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Conceptual Diagram of the Connectivity Required in Microsoft's QEC Code. Credit: Microsoft There have been a lot of announcements made recently about developments in quantum error code (QEC) research, so it might be worthwhile to review what are the desirable features of a good code: Low ratio of physical qubits to logical qubits for efficiency Significant improvement in error rates and ability to scale the level of improvement as the code size increases Fast logical cycle time including error decoding and correction to maximize processing speed Single shot decoding of the errors to minimize the logical cycle time Straight forward implementation [...]

IonQ and Kipu Quantum have announced a joint breakthrough in quantum computing, solving what they describe as the most complex protein folding problem ever executed on a quantum computer. The achievement showcases both algorithmic innovation and hardware capability, with the results executed on IonQ’s Forte-generation trapped-ion quantum systems using Kipu’s BF-DCQO algorithm. The collaboration addressed a three-dimensional protein folding problem involving up to 12 amino acids—considered the most complex of its kind attempted on quantum hardware to date. In parallel, the teams solved dense optimization problems, including all-to-all connected spin-glass (QUBO) and MAX-4-SAT (HUBO) instances, using up to 36 qubits. Kipu’s [...]

Project Eleven has raised $6 million in seed funding to accelerate the development of post-quantum cryptography infrastructure for Bitcoin and other digital assets. The round was co-led by Variant Fund and Quantonation, marking Quantonation’s first investment in the crypto sector. Other participants include Castle Island Ventures, Nebular, and Formation. The company’s flagship initiative, “Yellowpages,” is a cryptographic registry designed to help Bitcoin holders proactively establish post-quantum ownership of their assets. The platform enables users to generate quantum-resistant keys and link them to their current Bitcoin addresses through verifiable proofs, all without requiring immediate blockchain transactions. This approach targets an estimated $600 [...]

OTI Lumionics has unveiled a major advancement in quantum-inspired chemistry simulations, demonstrating that highly accurate quantum electronic structure calculations can now be performed on classical hardware. The breakthrough, described in the Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation, introduces a new method for optimizing deep Qubit Coupled Cluster (QCC) circuits, allowing simulations of real-world molecules at scales previously limited to future quantum computers. While quantum hardware remains constrained by qubit quality and gate fidelity, OTI’s research presents a hybrid quantum-classical framework that efficiently optimizes quantum circuits with up to 80 algorithmic qubits and over a million entangling gates. The approach enables full [...]

DARPA has launched a multi-phase initiative to accelerate the transition of chip-scale quantum technologies from laboratory research to commercial and defense applications. The Optical-Atomic System Integration & Calibration (OASIC) program, run under DARPA’s Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) framework, aims to establish modular testbeds across three U.S. sites for rapid evaluation and benchmarking of quantum computing, sensing, and timing components. The OASIC program addresses a longstanding bottleneck in quantum commercialization: the lack of standardized infrastructure to test miniaturized quantum components—such as nanophotonic lasers and optoelectronic modules—against lab-grade systems. To resolve this, DARPA has selected three consortia to lead domain-specific testbeds: QuEra [...]

The European Space Agency (ESA) and Spanish satellite operator Hispasat have signed an agreement to initiate Q-Design, a hybrid quantum key distribution (QKD) project that integrates geostationary (GEO), low-Earth orbit (LEO), and terrestrial QKD channels into a unified, secure communication service. The agreement, announced at the Paris Air Show 2025, represents the first global effort to combine QKD delivery across GEO and LEO segments. Q-Design is being developed by a 15-member European consortium spanning satellite providers (SES, S4, SpeQtral), manufacturers (Thales Alenia Space, GMV, Indra), academic institutes (ICFO, UPM), infrastructure operators (Cellnex, Telefónica), financial end-users (BBVA, Santander), and certification authorities (CCN-CNI). [...]

Orange Quantum Systems (OrangeQS), a Dutch startup specializing in automated quantum chip characterization, has raised €12 million ($13.8 million USD) in an oversubscribed seed round. The round was led by Icecat Capital with participation from Cottonwood Technology Fund, QBeat Ventures, QDNL Participations, and InnovationQuarter Capital. It marks the largest reported seed round to date in the Netherlands’ quantum computing sector. The funds will support the development of next-generation test equipment capable of evaluating quantum chips in days rather than weeks. OrangeQS aims to remove a key manufacturing bottleneck by enabling scalable, standardized, and high-throughput testing for both superconducting and spin qubit [...]

D-Wave Quantum Inc. has signed a memorandum of understanding with Yonsei University and Incheon Metropolitan City to establish a joint quantum initiative in South Korea. The agreement outlines plans to deploy a D-Wave Advantage2 quantum annealing system at Yonsei University’s International Campus in Songdo, and to collaboratively develop applied research and workforce training programs. The MOU also includes cooperative development of commercial quantum use cases across sectors such as biotechnology and materials science. The initiative aligns with Yonsei’s 2025 launch of its Quantum Convergence Research Center and Incheon’s strategy to establish itself as a global quantum hub, leveraging regional strengths in [...]

UK-based quantum sensing firm Aquark Technologies has completed a second maritime trial of its cold-atom atomic clock, AQlock, aboard the Royal Navy’s HMS Pursuer. This marks the first successful stable deployment of a cold-atom-based atomic clock on a moving sea vessel, representing a step forward for sovereign Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) capabilities that operate independently of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). The trial, supported by the Royal Navy’s Disruptive Capabilities and Technologies Office and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), tested AQlock’s robustness and operational stability under offshore conditions in the Solent region. The system utilizes laser-cooled atoms—trapped using [...]

Photonic Inc., a Canadian quantum computing company specializing in distributed and fault-tolerant systems, has announced plans to establish a new research and development facility in the United Kingdom. The expansion will see the company invest over £25 million ($33.6 million USD) over the next three years and create more than 30 high-paying technical jobs, marking a major milestone in Photonic’s international growth strategy. While Photonic’s core research and operations remain based in Canada, the UK facility will add complementary R&D capabilities that extend the firm’s innovation pipeline. The initiative aligns with strategic objectives in both countries, including the UK’s National Quantum [...]