Bleximo Provides Hands-On Quantum Computing Training to Stand-Out Interns
By Virginia Houk Ball
Bleximo is a Berkeley-based startup that builds full-stack, superconducting, application-specific quantum computers by co-designing algorithms and hardware to deliver practical solutions for high-impact problems.
Our fast-growing team is a combination of experienced specialists and young, ambitious scientists and engineers; and this summer, we invited a group of talented interns to join the team. This internship program far exceeded our expectations, with each of our interns making tremendous practical contributions within quite a short period of time.
Hands-On Work with Dilution Refrigerators
Annika Keck, a mechanical engineering student from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, joined the Cryogenic Team to assist with mechanical design and prototyping as well as day-to-day production tracking. Her main project was to design a lightweight, rotating frame that is now used to display a scale model of the last two stage plates of a dilution refrigerator and Bleximo’s AEGIS.Qryo for use at trade shows.
“The most interesting thing I learned was how a company like Bleximo functions,” said Keck, “especially the Cryogenics Team within it. I didn’t realize how complex the manufacturing process was, and over the summer I got to learn on a much deeper level than what I had been taught at school.”
Keck also assisted with day-to-day production, creating high-quality CAD work and excellent manufacturing and assembly drawings. “She was able to take components from her imagination through the full design and manufacturing pipeline,” said Jack Tooley, Metrology and Quality Lead.
Cal Poly mechanical engineering student Bradley Maruoka also interned with the Cryogenic Team, primarily assisting with the design of an improved dilution refrigerator assembly jig used to install Bleximo’s AEGIS.Qryo. In the span of three months, he was able to move from initial conception to finished, production-ready product.
“This project was introduced on my first day with only a few constraints,” said Maruoka. “The nature of having such an open-ended project really allowed me to be creative when thinking of my initial designs and throughout the development.”
After finishing this project, Maruoka was able to start evaluating and characterizing grinding processes for silicon die samples. This data created a direct and immediate impact, aiding in topology measurements and process improvement for microfabrication of multi-qubit processors and other devices.
“To be completely honest, I didn’t know much at all about quantum computing when I applied to Bleximo,” said Maruoka. “It was the mystery of it that intrigued me the most. I had taken a linear algebra class where we discussed different matrices that correspond to quantum gates, so it was interesting to see some real-world applications of what was essentially a pure mathematics course.”
Enhancing Qubit Readouts
While completing his PhD at Stanford, David Saykin interned primarily within the Microwave Engineering Team, bringing an impressive range of skills. Over the summer, he worked primarily on the through-line-reflect calibration of s-parameter measurements, demonstrating tremendous versatility and proving himself to be a valuable addition to the team throughout the course of his internship.
“He was able to contribute on hands-on stuff like electronics equipment automation, theoretical subjects, and software development,” said Chiara Pellettii, Microwave Engineering Lead. “He put together a working system in three months without any prior knowledge about the subject.”
Saykin felt his time at Bleximo gave him a unique insight into the intricacies of quantum processor design and the modern challenges faced by the quantum industry. “I’m considering a career in quantum computing after graduation,” said Saykin. “Bleximo allowed me to take a peek into the QC industry.”
Working at Bleximo
Founded in 2017, Bleximo is still in the early stages of its growth, which allows for a truly exceptional internship experience. Our close collaboration with the Advanced Quantum Testbed and Berkeley Lab has allowed interns to get up close to Bleximo tech as it’s used in the field.
“One of the coolest things I did was go up to the fridge at QNL when the XLD was warm and opened. We got to look at all of the shielding, superconducting cables, and copper hardware mounted to the stages,” said Maruoka. “It’s one thing to see all of these copper components on the bench at Bleximo HQ, but to get to see them in action was something else.
The size of Bleximo also lends itself to a connection and camaraderie only felt on smaller, early-stage teams. The founders, Alexei Marchenkov and Richard Maydra, have their desks set up among the rest of the team, and they are a regular fixture at lunchtime, which includes every member of the company.
“I really loved the company meals on Tuesday!” said Keck. “It was a fun way to try new foods and get to chat with coworkers outside of your team that you wouldn’t normally see every day.”
Looking ahead, the company will host a second group of interns next summer with exciting new opportunities, supporting future projects and partnerships. These students will directly contribute to the rapid development of quantum computing tech, getting in on the ground floor as Bleximo builds its full-stack, application-specific quantum computing solution.
“I chose to do my internship at Bleximo because I was interested in being a part of such an emerging field of work,” said Keck. “I knew that I would be respected, as well as mentored, if I chose to join Bleximo for the summer.”
