Press Release

Leader in Neutral Atoms Quantum Computing Names Catherine Lefebvre to Lead North American Business Development

Paris, Boston, Sherbrooke, June 2, 2022 – Pasqal, the global leader in neutral atoms quantum computing, has named seasoned quantum technology executive, Catherine Lefebvre, to lead North American business development for the company.  The company also announced office openings in Boston (U.S.) and in Sherbrooke (Canada).

As Vice President, Strategic Business Development North America for Pasqal, Lefebvre will be based in the Boston office to help drive the company’s commercial and strategic partnership efforts and serve as the primary point of contact for U.S.-based clients and partners. Pasqal’s local U.S. presence will allow the company to further capitalize on the tremendous market opportunity and to expand the adoption of Pasqal’s quantum hardware and software solutions by U.S. industries including energy, healthcare, finance and automotive, while deepening Pasqal’s relationships with U.S. customers.

Prior to joining Pasqal, Lefebvre served in multiple roles, including as U.S. and Canada Innovation Ambassador for quantum technology company M Squared; advisor in quantum technologies at Quebec Ministry of Economy and Innovation; and as Science Liaison Officer for Element AI (acquired by ServiceNow), a global developer of AI solutions. Lefebvre has a background in research with a Ph.D. in molecular physics and quantum chemistry with training in science diplomacy.

Pasqal’s Canadian office is located in the Quantum Innovation Zone in Sherbrooke, which brings together researchers, startups and investors to cultivate the local quantum ecosystem and accelerate the development and adoption of quantum technologies. Known as Pasqal Canada, the new subsidiary will allow Pasqal to collaborate with both academic institutions and industry to grow its business in Canada and develop new commercial applications in such areas as smart cities, energy and materials science.

“Strengthening our coverage in North America opens up immense new opportunities to leverage our neutral atoms quantum computers for real-world benefit across new regions, markets and industries,” said Georges Olivier-Reymond, CEO and founder of Pasqal. “Catherine is the ideal executive to drive this next phase of our growth, and we are honored to welcome her to the team.”

Offering a broad range of full stack quantum solutions across different industries, Pasqal’s customers include Johnson & Johnson, LG, Airbus, BMW Group, EDF, Thales, MBDA and Credit Agricole CIB.

To learn more about Pasqal, please visit: www.pasqal.com.

About Pasqal

Pasqal builds quantum computers from ordered neutral atoms in 2D and 3D arrays with the goal of bringing a practical quantum advantage to its customers in addressing real-world problems, especially in quantum simulation and optimization. Pasqal was founded in 2019 by Georges-Olivier Reymond, Christophe Jurczak, Professor Dr. Alain Aspect, Dr. Antoine Browaeys and Dr. Thierry Lahaye. Based in Palaiseau and Massy, south of Paris, Pasqal has secured more than €40 million in financing combining equity and non-dilutive funding from Quantonation, the Defense Innovation Fund, Runa Capital, BPI France, ENI and Daphni.

Website: www.pasqal.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/pasqal/