Quantum research leads to startup for PhD Student

For Sagar Kumar Seth, learning physics was key to unlocking the wonders of the universe.

As a child, he began to understand how physics led to technological marvels like ships and trains. As an undergraduate student at IIT Bombay, he decided to become part of the next physics-based revolution: quantum technologies.

“That was really exciting for me, the idea that I could help make the next set of quantum technologies that could change the world,” he said.

With undergraduate research experience developing silicon quantum bits, Seth wanted to pursue a PhD, which would give him the deeper understanding he needed to contribute to the quantum revolution. But he did not just want an academic perspective — he wanted to launch a startup that could have a real impact on the world.

He found the right mix of academic and application perspectives at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME). “It was a perfect fit,” he said. “Here, quantum wasn’t just part of the physics department. It was engineering focused, directed toward applications.”

As a PhD student, Seth worked at Argonne National Laboratory in the group of Prof. Supratik Guha and was co-advised by Prof. David Awschalom. Guha, who worked in industry for two decades, instilled an applied perspective within his group, asking his students: How does this innovation push the boundaries? Who is going to benefit?

That was really exciting for me, the idea that I could help make the next set of quantum technologies that could change the world.

Sagar Kumar Seth, PhD'26

Seth initially worked to develop new materials for quantum communication networks. His research focused on growing thin films that could be used as quantum repeaters, which amplify signals in quantum networks, and developing milli-kelvin quantum measurement systems to characterize quantum properties of these films.

As a graduate student, he learned to think critically, read the literature, and analyze data. He also learned the importance of talking with people — both with the experts at Argonne and his fellow UChicago PME students on different research tracks — while still taking the time to relax and recharge. During warmer weather, he played intramural softball and hung out with friends at Promontory Point on Lake Michigan.

But his path pivoted when he connected with fellow PhD student Connor Horn to develop a technology that would split off extremely thin layers from bulk materials while still retaining the material’s quantum properties. The technique created wafers for semiconductors that can save 65% of expensive semiconductor material wasted in current practices, potentially opening the door for making advanced materials feasible for semiconductor and quantum applications.

The pair took a course at UChicago’s Booth School of Business, developed a business plan, and learned how to pitch their idea. Together with UChicago students Xella Doi and Joseph McDonald, they won second place in the 29th Annual Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge hosted by UChicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Booth School of Business.

The resulting startup, K1 Semiconductor, now has its own processing facility and partnerships with global semiconductor companies. Seth works full-time at the startup, where he and the team fulfill a need for today’s technologies while working toward becoming part of the quantum supply chain of the future.

“My goal for my PhD was to work on a technology I could commercialize, that had real value,” he said. “And that’s what we achieved. UChicago PME is definitely full of resources for students who have this goal. Anyone who has an inkling that their idea could have commercial potential should take advantage of everything UChicago offers.”