Pasqal, through its Canadian subsidiary Aeponyx, has launched a Center of Competency for Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Packaging at C2MI in Bromont, Quebec. The initiative aims to strengthen Canada’s domestic capabilities in advanced photonics and quantum technologies by focusing on the assembly and packaging of key components. Supported by the Canadian government, the project brings together Aeponyx, HOP Technologies, and Phantom Photonics to bridge the gap between research, prototyping, and low-volume manufacturing.

The project is backed by $4 million in combined federal and provincial support, including $3 million from Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) through its Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program. The total project budget is $7.9 million. The first phase will establish low-volume manufacturing capabilities intended to support thousands of devices, while the second phase aims to scale production to 500,000+ modules per year.

Central to the project is the installation of state-of-the-art packaging equipment at C2MI, specifically designed for PIC-based quantum computing applications. This equipment is made possible through Aeponyx's long-standing partnership with Aixemtec Gmbh, a German equipment manufacturer. The center will focus on advanced PIC packaging processes tailored for quantum technologies, with the objective of standardizing and making novel packaging capabilities available to the broader ecosystem.

The consortium combines complementary experience across Canada’s innovation landscape. HOP Technologies leverages photonic integration for physiological monitoring and wearable biosignals applications. Phantom Photonics adds expertise in next-generation LiDAR and optical sensing for autonomous systems and defense. This collaboration demonstrates that the packaging capabilities being developed at C2MI can serve a growing range of high-stakes applications.

For Pasqal, the project highlights the strategic importance of PIC technology to its long-term leadership in neutral-atom quantum computing. Aeponyx, acquired by Pasqal to bring PIC experience in-house, will help enable Pasqal to strengthen the precision, robustness, and scalability of the photonic layer underpinning its quantum hardware roadmap. The initiative is intended to position Canada as a global leader in next-generation quantum and sensing technologies.

Project Funding and Partners

Pasqal, a global leader in neutral-atom quantum computing, has appointed Stéphane Rougeot as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to oversee its global finance organization as it scales the commercial deployment of its quantum systems and prepares to enter the public markets through its previously-announced business combination with Bleichroeder Acquisition Corp. II (NASDAQ: BBCQ). Rougeot will lead financial planning and analysis, accounting, treasury, and investor relations, playing a central role in advancing Pasqal's capital markets readiness in connection with the proposed business combination and anticipated transition to a public company. His mandate is to build the financial foundation to support disciplined growth as Pasqal moves from breakthrough science to planned large-scale commercial deployment.

Strategic Leadership for Public Markets

Rougeot brings more than two decades of executive experience across multinational technology, media, and industrial companies. His appointment is a strategic move to strengthen Pasqal's financial foundation ahead of its planned transition to a public company. He will play a central role in advancing Pasqal's capital markets readiness in connection with the proposed business combination.

Executive Background

Rougeot has served as CFO for multiple publicly-listed European technology companies. His previous roles include:

He began his career at Total S.A. and held senior finance and strategy roles at Orange S.A. Rougeot is a graduate of Sciences Po Paris and Université Paris-Dauphine.

Path to Public Listing

The appointment comes as Pasqal prepares to enter the public markets via a business combination with Bleichroeder Acquisition Corp. II. A registration statement on Form F-4 was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 26, 2026. Pasqal is backed by more than USD 300 million in total funding and employs over 275 people, serving over 25 clients and partners including Aramco, CMA CGM, OVHcloud, Thales, IBM, and Sumitomo.

Management Commentary

"Quantum computing is moving from the laboratory into real industrial and commercial use, and that transition has to be built on financial rigor and credibility with the public markets," said Wasiq Bokhari, Chief Executive Officer of Pasqal. "Stéphane has been CFO of multiple publicly listed companies and has guided them through transformation and international growth. As we prepare to become a public company and scale globally, that is precisely the experience Pasqal needs."

"Pasqal has built a rare combination — world-class science rooted in France, a clear commercial roadmap and a blue-chip customer base — and I am joining at the moment that combination turns into scale," said Stéphane Rougeot. "I look forward to building the financial foundation to take Pasqal public and to support its growth as one of the defining companies in quantum computing."