecosystem of partners, customers, government agencies and university relationships to drive this mission forward at scale.”
The company completed an oversubscribed funding round from Breyer Capital, Eric Schmidt, Thomas Tull (Founder & CEO of Tulco, LLC), First Light Capital Group, funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., Guggenheim Investments, led by Scott Minerd, Marc Benioff’s TIME Ventures, David Siegel (co-founder of Two Sigma), Bradley M. Bloom (co-founder and former Managing Director of Berkshire Partners LLC), Section 32, Parkway Venture Capital and other leading funds.
Investor Eric Schmidt, who served as Google’s CEO from 2001 to 2011 and who is now chairman of Sandbox AQ’s board of directors says, “The convergence of quantum and AI technologies is already transforming entire industries, accelerating scientific discovery and reimagining what we thought was possible. By developing commercially viable, quantum technologies using a combination of today’s high-performance computing power and emerging quantum platforms, Sandbox AQ is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation at scale for global impact.”
The company says it will deploy the capital raised – reported to be “nine figures” – to hire additional AI experts, physicists and engineers to further develop and deliver its AI and quantum technologies. The company’s global customer base includes: Vodafone Business, Softbank Mobile, Mt. Sinai Health System, and relationships with other leading Global 1000 companies including Wix. The company’s initial sales are coming from cybersecurity software and services running on classical computers that are designed to block quantum machines from someday unlocking standard encryption and exposing sensitive communications.
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