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Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic have developed a hybrid quantum-classical machine learning model to predict proton affinities (PAs) of molecules with improved efficiency and competitive accuracy. The model, described in the Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation, integrates classical molecular descriptors with quantum circuits serving as feature encoders, offering a practical approach compatible with current noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) hardware. The team trained classical ensemble models on over 1,100 molecules using a feature set of 186 descriptors, achieving a mean absolute error (MAE) of 2.47 kcal/mol—within experimental uncertainty. To reduce complexity, they encoded subsets of these features into quantum states using [...]

Switzerland has announced it will broaden its export controls to encompass a range of dual-use emerging technologies, including quantum computing, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and additive manufacturing. The move is intended to align Swiss export policies with international standards and reflects growing global concern over the potential military and national security applications of quantum and other advanced technologies. The government plans to issue a detailed list specifying the controlled items in the near future. The decision follows similar regulatory steps taken by the United States and the European Union. In September 2024, the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) [...]

IBM has launched Qiskit SDK v2.0, a major update that introduces foundational changes to the quantum software stack, including the first version of a C-language API, deeper integration of Rust-based internals, and removal of legacy components. The release aligns with Qiskit’s 18-month major version support cycle and reflects IBM’s strategic effort to enhance performance, improve interoperability with high-performance computing (HPC), and simplify the development of quantum-classical hybrid applications. A key feature of v2.0 is the new C API for constructing and manipulating SparseObservable objects. This early-stage interface allows C programs to interface directly with Qiskit data structures and is part of [...]

DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), launched in July 2024, aims to identify and verify approaches for building fault-tolerant quantum computers that can achieve utility-scale operation, meaning its computational value exceeds its cost by 2033. Eighteen quantum computing companies have entered Stage A of the program, where they will provide detailed technical concepts over six months to show feasibility for creating utility-scale quantum systems. Funding for Stage A will be up to $1 million per company and the questions that a company will need to answer during Stage A include: How does your company want to build their quantum computer? Why will [...]

Quantinuum has announced that its software-based quantum random number generator (QRNG), Quantum Origin, is the first of its kind to achieve validation under NIST SP 800-90B for entropy source compliance. The milestone positions Quantum Origin as a validated entropy source for federal systems undergoing migration to post-quantum cryptography (PQC), aligning with requirements under National Security Memorandum 10. Quantum Origin produces mathematically certified quantum randomness without requiring specialized hardware, unlike traditional hardware-based QRNGs which are subject to environmental variations and physical vulnerabilities. The software is deployable across a wide range of environments, including air-gapped systems, and does not impose additional size, weight, [...]

Cybersecurity provider Utimaco has announced the release of Quantum Protect, a post-quantum cryptography (PQC) solution package designed for its u.trust General Purpose HSM Se-Series, alongside a free simulator for testing quantum-safe algorithm integration. The product supports both the NIST-standardized ML-KEM (FIPS 203) and ML-DSA (FIPS 204) algorithms, as well as the mature hash-based signature schemes LMS and XMSS, and their multi-tree variants. This positions the platform for compliance with CNSA 2.0, which mandates these algorithms for certain national security applications by 2025. Quantum Protect includes a patented state management mechanism for handling stateful hash-based signatures and is delivered via a PKCS [...]

D-Wave Quantum Inc. has announced two distinct quantum computing application milestones: the deployment of a hybrid quantum-classical production scheduling system at Ford Otosan, and the completion of a quantum-assisted drug discovery proof-of-concept in collaboration with Japan Tobacco (JT). Both projects utilize D-Wave’s annealing quantum computing technology and demonstrate applied use cases in industrial and scientific contexts. At Ford Otosan, a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Koç Holding, D-Wave’s quantum hybrid solver has been integrated into vehicle production sequencing for the Ford Transit line. With more than 1,500 vehicle variants produced on the same line, sequencing the order of production [...]

D-Wave Quantum Inc. announced several enhancements to its quantum optimization platform during the Qubits 2025 user conference, reflecting rising adoption across industries. The company introduced an upgraded hybrid nonlinear (NL) solver with support for continuous variables and linear interactions, extending its applicability to optimization problems such as budget allocation and resource distribution. These updates complement existing constrained quadratic model (CQM) capabilities and aim to simplify model construction for a broader set of real-world use cases. D-Wave also unveiled new application areas for its quantum optimization tools, including offer allocation, portfolio optimization, and maintenance repair operations (MRO). These additions expand on established [...]

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has released detailed guidance for organizations planning to migrate to post-quantum cryptography (PQC), establishing a phased national roadmap that stretches through 2035. The guidance outlines clear milestones and emphasizes the importance of integrating PQC planning into broader cyber resilience strategies. The document, Timelines for Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography, outlines a three-stage process. By 2028, organizations are expected to complete cryptographic discovery across their IT and operational infrastructure and produce a migration strategy. By 2031, they should have completed high-priority PQC upgrades and refined their implementation roadmap. The final phase, targeting 2035, calls for the [...]

Fujitsu, in collaboration with Osaka University, Systems Engineering Consultants Co., LTD., and TIS Inc., has released an open-source quantum operations software suite, designed to support full-stack quantum computer management—from setup to cloud-based operation. Branded as the Open Quantum Toolchain for Operators and Users, the software is now available on GitHub and aims to lower the technical barrier for organizations deploying quantum systems. Until now, institutions looking to provide quantum computing access via the cloud have needed to build their own complex operational layers. Fujitsu’s open-source toolchain offers a standardized, extensible solution, enabling research labs and enterprises to streamline deployment and management [...]