New York-based quantum computing startup SEEQC has announced that it has created a digital chip that can operate at temperatures lower than outer space, so it can be used with quantum processors often found in cryogenic chambers.

Quantum computers based on quantum physics will one day be able to perform calculations millions of times faster than today’s most powerful supercomputers. One of the problems is that quantum processors with quantum bits or qubits often need to be stored at very low temperatures, close to zero Kelvin or -273.15 Celsius. On the other hand, classical computers operate at normal temperatures.

Today, cables connect a quantum processor in a freezer to classical computers at room temperature, but changes in temperature can slow speeds and cause other problems. Likewise, SEEQC built its own quantum computer and is now trying to modify it with new chips.

“If you’re trying to build a data center, if that’s your goal, it’s not enough to take these early prototype designs and try to brute-force them to scale,” said John Levy, co-founder and CEO of SEEQC.

The first chip, unveiled this week, sits just below the quantum processor, controlling the qubits and reading the results. At least two other chips still in development will be in a slightly warmer part of the cryogenic chamber. Additionally, they can process the information needed for quantum computing.

According to Levy, this technology could make it easier to make more powerful quantum computers because each cryogenic chamber can support more qubits. Today’s superconducting quantum computers have hundreds of qubits, but some estimates suggest that it may take thousands or a million qubits to build a quantum computer to run useful algorithms. According to Levy, SEEQC’s digital chips are manufactured at SEEQC’s Elmsford facility using silicon wafers without the use of transistors.