ARLINGTON, VA — Quantum algorithms company Phasecraft plans to establish its U.S. headquarters in Arlington's Ballston neighborhood, creating 19 jobs through a $113,000 investment, Virginia officials announced.
The United Kingdom-founded company develops algorithms designed for quantum computers, with potential applications in materials simulation, chemical reaction modeling and optimization.
Phasecraft said the Arlington office will help the company expand its work with U.S. government agencies and private-sector clients while giving it access to Northern Virginia's technology workforce and proximity to federal agencies.
"Phasecraft's new Arlington HQ represents a significant milestone for the company," Phasecraft co-founder and CEO Ashley Montanaro said in a statement. "As our work with agencies across the U.S. government and the private sector continues to grow, so too will our American workforce."
Arlington County Board Chairman Matt de Ferranti said Phasecraft selected Ballston for its U.S. headquarters.
"Phasecraft will join a growing number of international companies that have recently made Arlington their home due to direct access to unique assets like specialized talent, key federal agencies, and strong transit infrastructure," de Ferranti said.
Phasecraft was founded by researchers from the United Kingdom's quantum science community. The company works on quantum algorithms intended to move quantum computing research toward practical industrial applications.
Earlier this year, Phasecraft joined the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, a federal program examining whether utility-scale quantum computing could be possible by 2033.
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Under that program, Phasecraft is using its software and algorithms to support verification and validation work.
The company was also selected for the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy's Quantum Computing for Computational Chemistry program. That work focuses on developing quantum algorithms to simulate and discover advanced catalysts that could be used in the energy sector.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger said Phasecraft's investment adds to Virginia's efforts to attract technology companies.
"I'm thrilled to welcome Phasecraft to the Commonwealth and look forward to seeing all they accomplish as they grow and build on Virginia's world-class innovation ecosystem," Spanberger said.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Arlington County to secure the project, according to the governor's office.
Phasecraft will receive support through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, a state-funded economic development program that provides services and funding to companies creating jobs to help with employee recruitment and training.
State Sen. Barbara Favola and Del. Patrick Hope also welcomed the company's decision to establish its headquarters in Arlington, pointing to the county's workforce, transportation system and technology sector.
The Phasecraft announcement comes as Arlington continues to attract technology and government-focused companies. Earlier this year, Innovative Defense Technologies announced plans to expand its Ballston headquarters and create 210 jobs, while Spatial Front announced plans to relocate its headquarters to National Landing.
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