Mohamed Abdel-Kareem

Rigetti researchers have developed a qubit-efficient quantum optimization algorithm, detailed in Physical Review Applied, that uses fewer physical qubits than classical variables by mapping them into an entangled quantum state. This method, validated on a 9-qubit Rigetti superconducting processor using Sherrington-Kirkpatrick spin-glass models, offers a tunable trade-off between qubit count and circuit depth. The algorithm demonstrates parameter concentration, allowing for reuse of optimal circuit parameters and providing a framework to scale continuous optimization on near-term and early fault-tolerant quantum hardware.

Rigetti Computing has finalized a $100 million CHIPS Act award from the U.S. Department of Commerce to address scaling limitations in superconducting quantum processors. The funding will support three engineering projects: developing compact readout electronics, designing a high-capacity cryostat, and enhancing fabrication capabilities at Rigetti's Fab-1 facility for multi-chiplet quantum processing units. In exchange for the award, the Department of Commerce will receive a minority equity stake in Rigetti.

GÉANT and the Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA) have partnered to advance European quantum networking by signing an MoU on September 8, 2026. This collaboration leverages GÉANT's optical network and QIA's quantum networking expertise to develop infrastructure, standards, and interoperability protocols, aiming to transition quantum communication prototypes into operational cross-border trials and establish a sovereign European Quantum Internet.

Qoro Quantum and STFC Hartree Centre have partnered to build a UK Quantum-HPC demonstrator, integrating Qoro's software stack into the Hartree Centre's HPC cluster. This collaboration aims to provide enterprise-grade hybrid quantum-HPC capabilities for UK industry and public sector research, utilizing Qoro's Divi SDK and Maestro simulation engine with the open-source QRMI for seamless integration and resource management. The initiative will focus on practical challenges in electronic structure theory, physical sciences modeling, and quantum chemistry, aligning with broader UK computing initiatives.

Q.ANT appointed Joerg Behrend as VP Hardware to lead NPU production, Qtonic Quantum brought in Gina Fratarcangeli as Senior Advisor for AI Transformation and Global Alliances, and QuantrolOx named Srishti Mahhajan as Global Head of Strategy & Corporate Development. Additionally, Eric Kievit is the new CEO of Leiden Cryogenics, with founder Giorgio Frossati moving to a senior scientist role.

QClairvoyance Quantum Labs has partnered with IITM–C-DOT Samgnya Foundation, India's National Hub for Quantum Communication, to advance the Indian quantum ecosystem. This collaboration, under the National Quantum Mission, will focus on quantum computing, algorithms, AI, post-quantum cryptography, and next-generation compute architectures, aiming to translate theoretical research into deployable commercial products. Samgnya will provide QClairvoyance with access to hardware testbeds and support India's quantum technology commercialization efforts.

Qubic has secured a CA$1.5 million (US$1.08 million) contract with the Canadian federal government through the Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) Testing Stream. The contract involves delivering nine Kinetic Inductance Traveling Wave Parametric Amplifiers (KI-TWPAs) and companion software starting in late 2026. These amplifiers offer significant advantages in thermal dissipation and magnetic field resilience compared to conventional cryogenic amplifiers, supporting multiplexed qubit readout and high-sensitivity RF sensing. This federal procurement further builds on Qubic's commercial momentum, bringing their total raised capital and non-dilutive grant funding to nearly CA$10 million.

SEALSQ reported a significant surge in H1 2026 revenue to $11.15 million, a 131.1% increase year-over-year, driven by demand for secure-element products, PKI services, and ASIC design. The company also made substantial progress in post-quantum hardware development, achieving NIST certification for its QS7001 chip and advancing customer sampling of its QVault TPM, while reaffirming its FY 2026 revenue guidance.

Chicago State University (CSU) has launched the CQuEST Center, a research and workforce hub on Chicago's South Side, unifying its quantum and semiconductor credentials. The center offers academic pathways, including a QISE minor and certificates, providing students with access to research facilities, internships, and job opportunities while also engaging in regional STEM outreach.

IQM Quantum Computers will deploy Europe's first logical-qubit-capable superconducting quantum computer, LUMI-IQ, at CSC's Kajaani, Finland data center. This system, co-funded by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, will be integrated into the LUMI AI Factory, creating a hybrid HPC-AI-quantum supercomputing platform. LUMI-IQ will be delivered in three phases through 2029, starting with 150 physical qubits and eventually supporting up to 9 fault-tolerant logical qubits for advanced quantum computations.