Mohamed Abdel-Kareem

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has selected HQC (Hamming Quasi-Cyclic) as a backup algorithm for post-quantum encryption, supplementing the primary ML-KEM algorithm standardized in 2024. HQC, based on error-correcting codes, provides a mathematically distinct alternative to ML-KEM, which relies on structured lattices. This selection ensures a second line of defense in case vulnerabilities are discovered in ML-KEM. NIST plans to release a draft standard for HQC in 2026, with finalization expected in 2027. HQC joins NIST’s portfolio of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, which includes FIPS 203 (ML-KEM), FIPS 204, and FIPS 205 for digital signatures. These standards are designed to protect sensitive data from future quantum computing threats. HQC’s selection follows a rigorous [...]

IonQ, a company specializing in trapped-ion quantum computing, has raised approximately $372.6 million through its at-the-market (ATM) equity offering program, netting $360 million in proceeds. The company sold 16,038,460 shares of common stock, bringing its pro forma year-end cash balance to over $700 million. Following the completion of the offering, IonQ has terminated the ATM Program, citing sufficient capital to meet its anticipated needs and recent market conditions. The funds will support IonQ’s ongoing development of quantum computing systems, including its IonQ Forte and IonQ Forte Enterprise platforms, which feature 36 algorithmic qubits. These systems are designed to address complex commercial and research use cases, leveraging IonQ’s expertise [...]

Oxford Ionics, a leader in trapped-ion quantum computing, has been selected by the UK’s Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSIT) and Innovate UK for the Quantum Missions pilot programme. The Q-Surge project will upgrade the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) testbed with advanced 2D ion trap technology, addressing critical challenges in qubit routing and quantum error correction (QEC). The consortium includes Riverlane, a leader in QEC, and Bay Photonics, specializing in advanced packaging solutions. The project builds on Oxford Ionics’ Electronic Qubit Control technology, which uses electronics—not lasers—to manipulate qubits, enabling high computational throughput as qubit counts scale. Innovations in packaging and QEC will further enhance scalability and performance. Riverlane will optimize the 2D ion trap architecture for error correction, while [...]

Innovate UK has awarded over £12 million ($15.5 million USD) to 10 projects as part of its Quantum Missions pilot competition, aimed at accelerating the commercialization and adoption of quantum computing (QC) and quantum networks (QN). The funding supports advancements in QC and QN technologies, addressing key barriers to scalability and real-world application. These projects align with the UK’s goal to deploy the world’s most advanced quantum network by 2035, ensuring leadership in quantum technologies. The winning projects include: QUDITS2: Led by Vector Photonics, to develop a quantum communication platform using qudits for enhanced information storage and processing. PAGNet: Led by Alter Technology TUV Nord UK, to create a plug-and-play packaging solution for quantum photonic integrated [...]

Alice & Bob, a leader in fault-tolerant quantum computing, has announced a significant advancement in cat qubit technology, achieving a 160x improvement in bit-flip error protection through a technique called “squeezing.” This innovation, detailed in a recent preprint, optimizes error suppression by compressing the quantum state of cat qubits, reducing the need for resource-intensive error correction. Cat qubits, a type of superconducting qubit, are designed to minimize bit-flip errors by increasing the separation between quantum states. However, this typically comes at the cost of increased phase-flip errors. By squeezing cat qubits, Alice & Bob has demonstrated a method to enhance bit-flip protection without compromising phase-flip performance. In experiments, squeezed cat [...]

Fermioniq, QuiX Quantum, and Deltares have been awarded the Purple Nectar Quantum Challenge, organized and funded by the Dutch Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. The collaboration aims to develop quantum modeling solutions for improved water management and infrastructure, leveraging the unique expertise of each partner. Fermioniq, a quantum and quantum-inspired software company, will apply its expertise in quantum algorithms to create scalable solutions. QuiX Quantum, a leading photonic quantum computing firm, will provide hardware support to test and optimize these algorithms for hydrodynamic simulations. Deltares, an independent water and subsurface research institute, will ensure real-world applicability by contributing domain expertise in water management. The [...]

Xanadu, a global leader in photonic quantum computing, has joined the National Quantum Laboratory (QLab) at the University of Maryland (UMD) as part of a three-year strategic partnership. The collaboration aims to drive innovation, workforce development, and commercialization in quantum technologies across Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region. Xanadu will provide QLab users with priority access to its PennyLane quantum programming tool and advanced photonic quantum computing technologies, enhancing research and education opportunities. The partnership will support UMD’s quantum initiatives, including the Quantum Machine Learning First-Year Immersive Research Experience (QML FIRE) and the Quantum Startup Foundry. These programs aim to grow the Capital of Quantum ecosystem by fostering interdisciplinary research, workforce development, and the [...]

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) have launched the QUANTITY project, a strategic collaboration focused on quantum cryptanalysis. The initiative addresses the growing threat posed by quantum computers to current cryptographic systems, as highlighted in the BSI’s recent report, Status of Quantum Computer Development, which predicts cryptographic relevance within 16 years—or potentially sooner. QUANTITY investigates the impact of quantum algorithms on cryptosystems, extending beyond the known threats posed by Shor’s and Grover’s algorithms. The project explores how classical cryptanalysis methods can be accelerated using quantum algorithms and evaluates the cryptographic relevance of emerging quantum computing technologies. By analyzing the performance of these algorithms on hardware [...]

Quantum Brilliance, a leader in room-temperature diamond quantum computing, and Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre have developed a hybrid quantum-classical workflow that integrates GPU, CPU, and quantum processing units (QPUs). Powered by NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips, the workflow enables seamless communication between virtual and physical quantum computers, simplifying integration with high-performance computing (HPC) environments. This breakthrough demonstrates a practical path toward real-world quantum computing applications, including radio astronomy, AI, and bioinformatics. The workflow leverages Quantum Brilliance’s virtual Quantum Processing Unit (vQPU), which emulates the behavior of physical quantum processors with tens of qubits. The vQPU, combined with NVIDIA’s accelerated computing, provides scalable, high-performance quantum simulations with realistic noise modeling. This hardware-agnostic approach allows researchers to [...]

The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with ORCA Computing and Universal Quantum to advance scalable quantum computing technologies. These collaborations aim to address critical challenges in photonic and trapped-ion quantum computing, focusing on industrialization and integration into hybrid quantum-classical systems. The partnership with ORCA Computing leverages ORCA’s expertise in photonic quantum systems and AIST’s Global Research and Development Center for Business by Quantum-AI Technology (G-QuAT). Key areas of collaboration include reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAS) characterization, hardware-level integration with classical computing, and optimization of system software for hybrid quantum-classical performance. With Universal Quantum, AIST will focus on developing scalable trapped-ion quantum computing solutions. The collaboration aims to advance subsystems necessary [...]