Recent news items published within the last 6 months on quantum computing developments are listed below. Click on the hyperlinked item to go to the press release or news article for more details. For older news items published in 2023 click here, for 2022 click here, for 2021 click here, for 2020 click here, for 2019 click here, for 2018 click here, and for items published in 2015-2017, click here.
April 19, 2024
Chicago Quantum Exchange Lands $1M USD NSF Grant for Midwest Quantum Innovation
The Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE) has received a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to strengthen quantum technologies and economic development in the Midwest. This grant is part of the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program, which supports key technology areas to maintain US global competitiveness. Click here for our report about this award.
April 19, 2024
Q.ANT Introduces Revolutionary Quantum Magnetic Field Sensor for Controlling Prostheses and Other Mechanical Devices via Muscle Signals
German quantum technology company Q.ANT has developed a breakthrough quantum magnetic field sensor that can control prostheses, exoskeletons, and avatars using neural signals. The sensor’s precision allows it to measure fine electrical currents through their magnetic fields, providing native and intuitive access to biosignals. It can control prosthetic limbs via muscle signals, bringing significant advancements to medical technology. For more about this quantum sensor and potential applications, click here.
April 19, 2024
D-Wave Launches Fast Anneal Feature for Enhanced Quantum Computing Performance
D-Wave Quantum Inc. has announced the launch of a new fast-anneal feature available on all its quantum processing units (QPUs) within its Leap™ real-time quantum cloud service. This feature, which has been a key element of D-Wave’s recent research milestones published in Nature Physics and Nature, offers users the ability to perform quantum computations at unprecedented speeds, significantly reducing the impact of external disturbances such as thermal fluctuations and noise. For the rest of the article, click here.
April 18, 2024
Horizon Quantum Computing to Set Up Its Own Hardware Testbed for Tight Integration Between the Hardware and Software Stacks
Horizon Quantum Computing is partnering with Rigetti Computing and Quantum Machines to create its own quantum testbed that will give it full control over both hardware and software stacks. They will be integrating their Triple Alpha quantum software platform along with Rigett’s 9-qubit Novera QPU and Quantum Machines OPX1000 quantum control platform to create a testbed system that will be set up in early 2025 at Horizon’s headquarters in Singapore. Click here for our full article about the plans for this testbed and the rationale for creating it.
April 18, 2024
SemiQon Opens Quantum Processor Testing and Measurement Facilities at VTT MIKES
SemiQon has completed its quantum processor testing and measurement facilities at the premises of the Finnish National Metrology Institute VTT MIKES. The company is the first to operate in this environment, leveraging world-class infrastructure for low-noise, high-precision measurement necessary for advancing scalable quantum hardware. This setup includes a cryogenic measurement system with a 5 Tesla magnetic field and operates at 400 millikelvin to 1 kelvin, higher temperatures than typical superconducting chips which reduces cryogenic requirements. Additionally, the facilities house a probe-station for full-scale wafer probing and various state-of-the-art qubit measurement equipment. For the rest of the article, click here.
April 17, 2024
QuEra Adds Local Qubit Control to 256-Qubit Quantum Computer Aquila
QuEra Computing has announced the addition of local qubit control, also known as local detuning, to its 256-qubit quantum computer, Aquila. This new capability enhances the flexibility and programmability of Aquila, allowing users to independently control and manipulate qubits. Aquila’s users now have more versatility when addressing problems in areas such as machine learning, optimization, and simulation. The local detuning feature opens up the potential for a broader range of input data and problem types by enabling the individual preparation of qubit states. Two other new capabilities that are also now available include taller geometries with increased lattice height, and tighter geometries with smaller vertical spacing. Click here for the full article.
April 17, 2024
Xanadu and SC Quantum Partner to Enhance Quantum Education and Research in the Southeast U.S.
Xanadu, a leader in photonic quantum computing, and South Carolina Quantum (SC Quantum), a non-profit organization focused on creating a sustainable quantum ecosystem, have entered into a partnership to enhance quantum education and research across South Carolina and the Southeast United States. This collaboration aims to create practical educational materials and grow a skilled quantum workforce in the region. For additional information about this collaboration, click here for the rest of the article.
April 17, 2024
Riverlane Secures DARPA Grant for Quantum Benchmarking Program
Riverlane has been selected for Phase 2 of DARPA‘s Quantum Benchmarking program, which aims to design quantum computing metrics for practical problems and estimate quantum and classical resources needed for critical performance thresholds. Riverlane’s mission aligns with the program’s goals, focusing on error correction and fault tolerance to achieve a useful quantum advantage in various fields. The project involves collaboration with top universities and national labs including the University of Southern California, the University of Sydney and the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) to identify benchmarks for practical issues in plasma physics, fluid dynamics, condensed matter, and high-energy physics. Click here for the rest of the article.
April 16, 2024
Qunnect Sets New Benchmark in Quantum Networking on the GothamQ Network in New York City
Qunnect, a leader in quantum networking technology, announced record-breaking performance in distributing polarization qubits on the GothamQ Network in New York City. Utilizing existing commercial fiber optic cable, Qunnect achieved transmission rates of 500,000 pairs of high-fidelity entangled photons per second with network uptime above 99%. Click here for the full article.
April 16, 2024 – News Brief
IonQ and Oak Ridge National Laboratory Partner to Enhance U.S. Power Grid with Quantum Computing
IonQ, a leader in the quantum computing industry, has announced a collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to leverage quantum technology for modernizing the U.S. power grid. This initiative, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to tackle optimization and security challenges in the power grid by integrating classical and quantum resources. The partnership seeks to enhance the resilience, reliability, and security of the U.S. power grid, providing a sustainable and efficient future. IonQ’s Chief Revenue Officer, Rima Alameddine, emphasized the importance of modernizing the power grid for national security and daily American life. Meanwhile, ORNL’s Suman Debnath, leading the project, stated that the collaboration would accelerate grid modernization and address critical energy infrastructure challenges. The project is part of DOE’s Grid Modernization Initiative and ORNL’s Quantum Computing User Program, which provides access to cutting-edge quantum computers. For further information, you can access the press release provided here.
April 16, 2024
Quantinuum Sets New Records for Both Gate Fidelity and Quantum Volume
Quantinuum has reached a new level of qubit quality performance on their 20 qubit H1-1 processor and achieved a two-qubit gate fidelity measure of 99.914% and a Quantum Volume measurement of 1,048,576 (or 220). Click here for our full article that describes this development and what its future impact will be for achieving reliable quantum computation.
April 12, 2024 – News Brief
Welinq Awarded €2.5 Million ($2.66M USD) European Investment Council Grant for Quantum Internet Development
Welinq, a leading quantum interconnects company, has secured a significant European Investment Council (EIC) Transition grant of €2.5 million to advance neutral atom quantum memory technology. This grant, part of the Quantum Internet Alliance’s quantum flagship initiative in collaboration with Sorbonne University and CNRS, will fuel the development of products crucial for the realization of the Quantum Internet and the integration of quantum computers. Welinq aims to establish itself as a frontrunner in European Quantum Internet infrastructure by leveraging its cutting-edge quantum memory technology. The support from the European Union will enable Welinq to translate its research into industrial quantum networking solutions, essential for Europe’s strategic autonomy and the progression of distributed quantum computing applications. A press release provided by Welinq announcing the grant can be accessed here.
April 11, 2024 – News Brief
SoftBank Leverages SandboxAQ’s AQtive Guard to Identify IT Infrastructure Vulnerabilities
SandboxAQ successfully deployed its AQtive Guard cryptography management platform with SoftBank Corp.‘s Advanced Research Group. The platform helped identify cryptographic vulnerabilities in a local government network, uncovering issues such as non-recommended encryption methods and vulnerable certificates. SoftBank resolved these issues using AQtive Guard’s unified platform to gain a comprehensive view of network security. AQtive Guard’s features, including single sign-on integration and audit logging, support SoftBank’s compliance with U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) initiatives on post-quantum cryptography. This helps prepare for potential quantum computer-based cyber attacks. SoftBank and SandboxAQ have a history of successful collaborations on next-generation cryptosystems and hybrid-mode quantum-safe technology. These projects showcase the potential of combining quantum and AI technologies to address complex cybersecurity challenges. Additional details can be seen in a press release located here.
April 11, 2024
Reticulate Micro and Quantropi Partner for Post-Quantum Video Encryption Solution
Reticulate Micro, Inc., a commercial and defense technology company, has announced an exclusive partnership with Quantropi, a Canadian cybersecurity company. The collaboration aims to deliver the world’s first post-quantum video encryption solution, addressing the quantum threat to encryption systems. Under the agreement, Quantropi’s QiSpace™ platform will integrate post-quantum cryptographic capabilities into Reticulate’s VAST™ video compression product and VisionOS™ development platform. These technologies enable secure, high-quality video delivery in low-bandwidth environments. Click here for more.
April 9, 2024 – News Brief
QAI Ventures and Alberta’s Quantum City Unite: Accelerating Quantum Innovation in Calgary Canada
QAI Ventures, a Swiss venture capital firm specializing in quantum tech innovation, has announced the signing of a Letter of Intent to launch a global quantum technology accelerator and the opening of its Canadian office in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This initiative, powered by Alberta’s Quantum City and in partnership with the University of Calgary, aims to foster the development of quantum technology startups on a global scale. The collaboration includes the establishment of the QAI Ventures Accelerator, offering acceleration programs and investment funding for early-stage quantum and advanced AI startups worldwide. Through tailored mentorship and access to cutting-edge technology, entrepreneurs will be supported in bringing their projects from the lab to the market. The partnership signifies a significant step in advancing Alberta as a leader in the quantum economy, with the first cohort set to commence in 2025. For additional information, you can access the press release here.
April 9, 2024 – News Brief
Infleqtion Partners with Laser 2000 UK to Expand Distribution in the UK for Infleqtion’s Quantum Cores
Infleqtion has unveiled a new distribution alliance with Laser 2000 UK, a move aimed at broadening the accessibility of Infleqtion’s Quantum Cores products across academic and commercial markets in the UK. Effective as of April 1, 2024, this partnership will facilitate the availability of various products, including UHV glass cells, complete MOT vacuum systems, and end-user cold atom instrumentation. Neil Anderson, VP of Quantum Cores, highlighted the growing demand for their products in cold atom research and workforce training, citing recent installations at prestigious universities. Peter Collins, Technical Marketing Director at Laser 2000 UK, expressed enthusiasm about integrating quantum technologies into their portfolio to serve diverse sectors such as telecommunications, manufacturing, and healthcare. This collaboration underscores Infleqtion’s commitment to advancing quantum solutions tailored to real-world applications. A news release announcing this distribution partnership can be accessed here.
April 6, 2024
IBM Completes Installation of an IBM Quantum System One at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
We had reported last June that Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) had ordered an 127-qubit IBM Quantum ‘Eagle’ processor for on-premise use. Now IBM and RPI have announced that they’ve completed installation at RPI’s Voorhees Computing Center, a facility which used to be a former cathedral. This is the first installation that IBM has performed at a university. IBM had previously installed a Quantum System One at the Cleveland Clinic last year. RPI will be using the machine to perform quantum computing research as well as train future quantum computing professionals. A press release announcing the completion of the installation and a ribbon-cutting ceremony can be accessed on the IBM website here.
April 5, 2024
Who’s News: Management Changes at Infleqtion, IonQ, and QuEra
Infleqtion has brought on a new CEO. IonQ has added a new Senior Director of Quantum Solutions as well as a new Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary. And QuEra has recruited a Corporate Director for the UK. Click here for our report on these management changes.
April 4, 2024 – News Brief
Classiq and Quantum Intelligence Corp (QIC) Collaborate on Quantum Accelerated Drug Development
Classiq, a leading quantum computing software company, has partnered with Quantum Intelligence Corp. (QIC, Korea) to accelerate drug development through quantum computing applications in pharmacology. Under Classiq’s Quantum Computing For Life Sciences & Healthcare Center, established with NVIDIA, the collaboration aims to enhance drug discovery, design, and prediction of side effects using quantum computing. QIC, a South Korean startup, utilizes the QUEST-ADMET platform, integrating quantum computing and AI to predict compound properties for drug safety and efficacy assessment. The partnership seeks to leverage Classiq’s quantum computing platform and QIC’s drug development platform to improve efficiency and accuracy in drug development processes. QIC’s CEO, Hwanho Choi, MD., PhD., emphasizes the importance of early identification of potential side effects to mitigate risks in drug development and clinical trials. Classiq’s CEO, Nir Minerbi, sees this collaboration as a significant step towards accelerated drug development, harnessing the power of quantum computing. For additional information, you can access the press release provided here.
April 3, 2024
Quantinuum and Microsoft Reach New Milestone for Fault Tolerant Quantum Computing
A team from Quantinuum and Microsoft have developed a circuit that creates four logical qubits from 30 physical qubits on Quantinuum’s H2 processor. This circuit reduces a physical error rate for the circuit from 0.008 (8×10-3) to 0.00001 (1×10-5) for an improvement of up to 800X. Click here for our full report on this technical achievement.
April 2, 2024 – News Brief
Quantum Computing Inc. Releases Full Year 2023 Financial Report
For the full year of 2023, the company achieved revenue of $358 thousand versus revenue of $136 thousand in 2022. Net loss was Net loss was $29.73 million versus a 2022 loss of $38.59 million a year ago. The company ended the year with cash of about $2.06 million versus $5.308 million in 2022. Their financial report can be seen in the 10K report posted on the SEC website here.
March 29, 2024
SandboxAQ Announces General Availability of Its AQtive Guard Platform to Protect Against AI-driven and Quantum Attacks
SandboxAQ has unveiled its AQtive Guard platform, designed to tackle the rising threats of AI-driven and Quantum attacks. The platform offers comprehensive cryptography management, enabling enterprises to identify and manage vulnerable cryptographic algorithms and digital keys at an unprecedented scale and granularity. AQtive Guard is the successor to the earlier Sandbox Security Suite product and the functionality of Security Suite is included in AQtive Guard. Click here for read our article which describes the key features of this product.
March 29, 2024
D-Wave Announces Q4 2023 and Full Year 2023 Financial Results
D-Wave Computing Inc. has just reported its Q4 2023 and full year 2023 financial results. While the numbers are important, the highlight of the report for us was that the company now has two customers in regular production usage of their cloud service with two additional ones scheduled to start in a few months. While the other quantum hardware providers have many customers doing experimentation, training or running proof-of-concepts, we are not aware of any other quantum company that has customers using their quantum systems in regular daily production. Read our full article here.
March 28, 2024
Zapata AI Closes Its Business Combination with Andretti Acquisition Corporation and Will Publicly Trade on the NASDAQ Exchange
Zapata AI, formerly Zapata Computing, has publicly closed its merger with Andretti Acquisition Corporation and will start trading on the NASDAQ exchange with the symbol ZPTA on Monday, April 1, 2024. Zapata originally started as a quantum software company but has branched out to also work in the generative AI area. They still do work in quantum and indicate that they are leveraging this experience to provide generative AI solutions to companies in industries including telecommunications, financial services, transportation and logistics, biotech/pharmaceutical and life sciences, automotive OEMs, advanced global manufacturing, and defense and government. Click here for the rest of the article.
March 27, 2024 – News Brief
Quobly Partners with Nanoacademic Technologies to Advance Silicon Spin Qubits for Quantum Computing
Quobly, a French quantum hardware startup developing silicon spin qubit-based quantum computing, has announced a significant partnership with Montreal-based Nanoacademic Technologies, renowned for its digital simulation and modeling tools for quantum technologies. This collaboration aims to enhance Quobly’s research and development efforts surrounding silicon spin qubits by leveraging Nanoacademic Technologies’ QTCAD® software platform, the world’s first commercial finite-element modeling software for spin qubits in semiconductors. The integration of QTCAD® is expected to accelerate the journey towards realizing a scalable silicon-based quantum processor by providing advanced simulation capabilities. Quobly’s CEO & co-founder, Maud Vinet, expressed confidence in the partnership’s ability to drive the development of their silicon-based quantum computer to new heights. Nanoacademic Technologies’ CEO, Dr. Hong Guo, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in advancing quantum hardware design and manufacturing startups, highlighting Quobly’s ambitious goals and the alignment with their mission. For additional information, you can access a press release that can be accessed here.
March 27, 2024
Scaling Quantum Computing: Nu Quantum and SoftwareQ Will Partner to Study Modular Fault Tolerant Quantum Computers
Nu Quantum and SoftwareQ are collaborating to develop the theoretical framework a first fault-tolerant quantum computer, sponsored by Innovate UK under the Canada UK Commercialising Quantum Technology Programme: CR&D and National Research Council of Canada under the Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). The companies have received funding of $1.2 million USD and started the project in September 2023 which will run for two years. Click here for more details about this project.
March 27, 2024
Diraq Demonstrates Spin Qubit Operation at 1 Degree Kelvin with Good Qubit Quality Measures
Australian quantum hardware company Diraq has published a technical paper describing operation of their spin qubits at a temperature of 1 degree kelvin while still maintaining some good qubit quality measures. Click here for our full article reporting on this development and potential implications for this technology.
March 27, 2024
Alice & Bob and Partners Receive a €16.5 Million ($17.8M USD) Grant to Develop a 100 Logical Qubit Processor by 2027
The grant was provided by Bpifrance on behalf of the French government as part of the France 2030 initiative. Alice & Bob’s partners in this effort include academic partners ENS de Lyon and Mines Paris – PSL. The project, named Cat Factory, will use Alice & Bob’s Cat qubit technology which we recently described here which combines a base Cat qubit which virtually eliminates bit flips with an LDPC code to create a much more efficient implementation. Click here for the rest of our article which describes more details about the system Alice & Bob is seeking to develop.
March 26, 2024 – News Brief
OrangeQS Accelerates Quantum Chip Production with Industry-Targeted System
Orange Quantum Systems (OrangeQS) has advanced its roadmap to cater to the burgeoning industrial quantum chip production market, as evidenced by the initial sale of its OrangeQS Industry System to a full-stack quantum computing company. Shipments to first customers is scheduled to start in Q4 of this year. This system is designed to facilitate the testing of 100+ qubit quantum chips, streamlining the chip development process through automated testing at scale. Rather than requiring a new chip to be tested in a full quantum processor, this system will allow the new chip to be tested in this test system at a faster rate, lower cost, and less labor intensity. Click here for more.
March 26, 2024 – News Brief
Quantum-Inspired Algorithm Revolutionizes Cyber Attack Detection
Researchers from Multiverse Computing and CounterCraft have collaborated to develop a quantum-inspired tensor network based algorithm enhancing cyber attack detection. Known as the Matrix Product State (MPS) model, it achieved 100% detection of attacks, employing adversary-generated threat intelligence instead of rule-based systems. This innovation significantly reduces false positives compared to classical models while enhancing interpretability, crucial for business users and regulators. The model’s efficacy was tested on various attack types, demonstrating its ability to distinguish normal from abnormal behavior. This development marks a significant advancement in cybersecurity defense, leveraging quantum techniques to anticipate and counteract evolving threats. A press release describing this cybersecurity detection algorithm is available here and further technical details about this approach can be found in the paper posted on ArXiv: “Tensor Networks for Explainable Machine Learning in Cybersecurity.“
March 25, 2024
IQM Sells their Spark 5-Qubit Computer to the Jülich Supercomputing Centre
The Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC) has acquired a 5-qubit quantum system, the IQM Spark, from IQM Quantum Computers. The system is set to go into operation in July 2024 as part of Jülich’s JUNIQ quantum computing infrastructure and will be connected to JSC’s classical supercomputers. This will allow researchers to explore how quantum computers can accelerate calculations on classical supercomputers. For the rest of the story, click here.
March 22, 2024
Who’s News: Management Additions at Vescent Photonics and D-Wave
Vescent Photonics has added a new Chief Financial Officer and board member. And D-Wave has named a Chief Revenue Officer and a Chief Development Office. Click here for our article describing these management team changes.
March 21, 2024 – News Brief
Terra Quantum Partners with MegazoneCloud to Drive Quantum Adoption Across Asia
Terra Quantum AG, a prominent hybrid quantum computing company based in Germany and Switzerland, has entered into a strategic partnership with MegazoneCloud Corporation, a leading South Korean cloud managed services provider. The collaboration aims to drive the adoption of quantum technologies across key Asian markets, particularly focusing on sectors such as finance, manufacturing, weather forecasting, and smart city projects. South Korea’s ambitious goal to elevate its quantum technology capabilities to 85% of US levels by 2035 has spurred significant investments, positioning the country as a key player in the global quantum economy. The partnership between Terra Quantum and MegazoneCloud seeks to leverage European quantum expertise to address the growing demand for advanced technological solutions in Asia. By combining their strengths, the companies aim to develop cutting-edge quantum computing algorithms and applications tailored to the specific needs of the South Korean market. This collaboration marks a step towards improving access to quantum computing on a global scale, empowering organizations in Asia to harness the potential of quantum-powered innovation. A press release from Terra Quantum is available here.
March 20, 2024 – News Brief
Quantum Experts Unite for Eurostars Project ‘SupremeQ’ to Advance Photonic Quantum Computing
ORCA Computing, Pixel Photonics, Sparrow Quantum, and the Niels Bohr Institute (NBI) have announced their collaboration on the Eurostars project ‘SupremeQ,’ aimed at accelerating the development and commercialization of photonic quantum computing technologies. Supported by Eurostars funding, the project will leverage single-photon sources from Sparrow Quantum and NBI, single-photon detectors from Pixel Photonics, and full-stack photonic quantum computing system architecture from ORCA Computing. The consortium aims to drive breakthrough innovation in photonic quantum computing, addressing key challenges such as system engineering for scale and high acquisition costs. The project targets pioneering solutions for performance, packaging, and system integration, with the ultimate goal of achieving universal fault-tolerant quantum computing. Consortium partners express confidence that the SupremeQ solutions will generate considerable interest, driving diverse applications and accelerating the adoption of quantum technologies across industries. A press release announcing this collaboration can be seen here.
March 20, 2024 – News Brief
IonQ and South Carolina Quantum Forge Partnership to Propel Quantum Computing in the State
IonQ and South Carolina Quantum (SC Quantum) have formed a strategic agreement aimed at advancing quantum computing in South Carolina. Under this agreement, IonQ will provide quantum computing capabilities and professional services to SC Quantum partners, including academic institutions. Additionally, both entities will collaborate to develop quantum-specific academic coursework to train future members of the quantum workforce. SC Quantum will work alongside IonQ to expedite the integration of quantum technologies into enterprises, startups, and industries across South Carolina. This partnership signifies South Carolina’s commitment to fostering quantum skill sets and building quantum-smart technologies within the state’s economy. The collaboration between IonQ and SC Quantum aims to position South Carolina as a competitive destination for quantum discovery, education, and entrepreneurship. IonQ has similar partnerships with the U.S. states of Maryland and Washington. For additional information, you can access the press release provided by IonQ here.
March 20, 2024
Quantum Hardware Manufacturer Alice & Bob Partners with NVIDIA to Integrate Cat Qubits into Future Datacenters
Alice & Bob, a quantum hardware manufacturer, is collaborating with NVIDIA to integrate cat qubits into future datacenters. Leveraging NVIDIA technology such as DGX Quantum and CUDA Quantum, this integration aims to advance quantum computing alongside classical computing methods. DGX Quantum combines NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips and the Quantum Machines’ OPX+ control system to provide quantum error correction, calibration, control and processing of hybrid algorithms at high performance. Click here for more.
March 19, 2024
IQM Quantum Computers Unveils IQM Resonance: A Cloud Service Facilitating Quantum Exploration and Research
IQM Quantum Computers introduces IQM Resonance, a cloud service designed to propel quantum exploration and research endeavors. With this offering, end users gain secure and straightforward access to IQM’s advanced quantum systems and quantum processing units (QPUs). The service offers access to two different quantum processors. The first one is called IQM Deneb which is a six qubit processor with high qubit connectivity due to its star topology. The high qubit connectivity can provide highly efficient implementation for some algorithms because it will minimize the number of SWAP gates in the program. The second processor is called IQM Garnet which contains 20 qubits with tunable couplers arranged in a square lattice. For additional information about this new cloud service, read our complete report on this announcement here.
March 18, 2024 – News Brief
French Consortium RESQUE Forms to Advance Post-Quantum Cryptography for Secure Communication Networks
Six French cyber players, including Thales, TheGreenBow, CryptoExperts, CryptoNext Security, ANSSI, and Inria, have formed the RESQUE consortium to develop post-quantum cryptography solutions safeguarding communication networks against quantum computer threats. With €6 million ($6.5M USD) funding from the French government and EU, the project aims to create hybrid post-quantum VPNs and high-performance hardware security modules. Thales leads algorithm integration, while TheGreenBow focuses on VPN expertise, and CryptoExperts and CryptoNext Security handle encryption. ANSSI contributes research framework, and Inria provides fundamental research support. Thales, with €17.6 billion ($19.1M USD) sales in 2022, is a global leader in advanced technologies. CryptoExperts specializes in cryptographic consulting, while CryptoNext Security offers quantum-resistant cryptography solutions. TheGreenBow, established in 1998, provides VPN solutions globally, and ANSSI serves as France’s national cybersecurity authority. Inria is a leading French research institute focusing on digital science and technology. For additional information, access the press release here.
March 18, 2024
NVIDIA Announces New Supercomputer Projects, a Quantum Cloud, Academic Initiatives, and PQC Acceleration at Its Annual GTC Conference
NVIDIA is making a slew of product and other AI-related announcements this week during its annual GTC conference. But not to be overlooked are several announcements related to their quantum computing efforts which cover new supercomputer projects, academic initiatives, quantum clouds, and PQC acceleration. We will describe all of these announcements in this article. Click here for our full report on all of NVIDIA’s quantum related announcements.
March 18, 2024 – News Brief
QuSecure Introduces QuProtect Core Security: Enhancing Cisco Router Communications with Post-Quantum Cryptography
QuSecure™, Inc. has launched QuProtect Core Security, a solution designed to enhance Cisco router-to-router communications with advanced crypto-agile post-quantum cryptography. This product aims to strengthen network infrastructures for enterprises, government, and telecommunications providers against emerging quantum threats. It simplifies the upgrade cycle for quantum-safe encryption, requiring no hardware changes and integrating seamlessly with existing Cisco router frameworks. QuProtect Core Security offers telemetry, orchestrated encryption controls, and incorporates the NIST suite of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. It provides a cost-effective alternative to quantum key distribution (QKD) networks and enables organizations to gain insight and control over their encryption for critical use cases. The launch signifies a significant advancement in making quantum-resistant encryption accessible globally. For more information, access the press release here.
March 16, 2024
Rigetti Announces Q4 2023 and Full Year 2023 Financial Results
Rigetti Computing has announced its Q4 2023 and 2023 financial results. In their press release and subsequent conference call the company also discuss their financing status, technical and product progress, and commercial engagements. Click here for our full report about their announcement.
March 15, 2024
Qrypt Partnering with NVIDIA to Provide Quantum Secure Cryptography Between AI Clusters
Qrypt, a quantum-secure encryption company, has announced the launch of its Quantum Entropy and Quantum Secure Key Generation technologies. These technologies will be used to transmit AI workloads using NVIDIA BlueField-3 DPUs with quantum-secure encryption, providing protection against quantum computing threats to current cryptography. Click here for the full article.
March 15, 2024
POLARISqb Secures DARPA Funding to Propel Quantum Computing Applications in Drug Design
POLARISqb has been awarded a research contract by the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) under the IMPAQT initiative to advance quantum computing applications in drug design. Building upon their pioneering work in quantum-enabled drug discovery, POLARISqb aims to develop novel methods targeting protein-protein interactions (PPIs), a challenging aspect of drug design crucial for addressing emerging threats like the Ebola virus and persistent ailments like cancer. The project will focus on creating a variational quantum algorithm (VQA) capable of identifying small molecules that modulate PPIs, leveraging the unique capabilities of quantum computing to navigate vast solution spaces inaccessible to classical methods. For the full article, click here.
March 15, 2024 – News Brief
Japanese Consortium Wins Prime Minister’s Award for Quantum Computing Development
Japanese consortium including RIKEN, AIST, NICT, Osaka University, Fujitsu Limited, and NTT wins Prime Minister’s Award for developing high-performance computing platform with Japan’s second domestically-made 64-qubit superconducting quantum computer. The platform, available on the cloud since October 2023, promotes commercial industrial research and development. Leveraging the technology from the first 64-qubit quantum computer released in March 2023, the group aims to advance quantum computing for various fields. Notably, RIKEN’s superconducting quantum bit chip design shows scalability potential up to the 1,000-qubit level. The platform, recognized at the 53rd Japan Industrial Technology Awards, signifies a significant step towards industrial quantum computing application. Supported by Japan’s Quantum Leap Flagship Program, this initiative fosters further research and development in quantum applications, accelerating the practical application of quantum computing technologies. A press release announcing this award has been posted on the Fujitsu website here.
March 14, 2024 – News Brief
Equal1 Establishes New Center of Excellence in Sherbrooke’s Quantum Innovation Zone
Equal1 inaugurates its new center of excellence in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada, situated at the heart of Sherbrooke’s Quantum Innovation Zone. The center aims to cultivate talent in silicon spin qubits and promote collaborations with academic and industrial partners. It provides access to cutting-edge quantum measurement and fabrication facilities through the Quantum Technology Development Laboratory (DevTeQ). The proximity to Institut Quantique at the University of Sherbrooke, a leading quantum academic institution, offers opportunities for collaboration and access to highly qualified graduating students. Equal1’s CEO, Jason Lynch, emphasizes the strategic importance of Sherbrooke’s ecosystem for the company’s future success. The opening of the center marks a significant milestone for Equal1 and the collaboration between academia and industry. Martin Enault, Managing Director of Distriq, Quantum Innovation Zone, and Yves A. Sicard, Vice President Innovation Zone at Invest Quebec International, express their enthusiasm for Equal1’s presence and its potential to drive technological innovation within the Quantum Innovation Zone. A news release from Equal1 announcing this new center of excellence can be accessed here.
March 14, 2024 – News Brief
IonQ and DESY Research: Quantum Collaboration Enhances Airport Flight Gate Optimization
IonQ, in collaboration with DESY (Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron), has demonstrated the potential of quantum computing to optimize airport flight gate operations. By leveraging IonQ Aria, the research aimed to address challenges such as minimizing traveler transit time and aircraft idle time while increasing gate throughput. The study utilized logarithmic-linear encoding to execute flight-gate optimization algorithms, showcasing the feasibility of handling complex scenarios involving multiple variables. The results signify a significant advancement in quantum computing’s applicability to real-world optimization problems, spanning various industries. IonQ plans to extend its research using IonQ Forte and IonQ Tempo, targeting optimization needs for European airports. This collaboration underscores IonQ’s commitment to developing quantum applications for diverse sectors. Additional information is available in a press release published on the IonQ website here. Also, a blog about this research is available here and a preprint paper has been posted on arXiv here.
March 13, 2024 – News Brief
Quantistry Secures €3 Million ($3.28M USD) Funding to Further their Chemical Simulation Platform
Quantistry, a leader in chemical simulations, has secured €3 million ($3.28M USD) in funding led by Ananda Impact Ventures to advance research and development (R&D) in chemical and material sciences. The funding, supported by notable co-investors including Chemovator the business incubator of BASF, IBB Ventures, and a Family Office, will bolster Quantistry’s mission to revolutionize industrial R&D through its cloud-native platform, integrating Quantum and AI technologies. This approach aims to address challenges such as high costs and slow innovation, offering unprecedented benefits to industries seeking sustainable solutions. Marcel Quennet, CEO of Quantistry, indicated that chemical simulations will not only transform industrial R&D but will also help achieve a greener future. Alina Bassi, Investment Manager at Ananda Impact Ventures, highlights the crucial role Quantistry plays in fostering sustainability through quantum chemistry, chemical simulations, and AI. For additional information, you can access the press release provided by Quantistry here.
March 13, 2024
SemiQon Builds and Ships Its Initial 4-Qubit Silicon Chip to Research Partners
SemiQon, based in Espoo, Finland, has successfully produced, tested, and shipped to strategic partners a 4-qubit silicon-based quantum chip. These chips are now being shipped globally to support research and development efforts aimed at accelerating the utilization of quantum computing. The company’s approach combines classical and quantum elements at cryogenic temperatures, demonstrating low noise and enhanced transistor control, crucial for scalable quantum computers. As part of their technical strategy, SemiQon will be using fully-depleted silicon-on-insulator metal-on-semiconductor (FDSOI-MOS) transistors that will operate at cryogenic temperatures for the classical functionality allowing close integration with the silicon-based spin qubits. Click here for the rest of the article.
March 12, 2024
Pasqal Unveils Quantum Roadmap; Targeting Customers in Production by 2025
In a webinar presentation today, French quantum hardware manufacturer Pasqal has released a roadmap for its hardware and software development and also has described some of the early customers and applications who are working with their neutral atom based machine. The company has an aggressive schedule for improving their hardware along several fronts including the number of qubits, repetition rate, gate operations per calculation, hours of QPU availability, and software features. They are also working to expand the number of manufacturing facilities with a new one in Sherbrooke, Quebec slated to build and deliver a machine to its first customer later this year. Pasqal is currently working with over 50 customers who are testing out their applications and the company hopes that some of them will be able to move their application to regular production by 2025. For details about their roadmap, read our full article here.
March 12, 2024
QMware Collaborates with NVIDIA and Oracle to Advance Hybrid Quantum Computing for Enterprises
QMware, a leading hybrid quantum computing company, has announced a collaboration with NVIDIA and Oracle to advance hybrid quantum computing services for enterprises. Leveraging Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) powered by NVIDIA A100 Tensor Core GPU clusters and CUDA Quantum open-source hybrid quantum computing platform, QMware aims to develop a state-of-the-art quantum computing service for industrial use. The partnership aims to explore quantum computing applications in various fields such as AI, quantum machine learning, and optimization. This initiative demonstrates the rapid adoption and exploration of quantum technology with an initial version of the service set to be demonstrated at Oracle CloudWorld London. Click here for more.
March 11, 2024
Rolls-Royce, Riverlane, and Xanadu Team Up on Grants from the UK and Canadian Governments to Develop Quantum Jet Engine Design
Rolls-Royce, Riverlane, and Xanadu have secured over £400,000 ($512K USD) in grant funding from Innovate UK and CAD $500,000 ($370K USD) from National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) to develop applications for quantum computers in modeling air flow through jet engines. The project, named CATALYST, aims to create a hybrid quantum-classical framework, enabling faster evaluation and implementation of quantum algorithms. For the rest of the article with additional details, click here.
March 9, 2024 – News Brief
IBM Releases Version 1.0 of Qiskit
As we indicated in our article last December about IBM’s roadmap, IBM has officially released version 1.0 of Qiskit. This release provides higher performance, a more stable platform, a leaner set of libraries, and an SDK built for an open-source ecosystem. It will have experimental native OpenQASM 3 support and includes support for dynamic circuits and disjoint qubit coupling maps for the new IBM Heron class of processors. Now that the software has reached version 1.0, future releases will be more structured and stable with major releases that might introduce breaking changes occurring at least one year apart. Minor versions and patch versions may occur more often to introduce new features or fix bugs, but these should not break previous functionality. IBM has posted a blog describing the release and details of the new features and it can be accessed here.
March 9, 2024
Who’s News: Management Changes at Quantum Circuits, Strangeworks, Unitary Fund, and the U.S. National Quantum Coordination Office
Quantum Circuits, Inc. has a new President and CEO, Strangeworks has added a SVP Revenue, the Unitary Fund has expanded it board with two new members, and the U.S. National Quantum Coordination Office (NQCO) has a new Director. Click here for our article when reports on these management changes.
March 9, 2024 – News Brief
Classiq and Alice & Bob Team to Create a Logical Qubit Emulator for Cat Qubits
Quantum software company Classiq and Alice & Bob, a company working on a fault-tolerant quantum computer, have announced a partnership to bridge the gap between quantum software and hardware. The collaboration will enhance the Classiq platform with Alice & Bob’s cat qubit technology and tooling for logical qubits. Classiq’s platform will expand to include an early-access program to the first logical qubit emulator, capable of simulating logical qubits based on cat qubits. Alice & Bob is working to develop a quantum computer with 100 logical qubits that have a 10-8 error rate and this will help researchers and developers get a better feel for what can be done with this type of machine. The partnership aims to accelerate the advancement of quantum computing by providing the quantum computing community access to state-of-the-art technologies. A press release announcing the collaboration between the two companies can be accessed here.
March 8, 2024
French Government Launches the PROQCIMA Program for Quantum Computing Development
To accelerate progress in French quantum technology, the French government has launched the PROQCIMA program to achieve two prototype fault tolerant quantum computers of French design with at least 128 logical qubits by 2032. A follow-on goal would be to have fault tolerant quantum computers with at least 2048 logical qubits by 2035. Click here for our article that describes more details about this newly announced program.
March 8, 2024
Intel Unveils Quantum SDK 1.1 with Enhanced Features for Quantum Algorithm Development
Intel has unveiled version 1.1 of its Quantum Software Development Kit (SDK), introducing significant enhancements to facilitate quantum algorithm implementation. The updated kit boasts an open-source compiler front end, two additional simulator back ends, and customizable qubit noise models, alongside enhanced programming tools for quantum algorithm expression. These features will enable developers to access Intel’s full quantum computer in simulation through the SDK. Designed to interface with Intel’s quantum hardware, including the Horse Ridge II control chip and Tunnel Falls quantum dot spin qubit research chip, the SDK offers seamless integration with C/C++ and Python applications. Click here for more about this new SDK release.
March 7, 2024
LuxQuanta Triumphs in EIC Accelerator Program, Secures €2.5 Million ($2.7M USD) Funding Boost
LuxQuanta, a European Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) manufacturer, has secured a notable victory in the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program, receiving s €2.5 million grant. Co-founded by Dr. Sebastian Etcheverry and Dr. Saeed Ghasemi in 2021, and led by CEO Vanesa Díaz since 2022, LuxQuanta’s success underscores its innovative prowess in quantum cryptography. Out of 1,083 proposals, only 42 companies were selected, highlighting the rigorous vetting process of the EIC Accelerator. Click here for the rest of the article which provides additional details about LuxQuanta’s technology.
March 7, 2024
QuantrolOx and Zurich Instruments Forge Partnership to Enhance Quantum Computing Automation
QuantrolOx and Zurich Instruments have announced their partnership, integrating Zurich Instruments’ Quantum Computing Control System (QCCS) into QuantrolOx’s Quantum EDGE automation tool. The QCCS combines RF Signal Generators, Quantum Analyzers, and Qubit Controllers, offering advanced features such as over 1 GHz instantaneous bandwidth. This integration aims to enhance performance, reduce complexity, and streamline qubit experiments. Additionally, users can leverage the SHF+ product line for high-fidelity gate operations. The collaboration, facilitated by Zurich Instruments’ LabOne Q open-source software framework, aims to advance multi-qubit gate operations and refine readout capabilities. Click here for more.
March 7, 2024
Vescent Secures $5M Series Seed Funding to Provide Components Needed for Quantum Technology Commercialization
Vescent Photonics, a leading provider of components for quantum technology commercialization, has successfully closed a $5 million Series Seed funding round led by Corporate Fuel, with additional participation from Caruso Ventures. This funding will expedite the introduction of new products, enhance manufacturing capabilities to meet growing demand, and extend market penetration. Vescent’s offerings include Frequency Combs, Lasers, and Controls for quantum timing, computing, networking, and sensing applications, emphasizing low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP), ruggedness, and performance. Click here for the rest of the article that describes how this new funding will be put to use.
March 7, 2024 – News Brief
Zero Point Cryogenics, Qubic Technology, and Team Win $3 Million Award for Quantum Sensing
Zero Point Cryogenics (ZPC) has secured funding from the Government of Canada through the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program, in collaboration with the University of Waterloo. This initiative, aimed at advancing quantum technology research for defence and security applications, highlights Canada’s commitment to technological innovation. ZPC’s involvement in the ‘Microwave Quantum Radar’ project, alongside partners like Qubic Technologies and Carleton University, underscores the company’s dedication to pioneering quantum solutions. The project will be supported by a $3 million contribution agreement from the IDEaS program. Zero Point Cryogenics is an Edmonton, Canada based company that supplies dilution refrigerators. Qubic Technology located in Sherbrooke, Canada is developing a new quantum technology of microwave transmitters and receivers for telecommunications and remote sensing applications. For further details, refer to the original press release provided by Zero Point Cryogenics here.
March 7, 2024 – News Brief
Tabor Electronics and FormFactor Unveil Full Stack 5-Qubit Quantum Computer Project Powered by QuantWare
Tabor Electronics, in collaboration with FormFactor, is demonstrating the first phase of the Echo-5Q project, a full stack 5-Qubit Quantum Computer powered by QuantWare‘s Quantum Processing Unit (QPU). This achievement showcases a significant 250% enhancement in T1 times compared to similar systems, ensuring higher qubit fidelity and increased quantum operations per cycle. The Echo-5Q project addresses the growing demand for practical quantum computing test beds and a skilled workforce. Key components of this solution include FormFactor’s LF-600 Cryogen-free Dilution Refrigerator, Tabor Electronics’ Proteus Direct to RF Control Electronics, and QuantWare’s Soprano-D QPU. The collaboration leverages decades of experience from both Tabor Electronics and FormFactor, resulting in good performance from the QuantWare QPU. For additional information, you can access the press release posted on the Tabor website here and the Echo-5Q Overview sheet here.
March 7, 2024 – News Brief
ConScience AB Partners with Quantum Microwave to Distribute Quantum Devices in North America
ConScience AB, based in Gothenburg, Sweden, has entered into a distribution agreement with Quantum Microwave, a US-based company, covering the USA and Canada. This agreement follows ConScience AB’s launch of its first Quantum device, the QiB0, in Q1 2024. Quantum Microwave, known for distributing components in the quantum computing market, is pleased to include ConScience AB’s products in its portfolio, enhancing its ability to offer active quantum computing devices to clients. The QiB0 device features 4 single qubits and 2 coplanar waveguide (CPW) resonators with characteristics such as up to 80 µs qubit lifetime and 1 million quality factor of CPW resonators. Intended for research groups, companies, and universities, it facilitates the verification of quantum measurement systems and educates the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers. ConScience AB specializes in clean-room production and has a track record of providing expertise in micro- and nanofabrication to industries and academia. For additional information, you can access the press release provided here.
March 6, 2024 – News Brief
Qblox, Maybell, and QuantWare Assembled a Full-Stack Quantum System at APS March Meeting 2024
Qblox, Maybell, and QuantWare collaborated to unveil a fully functional superconducting quantum computer at the APS March Meeting 2024, a global first for a conference setting. The system, assembled over a weekend, integrates quantum devices from QuantWare, a 10mK cryostat from Maybell, and control electronics from Qblox for live qubit operations. Featuring the Maybell Fridge, QuantWare Soprano chip, and Qblox Cluster control electronics, this innovation underscores the companies’ dedication to advancing plug-and-play solutions in quantum computing. Niels Bultink, CEO of Qblox, emphasized the significance of this achievement, noting the accelerated pace of quantum technology maturation. Corban Tillemann-Dick, CEO of Maybell Quantum, highlighted their commitment to accessibility and reliability in quantum technology. Matthijs Rijlaarsdam, CEO of QuantWare, stressed the value of a supply chain approach in rapidly advancing quantum computing. A blog post about this effort has been posted on the Qblox website here.
March 5, 2024 – News Brief
SCALINQ Unveils LINQER600: Largest Commercial Quantum Device Packaging Solution
SCALINQ introduces LINQER600, the largest commercially available quantum device packaging solution, enabling control of superconducting or spin qubit based quantum devices with hundreds of qubits. The LINQER600 includes a sample holder for the qubit chip and provides a means of routing up to 600 signal lines to the chip. Developed with IQM, LINQER600 underwent rigorous testing, demonstrating unparalleled functionality with Radiance, a 150-qubit quantum computer. This scalable solution marks a significant advancement, previously confined to major computing companies, now accessible to universities and businesses. LINQER series, known for its modular design, state-of-the-art performance, and non-magnetic properties, continues to support global quantum research. SCALINQ’s dedication to overcoming hardware limitations accelerates quantum computing development and makes it easier for organizations to create their own quantum computer. For additional information, refer to the original press release provided by the company here. You can also view a short video posted on LinkedIn here.
March 5, 2024
$5 Million XPRIZE Competition Announced to Develop Real World Applications Quantum Applications
Google Quantum AI along with additional support from the Geneva Science Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) Foundation is sponsoring a 3 year, $5 million prize competition to encourage development of novel algorithms, new applications, or ways of implementing enhanced performance of quantum solutions that can help solve real-world challenges. The contest will be administered by the XPRIZE Foundation, a non-profit set up in 1994 to host public competitions intended to encourage technical breakthroughs. Click here for our full article that provides additional details about this contest.
March 5, 2024 – News Brief
Multiverse Computing Raises €25 Million ($27M USD) in Oversubscribed Series A Funding Round
Multiverse Computing, a leading European quantum software company, has successfully raised €25 million ($27M USD) in Series A funding. The investment round, oversubscribed, was led by Columbus Venture Partners and Quantonation Ventures, with contributions from various other investors including the European Innovation Council Fund and Redstone QAI Quantum Fund. This funding will be utilized to advance the development of Multiverse’s proprietary quantum and quantum-inspired algorithms and software, including their flagship product Singularity and the recently launched LLM compressor, CompactifAI. Singularity enables professionals from various industries to utilize quantum and quantum-inspired computing for AI and optimization applications, while CompactifAI compresses large language models with quantum-inspired tensor networks. The company also plans to use the funding to support its global expansion efforts, aiming to bring quantum and quantum-inspired utility to new markets and industries. With this investment, Multiverse Computing reinforces its position as a leader in the quantum software landscape, poised to deliver significant advancements in quantum computing applications. A press release from Multiverse announcing this fundraising is available here.
March 4, 2024
Maybell Quantum Secures $25M Series A Funding Led by Cerberus Ventures
Maybell Quantum, a quantum infrastructure company, has secured $25M in Series A funding led by Cerberus Ventures. The funding will enable Maybell to scale manufacturing and open a new production facility in 2024. Maybell, founded in 2021, provides quantum infrastructure products such as their cryogenic platforms, the Fridge and the Big Fridge. In 2023, they launched MayQ Labs, quantum research spaces in Denver and Copenhagen, to democratize and accelerate quantum innovation. Click here for more.
March 1, 2024
Quantum Computing Inc. Introduces Its Dirac-3 Entropy Quantum Computer for Optimization Applications
Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) has launched Dirac-3, a quantum optimization platform designed to solve complex problems using nonlinear quantum optics. The system encodes a problem into its photonic architecture and modulates the interaction between variables, ultimately finding an optimal solution. Unique to Dirac is its ability to solve integer problems using up to 964 quantum digits (qudits) with each qudit capable of 200 discrete modes, expanding the use of quantum technology beyond quantum bits (qubits). The system is designed to solve complex problems using nonlinear quantum optics. Click here for the rest of our article describing the highlights of this machine.
March 1, 2024
SBQuantum and Silicon Microgravity Partner to Develop Drone-based Dual Sensor Systems for Mineral Exploration
SBQuantum, a company developing diamond quantum magnetometers, and Silicon Microgravity, a company developing innovative inertial and gravity sensors, have partnered to accelerate mining exploration using quantum sensing. Their project, QUAMINEX (Quantum Accelerated Mining Exploration), involves the development of a drone-based system of sensors that combine magnetics and gravimetry. This system will improve the location and analysis of underground mineral deposits, reducing the time and capital required for field operations and improving 3D geological readouts. The project is partially financed by the governments of Canada and the UK, contributing $500,000 CAD ($368K USD) and £414,000 ($523K USD) respectively. Additional details about this project can be seen in our full article here.
March 1, 2024 – News Brief
Three Quantum Companies in Denmark Join BioInnovation Institute’s Venture Lab Program
The BioInnovation Institute (BII), is an international non-profit foundation in Denmark that incubates and accelerates world-class life science research. They have just announced that twelve companies have been selected to join their 12 month Venture Lab acceleration program which supports startup companies with business acceleration, scientific, and team development. The program also provides each startup with a €500 thousand ($541K USD) convertible loan and access to BII’s labs and offices in Copenhagen. Of the twelve companies, three of them work in quantum technology including Alea Quantum Technologies, a company developing quantum random number generators, DiaSense, a company working on diamond-magnetic microscopes for use neuroscientists to diagnose diseases and find cures, and Sqale ApS, a company leveraging quantum-enhanced optimization, agile pipeline development, and other techniques to revolutionize biopharmaceutical manufacturing. More details about this program and companies selected can be seen in a news release posted on the BII website here.
March 1, 2024 – News Brief
Rigetti Computing Secures Innovate UK Grant to Develop 24-qubit Quantum Computing System for National Quantum Computing Centre
Rigetti Computing’s UK subsidiary has secured a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) grant from Innovate UK, in collaboration with the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), to develop and deliver a 24-qubit quantum computing system. This system, based on Rigetti’s fourth-generation Ankaa™-class architecture, will be deployed at NQCC’s Harwell Campus. The proposed technology promises faster gate times, higher fidelity, and greater connectivity compared to previous quantum processing units (QPUs). Rigetti’s software development tools, including pyQuil®, Quilc™, and Quil-T™, will be integrated with the system, alongside Riverlane’s Quantum Error Correction Stack. Once operational, the quantum computer will be accessible to NQCC researchers for testing, benchmarking, and exploratory applications development. This collaboration aims to accelerate the development of the UK’s quantum computing capabilities and infrastructure. For additional information, access the original press release provided here.
February 29, 2024 – News Brief
Zurich Instruments Launches SHF+ Line for High-Fidelity Qubit Control
Zurich Instruments introduces the SHF+ product line, comprising the SHFSG+ Signal Generator, SHFQC+ Qubit Controller, and SHFQA+ Quantum Analyzer, designed for high-fidelity qubit control and readout. With a 10 dB increase in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), these products minimize thermal qubit excitation, enhancing algorithm fidelity and reducing phase errors. The SHF+ line offers noise-optimized signal chains and the ability to mute outputs for sensitive qubit measurements. Collaborating with leading quantum computing research groups, Zurich Instruments aims to advance qubit quality and scalability, marking a step toward longer quantum circuits and more powerful Quantum Processing Units (QPUs). A news release for these products provided by Zurich Instruments can be seen here. Also, a web page for the SHF+ product line can be accessed here.
February 29, 2024
QuantWare Unveils Next-Gen Quantum Processors: Contralto-D and Soprano-D
QuantWare unveiled its latest offerings, Contralto-D and Soprano-D. These devices are intended for customers who want to build up their own systems and just want to purchase the individual qubit chips. Although going that route is much more complex than purchasing a fully complete system, doing so can potential save a significant amount of money. These upgraded off-the-shelf superconducting-based quantum processors boast enhanced specifications, improved reliability, ease of use, and shortened lead times. For more about these new products, click here to read our full article that include information about the key technical specifications for these devices as well as the pricing.
February 28, 2024
IonQ Announces Q4 and Full Year 2023 Financial Results Showing Strong Growth
IonQ announced the financial results for 2023 showing strong growth over 2022. In addition, they announced several new technical, personnel, and other developments at the company during their recent Q3 financial results call. Click here for our report on these developments.
February 28, 2024
Q-CTRL Forges Strategic Partnerships to Advance Quantum Computing Ecosystem
Q-CTRL, a leading provider of quantum infrastructure software, has announced strategic partnerships with Wolfram, Aqarios, qBraid, Qblox, Keysight, and QuantWare. These collaborations aim to enhance quantum research, commercialization, and adoption by integrating Q-CTRL’s AI-driven performance-management software with diverse hardware and software platforms. Click here for more.
February 27, 2024
Riverlane, Rigetti, and ORNL to Research HPC-Quantum Integration Using ORNL’s Summit Supercomputer
Riverlane and Rigetti Computing are collaborating on a project led by the US Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to explore the integration of quantum computers with large-scale supercomputing centers. The project will build the first-ever benchmarking suite, ‘QStone’, to measure the performance of a joint High-Performance Computing (HPC) + Quantum system. This suite will be run on ORNL’s Summit, the fifth fastest supercomputer in the world. For the rest of the article, click here.
February 27, 2024
Quantum Education Initiative: D-Wave Launches ‘Foundations for Quantum Programming’ Course
D-Wave Quantum Inc. has introduced a new six-module online course titled “Foundations for Quantum Programming,” aimed at addressing the growing demand for skilled quantum programmers. This self-paced course focuses on enhancing learners’ mathematics and Python skills, laying a robust foundation for quantum computing programming. The course includes video presentations, quizzes, and hands-on programming activities, requiring approximately 10 hours to complete. Upon finishing the course, learners will have acquired crucial skills such as problem objective identification, mathematical expression representation, and basic Python programming for quantum programming. The list price for the course is $350 per seat. Click here for additional information.
February 27, 2024 – News Brief
Keysight Unveils QuantumPro: Integrated EDA Workflow for Superconducting Qubit Design
Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) has unveiled QuantumPro, the first integrated electromagnetic design and simulation tool and workflow tailored for creating quantum computers based on superconducting qubits. The QuantumPro solution, integrated into the Advanced Design System (ADS) 2024 platform, consolidates essential functionalities including schematic design, layout creation, electromagnetic analysis, nonlinear circuit simulation, and quantum parameter extraction. Traditional microwave engineers faced limitations in addressing quantum design, leading to lengthy and costly design cycles. QuantumPro bridges the gap between quantum and microwave engineering, translating microwave outputs into adjustable quantum parameters within the ADS platform. Key features include accelerated development of quantum chips using cost-effective electromagnetic simulation, simplification of quantum amplifier design, and a library of quantum layout components for seamless chip creation within ADS. Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech, an early adopter of QuantumPro, praises its complete workflow and ease of use. For additional information, you can access a press release provided by Keysight Technologies here.
February 27, 2024
Quantum Machines Unveils Advanced Control System MW-FEM for Quantum Computing Advancement
Quantum Machines introduces the MW-FEM, an advanced digital direct-synthesis (DDS) microwave front-end module for its OPX1000 quantum control platform, marking a significant milestone in quantum computing control technology. This industry-first module combines a processor-based controller with all-digital signal generation, enabling precise microwave signal generation in the 0.1 – 10.5 GHz frequency range directly from digital waveforms. Click here for our full article that provides some of the key specs for this device.
February 24, 2024 – News Brief
Quokka Quantum Educational Device Launched at Quantum Australia Conference
At the recent Quantum Australia conference in Sydney, Professor Chris Ferrie announced his new company called Eigensystems focused on providing quantum educational tools along with its first product, a device called Quokka Quantum. The Quokka device is a personal quantum computer that plugs into a laptop to help develop quantum literacy. It will come with four difference programming levels ranging from Quokka Basic to Quokka Advanced to provided a comprehensive library of content and lessons. targeted for high school students. The device fits in the palm of one hand and will commence shipments in the middle of 2024. The Quokka website is still under development, but some additional information about the device can be found in a LinkedIn post here and another post on X here.
February 24, 2024
Xanadu Receives a $3.75 Million CAD ($2.78M USD) Loan from the Canadian Government
The Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), has provided a repayable contribution of $3.75M CAD to Xanadu, a leading company in photonic quantum computing. This funding is part of the Regional Quantum Initiative (RQI) which will have $23 million ($17M USD) available for funding over a six year period. The Xanadu funding will be used to accelerate the development of PennyLane, Xanadu’s open-source, cloud-based software framework for quantum machine learning, quantum chemistry, and quantum computing. Click here for more.
February 23, 2024
Apple to Support PQC in Its Next Operating System Release
Apple Computer has implemented Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) support within the iMessage app of its next operating system updates iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4, macOS 14.4, and watchOS 10.4 scheduled to be released in early March. Apple calls this feature PQ3 and it has several interesting features. In this implementation they are taking a conservative approach by implementing a hybrid cryptography protocol that includes both their current elliptic curve algorithms along with the ML-KEM (Kyber) being standardized by NIST. This will ensure that even if an issue were to be found in the future in ML-KEM, the encryption would still be at least as secure as the previous versions of iMessage that use elliptic curve encryption alone. Read the rest of the article here.
February 22, 2024 – News Brief
New Superconducting ‘Flowermon’ Superconducting Qubit Designed to Greatly Increase Coherence Times
Terra Quantum and collaborators unveil the ‘flowermon’ superconducting qubit, demonstrating exponential suppression of environmental effects on qubit coherence. The innovative qubit, formed by twisting atomically thin crystals together, promises extended coherence times and simplified fabrication processes, marking a significant advancement in quantum technology scalability. Published in Physical Review Letters, the research showcases the flowermon’s unique properties, offering robust protection against charge noise and quasiparticle dissipation. Funded by various entities including the European Union and Terra Quantum, this development holds promise for enhancing the feasibility of scaling superconducting quantum processors, paving the way for practical quantum applications. For further insights, access the full press release here.
February 22, 2024
IonQ Breakthrough: Pioneering Ion-Photon Entanglement for Quantum Networking
IonQ achieves a significant breakthrough in quantum networking by demonstrating ion-photon entanglement, a crucial step towards enabling communication and information transfer between quantum systems. This achievement, a first in the commercial sphere outside academic environments, underscores IonQ’s commitment to advancing quantum computing capabilities. By generating and collecting single photons from ion qubits and verifying ion-photon entanglement, IonQ’s research team lays the groundwork for developing photonic interconnect protocols essential for future quantum computing applications. Click here for the rest of the article.
February 22, 2024
IQM Quantum Computers Provides Latest Benchmark Results for their 20-Qubit Quantum Computer
IQM Quantum Computers has achieved a significant milestone with its 20-qubit quantum computer, showcasing remarkable technology capabilities aimed at advancing large-scale commercial quantum adoption. The achievement, announced on February 20, 2024, highlights the integration of key technology components, including Quantum Processing Units (QPUs) fabricated at IQM’s quantum chip facility. The chip is based on IQM’s tunable-coupler concept, enabling fast two-qubit gate speed and state-of-the-art fidelity. Click here for our article with the details.
February 21, 2024 – News Brief
Diraq’s Quantum Leap: New Commercial Lab Opens in Sydney
Diraq inaugurates a new commercial quantum computing laboratory in Sydney, Australia, marking a significant stride in advancing fault-tolerant quantum computing. Situated at the UNSW campus, the lab boasts cutting-edge infrastructure to facilitate the production of silicon chips housing billions of qubits. The facility spans 200 square meters (2152 sq. feet) and is equipped with state-of-the-art cryogenic testing and precision measurement equipment for silicon quantum devices. Diraq’s CEO, Andrew Dzurak, emphasized the company’s focus on developing highly integrated silicon chips through standard semiconductor foundries, aligning with its mission to revolutionize quantum computing. Supported by substantial funding, including grants from the U.S. Army Research Office and Australian Government including the CRC-P and QCCF, Diraq aims to harness existing chip fabrication technology to realize the transformative potential of quantum computing on a commercial scale. The press release from Diraq announcing the opening of this laboratory can be accessed here.
February 21, 2024
Who’s News: Quantum Computing Pioneers Join Alice & Bob’s Consultative Board
Alice & Bob, a prominent developer in fault-tolerant quantum computers, has announced its newly constituted Consultative Board, comprising quantum computing pioneers Daniel Gottesman, David DiVincenzo, John Martinis, and Yasunobu Nakamura. The board will advise on the long-term roadmap and prioritization of milestones. More details are here.
February 20, 2024 – News Brief
PASQAL, University of Calgary, and Quantum City Forge Quantum Computing Partnership
PASQAL, in collaboration with the University of Calgary and Quantum City, has initiated a partnership aimed at advancing quantum computing research and education. This collaboration seeks to foster innovative research, develop a robust talent pipeline in Alberta, and contribute to the global quantum ecosystem. Key initiatives include educational programs, workshops, and providing industry experience for students and researchers. PASQAL commits to supporting research initiatives, faculty recruitment, and investing in Alberta’s quantum ecosystem, while the University of Calgary will provide space in its qHub, collaborate on research projects, and connect with local talent and funding opportunities. Raphaël de Thoury, CEO of PASQAL-Canada, emphasized the partnership’s significance in unlocking new quantum innovations. Rob Thompson, Associate VP at the University of Calgary, highlighted the university’s dedication to cultivating a vibrant quantum ecosystem. A press release provided by Pasqal can be accessed here.
February 19, 2024 – News Brief
NEC Australia and D-Wave Are Partnering to Expand Quantum Business in Australia
NEC Australia and D-Wave Quantum Inc. are launching two quantum services in Australia: the Quantum Consultancy Service and access to the Leap™ Quantum Cloud Service. These services aim to solve complex problems faster than traditional computers, benefiting the commercial sector, governments, and academia. The Quantum Consultancy Service develops and tests quantum solutions, while the Leap™ Quantum Cloud Service provides access to D-Wave’s real-time quantum cloud service. These services can improve efficiency in various areas, such as emergency response and cargo transfers. NEC Australia and D-Wave have been delivering successful local quantum applications since 2021. Additional information is available in a press release posted on the D-Wave web site here and also a brochure from NEC about their quantum consultancy services available here.
February 17, 2024
Who’s News: Management Updates at IQM, Pasqal, Diraq, and Silicon Quantum Computing
IQM has announced a new company structure and named a new co-CEO to help manage the company. Pasqal has appointed a new Chairman of its Board and has also promoted someone to be co-CEO. Diraq has added to its Board of Directors as a result of the recent A-2 funding it received. And Silicon Quantum Computing has appointed a new Chair and added an additional person to serve as Director on its board. Click here for the details on these management changes.
February 15, 2024 – News Brief
IonQ Opens Its Washington State Manufacturing Facility
We had reported in January 2023 that IonQ would open a new facility in Bothell, Washington, a suburb of Seattle, to serve as the main manufacturing facility for their quantum computers and also to serve as IonQ’s second quantum data center. The company has now announced that the facility is completed and is now open. What is a little different in this announcement versus the one a year ago is the size of the facility at 105,000 square feet versus the 65,000 square feet planned when it was originally announced. This will provide additional space to house IonQ’s second quantum data center and other future systems and networks. This facility is unique as it will manufacture quantum computers that are replicable and deployable in customers’ data centers. The first IonQ Forte Enterprise system built in this facility is scheduled to be shipped to QuantumBasel in Switzerland in Q4. IonQ’s press release announcing the opening of the facility is available here.
February 14, 2024 – News Brief
Q-CTRL and Partners Win $4.3 Million AUS ($2.8M USD) Grant to Develop Airborne Quantum Sensors for Resources and Environmental Monitoring
The grant was provided by the Australian government as part of Round 15 of the Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P). Q-CTRL will be partnering with the Australian National University and Transparent Earth Geophysics to support flight testing of airborne gravimeters. These devices can be used in geophysical surveying and be of high value to Australia’s mineral exploration and water monitoring sectors. The funding will be $4,311,854 AUS for a period lasting from February 1, 2024 to January 31, 2026. Additional information is available in a LinkedIn post here, and the listing of CRC projects selected in Round 15 here.
February 14, 2024
Quantum Computing Inc. Wins Subcontract for Using Entropy Quantum Computing to Denoise Lidar Spectral Information
Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi), a company specializing in quantum optics and nanophononics technology, has been awarded a fourth project from NASA. QCi is unique in its ability to use Entropy Quantum Computing (EQC) to denoise LiDAR spectral information. This project, already underway, involves providing a new method to remove sunlight noise from LiDAR spectral mapping in lower earth orbit. This technology will allow NASA to measure the unique physical properties of clouds and aerosols effectively and affordably, preparing for space missions at any time of day. The EQC method is superior to traditional noise reduction methods that require larger lasers and restrictive bandwidth filtering, which are more costly in terms of size, weight, power, and cost. Click here for more.
February 14, 2024
EuroHPC JU Released Another Tender for a Superconducting Quantum Computer with a €7 Million ($7.5M USD) Budget
The European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) has initiated a tender for the installation of LUMI-Q, a new EuroHPC quantum computer. This computer will be located in Czechia and integrated into the EuroHPC supercomputer KAROLINA. LUMI-Q will be a digital quantum computer based on superconducting qubits in a star-shaped topology, which minimizes the number of swap operations and enables the execution of complex quantum algorithms. Click here for our full article about this new tender.
February 13, 2024 – News Brief
IonQ Renews Alliance with South Korea’s Sungkyunkwan University
IonQ has renewed its alliance with South Korea’s Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) to continue providing access to IonQ’s trapped-ion quantum systems through SKKU’s Q Center. This renewal follows a Memorandum of Understanding with the South Korean government to promote quantum education and training. The alliance aims to establish South Korea as an international hub for quantum computing. Since 2021, researchers across South Korea have used IonQ’s systems for applications in quantum machine learning and chemical engineering. The renewal ensures continued access to IonQ’s systems for exploring solutions to complex challenges. This announcement is part of IonQ’s initiatives in South Korea, including a collaboration with Hyundai Motors on quantum computing projects. IonQ’s quantum systems are available through major cloud providers and direct API access. A press release provided by IonQ with this announcement can be accessed here.
February 13, 2024 – News Brief
D-Wave Puts Online Their 1200+ Qubit Advantage2 Prototype
We described earlier this month D-Wave’s Progress and Future Roadmap and that article mentioned that they had developed a 1200+ qubit prototype of their Advantage2 architecture. D-Wave indicates that the Advantage2 architecture has several significant improvements over their original Advantage architecture including an increase in qubit connectivity from 15 to 20, a multilayer superconducting integrated-circuit fabrication stack, a doubling of qubit coherence time, faster time to solution, and a 40% higher energy scale to deliver higher quality solutions. Further, they indicate that even though this prototype features fewer qubits than their current 5000 qubit Advantage2, it can provide better performance for many problems. Although this prototype machine is just a stepping stone to their ultimate goal of having a 7000 qubit Advantage2, the company has decided to make the machine available to their end users via the Leap Quantum Cloud Service so that the end users can take early advantage of its increased capabilities. The company has released a press release announcing the availability of this machine which you can access here.
February 12, 2024 – News Brief
Diraq Raises $15 Million USD in Series A-2 Funding
Diraq, a Sydney-based quantum computing company, has successfully completed a Series A-2 capital raise of USD $15 million. This funding round was led by Quantonation, the world’s first venture capital fund dedicated to quantum technologies, based in Paris. Other participants in the funding round included John Higgins Family Investments and the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney. This new funding will be used to expand Diraq’s team in Australia, launch in the U.S., and capitalize on existing international partnerships. Click here for our full article which contains additional information about Diraq and its technology.
February 10, 2024 – News Brief
IonQ and Seoul National University Sign MOU to Support Quantum Workforce Development in Korea
IonQ has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Seoul National University’s Center for Quantum Information Science Education (CQISE). The agreement aims to promote workforce development in quantum information and communication science and technology. This partnership will establish educational and joint research programs, enabling academia and industry professionals to respond to the evolving demands of industry sectors. The agreement includes mutual personnel exchange, joint research, and internship development for quantum-related activities. This collaboration is expected to open new horizons in quantum computing research and education at Seoul National University and contribute to the vitalization of the domestic quantum computing field. This agreement follows a similar MoU IonQ signed last year with South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT, demonstrating IonQ’s commitment to growing quantum ecosystems through pioneering research, technology, and innovative solutions. A press release about the new effort has been posted on the IonQ website here.
February 10, 2024 – News Brief
SemiQon to Supply CMC Microsystems With Prototypes of Its Semiconductor Based Quantum Processor Chips
SemiQon, a Finnish company, and Canada’s CMC Microsystems have announced a collaboration to advance silicon-based quantum processor technology. SemiQon will supply CMC with prototypes of its semiconductor-based quantum processor chips for research. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of processors for more powerful quantum computers, targeting the million-qubit era. SemiQon’s technology addresses three major challenges in quantum computing: scalability, price, and sustainability. CMC, with 40 years of experience in semiconductor technology, offers quantum services to provide access to state-of-the-art quantum hardware and software technologies to organizations in the Canadian quantum ecosystem. Both companies commit to publicly disseminate the results obtained from this collaboration, with the goal of advancing the global quantum ecosystem. Additional information is available in a press release posted on the CMC Microsystems website here.
February 10, 2024
D-Wave and Zapata AI Partner to Develop Solutions Using Quantum Machine Learning
D-Wave Quantum Inc., a leader in quantum computing, and Zapata Computing, Inc. (operating as Zapata AI), an industrial generative AI software company, have announced a multi-year strategic partnership. The collaboration aims to develop and bring to market commercial applications that combine generative AI and quantum computing technologies. The partnership will focus on joint technical development and commercial deployment of applications for customers dealing with computationally complex problems. Click here for the rest of the article.
February 10, 2024
Post Quantum Cryptography Alliance Formed to Promote the Advancement and Adoption of Post-quantum Cryptography
The Linux Foundation has launched the Post-Quantum Cryptography Alliance (PQCA), an initiative aimed at advancing and adopting post-quantum cryptography. The PQCA, comprising industry leaders, researchers, and developers, will address security challenges posed by quantum computing and support the development of new post-quantum algorithms. The PQCA will serve as a central foundation for organizations and open-source projects seeking production-ready libraries and packages aligned with the U.S. National Security Agency’s Cybersecurity Advisory concerning the Commercial National Security Algorithm Suite 2.0. The alliance is backed by founding members including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cisco, Google, IBM, IntellectEU, Keyfactor, Kudelski IoT, NVIDIA, QuSecure, SandboxAQ, and the University of Waterloo. Click here for our full article with additional information about the projects that the PQCA will undertake.
February 10, 2024 – News Brief
EuroHPC JU Has Issued a Call for Tender for a Photonic Quantum Computer
The European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) intends to install a photonic quantum computer at the TGCC (Très Grand Centre de calcul du CEA (Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives)) in Bruyères Le Châtel, France. The specifications calls for a machine with at least 10 qubits, average two-qubit gate fidelity of 99%, average readout fidelity of 95%, and an installation date no later than 18 months after signature of the contract. It will be connected to the Joliot-Curie classical supercomputer at that site and be made available to a wide range of European end-users, including the scientific community, industry, and the public sector. The budget for this quantum computer is €11.4 million ($12.3M USD). The deadline for submission of an application for the tender is March 7, 2024. Additional information can be found in a news release from EuroHPC JU here, and detailed requirements information on a Funding and Tender Opportunities page here.
February 8, 2024
PASQAL and Partners Develop Quantum Algorithm to Help Plan Cellular Networks
Researchers from PASQAL and LINKS have successfully implemented a noise-resilient, hybrid quantum-classical algorithm on a PASQAL quantum computer. This algorithm addresses the Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) assignment problem in cellular networks, which is crucial for efficient data transfer as smartphones move from one cell tower to another. The algorithm exploits the characteristics of the PASQAL machine, making it resistant to variations in the results. It’s particularly effective for large graphs where classical computing methods would be exponentially slower. The PASQAL hardware, which uses lasers to capture and manipulate atoms, is ideal for solving graph-based problems like PCI impairments. Click here for more.
February 8, 2024
Nord Quantique Describes a New and Efficient Quantum Error Correction Scheme Based Upon Based Upon Reservoir Engineering of GKP States in a Superconducting Device
Nord Quantique, a quantum computing startup, has become the first company to demonstrate quantum error correction at the individual qubit level, improving qubit coherence lifetime by 14% without using additional physical qubits. The company’s approach incorporates redundancy into every logical qubit, reducing the number of physical qubits required for error correction once scaled. This makes their quantum computers highly efficient and scalable, potentially reaching fault-tolerance in a shorter time. The company has also demonstrated the ability to correct both bit-flips and phase-flips, the most common types of errors in quantum computing, by applying GKP bosonic codes for error correction at the individual qubit level. This approach may require between 1,000 and 10,000 times fewer physical qubits than other computing models to effectively manage errors in the superconducting system and deliver useful results. Click here for the rest of the article.
February 8, 2024
Quantum Machines Introduces Two New Products for Scaling Quantum Processors to 1000 or More Qubits
Quantum Machines, a provider of quantum control solutions, has announced the addition of two new high-density solutions to its product family: the QDAC-II Compact and the QSwitch. The QDAC-II Compact is an ultra-stable, ultra-low-noise 24-channel voltage source designed for tuning superconducting and spin qubits for optimal performance. It retains all the features of the QDAC-II but is more compact, fitting into one fourth the space. The QSwitch is a software-controllable breakout box with 240 relays. It allows users to pre-program experiments and quickly switch between setups and instruments, saving valuable research and development time. Click here for the rest of our article that provides additional information about these new products.
February 8, 2024
Multiverse and Single Quantum Receive a $1.4 Million Contract from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) for Quantum Materials Science Research
Multiverse Computing and Single Quantum have launched a $1.4 million industrial materials science research and development project with the German Aerospace Center’s DLR Quantum Computing Initiative (DLR QCI). The project aims to use quantum simulation to improve the transmission capabilities of superconducting nanowire single photon detectors, which are essential for quantum communications devices. The project is expected to enable quantum applications that outperform classical methods in the short- to mid-term on quantum hardware currently under development. Click here for more.
February 8, 2024
Quantware Introduces Its Next Generation Josephson Travelling Wave Parametric Amplifier (J-TWPA)
A qubit chip isn’t the only critical component that is needed in a superconducting quantum computer. Another important components is the device that can provide for ultra-low-noise readout of the qubits in order to measure their state. Quantware has just introduced its next generation cryogenic device to do that called the Crescendo-S J-TWPA as well an associated cryogenic holder call Concerto which houses and shields up to six of the Crescendo-S devices. Click here for the rest of our article which provides information on the specs of this device.
February 5, 2024
UK Government Investing £45 Million ($56M USD) for 13 Quantum Projects In Two Different Programs
The UK government announced two sets of awards to further quantum research and development. The first is a set of seven awards totaling £30 million ($37.6M USD) for the Quantum Computing Testbeds competition provided by the UKRI Technology Missions Fund and the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre. The awardees are being asked to will develop and deliver quantum computing testbeds at NQCC’s facilities in south Oxfordshire by March 2025. The second set of awards came from the the Quantum Catalyst Fund is intended to fast-track the integration of quantum solutions in the public sector. This program has made six awards that covers both quantum computing and quantum sensing applications for a total of £15 million ($18.8M USD). Click here for our full article that lists the organizations receiving the awards and their projects.
February 3, 2024
Who’s News Management Updates at D-Wave, PASQAL, and Quantum Computing Inc.
D-Wave has added a new member to its Board of Directors, PASQAL has appointed a General Manager for South Korea, and Quantum Computing Inc. has a new CEO. Click here for our article reporting about these changes.
February 3, 2024
Pasqal Partners with KAIST and the City of Daejon to Enhance the Quantum Ecosystem in Korea
Pasqal, one of the leaders in neutral atom quantum computing, has announced a partnership with the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and Daejeon City. This collaboration aims to enhance the quantum ecosystem in Korea and globally. Click here for our article reporting about this new collaboration.
February 3, 2024
planQC and d-fine Win Contract from the German Aerospace Center (DLR)
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is collaborating with planqc and d-fine to develop compilers and a remote access platform for DLR’s quantum computers. The goal is to manage quantum algorithms and their execution efficiently. The platform will also enable access to DLR’s quantum computers for other institutes and partners. The project, known as ALQU, emphasizes the importance of co-designing hardware and software in quantum computing, incorporating hardware metrics and error models into the algorithms, and ensuring efficient execution of these algorithms. A press release with additional information about this collaboration has been posted on the planqc website here.
January 31, 2024
Riverlane is Partnering with MIT to Find Quantum Algorithms that Can Simulate Plasma Dynamics
Researchers from Riverlane and the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center are collaborating to develop efficient quantum algorithms for simulating plasma dynamics. This project is part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) program, which aims to expand our understanding of matter at high temperatures and densities and to develop a fusion energy source. The program will last for three years until 2026 and Riverlane’s award amount will be approximately $400,000. For our full article reporting on this award click here.
January 31, 2024
ConScience Launches Qubit-in-a-box 0 (QiB0) Device Containing 4 Qubits for Use in Research and Education
ConScience AB, a company located in Gothenburg, Sweden, is launching its first Quantum Device, the Qubit-in-a-box 0 (QiB0). This device can demonstrate simple quantum processes and calibrate and verify the performance of quantum computing test setups. It’s a significant milestone as it’s the first commercial quantum device fully designed and manufactured in Sweden. The QiB0 device uses superconducting technology and features 4 single qubits and 2 coplanar waveguide (CPW) resonators, characterized with up to 80 µs qubit lifetime and 1 million in quality factor of the CPW resonators. The device is available off-the-shelf and can be shipped immediately upon order. Click here for additional information about ConScience and the device.
January 30, 2024
Orca Computing Acquires Integrated Photonics Division of GXC
ORCA Computing has acquired the photonics-related assets of the Integrated Photonics Division of GXC (formerly known as GenXComm), including intellectual property and existing technology. Members of the photonics team based in Austin, Texas will be merged with Orca’s own development teams. This group has developed an architecture call a Photonic Tensor Core (PTC) that provides ultra-low loss photonic integrated circuit for photonic communication and computation. Click here for the rest of the article..
January 30, 2024 – News Brief
Nu Quantum & Cisco Partner to Develop Groundbreaking Modular Quantum Network Prototype with £2.3 Million ($2.9M USD) in UK Government Funding
Nu Quantum, in collaboration with Cisco, has secured a significant contract from the UK government to develop a pioneering quantum networking project named LYRA. Funded by the UK Government’s SBRI initiative, LYRA aims to create a deployable prototype of a modular, rack-mount, and scalable quantum data center unit. This project introduces discrete 19-inch rack-mount modules for control-plane and optical interfacing, facilitating in-field upgrades to support different quantum computer modalities and alternative wavelengths. The collaboration with Cisco, a leading networking infrastructure supplier, will contribute to defining key system requirements and evaluating final deliverables. With a gross value of £2.3 million ($2.9M USD), this contract represents a substantial step towards realizing commercially viable quantum computing solutions. For additional information, you can access a press release Nu Quantum has provided here.
January 29, 2024 – News Brief
IBM to Install an IBM Quantum System Two in Korea by 2028
Korean Quantum Computing (KQC) has served as an IBM Quantum Innovation Center since 2022 and provides access to IBM’s fleet of quantum computers over the cloud to Korean customers. IBM has now announced with KQC that they will install an IBM Quantum Systems Two processor on-site at KQC’s facility in Busan, Korea by 2028. In that time frame, we would expect the processor to be part of the IBM Flamingo family which has 156 qubits per processor module with support for up to 7 modules. As part of KQC’s engagement with IBM, they will also offer access to IBM’s most advanced AI software and infrastructure, including watsonx. KQC has been actively working to expand quantum research with organizations in the financial, bio-healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Korean companies they have been working with include Hanlim Pharmaceutical Co. for drug discovery and DNEURO for financial applications. A press release provided by IBM announcing this expanded collaboration is available here.
January 29, 2024
Infleqtion Acquires Two Integrated Silicon Photonics Companies to Accelerate their Efforts in Commercializing Quantum Products
Infleqtion announced today that it has acquired both SiNoptiq Inc. and Morton Photonics Inc. Both companies work in the area of photonics. SiNoptiq has developed a ultra-low loss silicon nitride platform while Morton Photonics develops advanced silicon photonics-based component and sub-system technologies. These products can have significant use in quantum sensors, quantum networks, and quantum computers. SiNoptiq is located in Santa Barbara, California and was founded in December 2022. Morton Photonics was formed in 2002 and has locations in Palm Bay, Florida and Santa Barbara, California. For the rest of the article, click here.
January 26, 2024 – News Brief
Canadian Province of Ontario is Providing $14.9 Million CAD ($11.1M USD) to the Quantum Valley Ideas Lab
Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Vic Fedeli, announced up to $14.9 million in funding for Quantum Valley Ideas Lab in Waterloo, Canada. This investment aims to propel advancements in quantum technology, particularly optimizing antennas in smartphones, vehicles, drones, and more. The funding, drawn from the Critical Technology Initiative Fund, underscores Ontario’s commitment to real-world challenges and commercialization in key tech sectors. Quantum Valley Ideas Lab, backed by Mike Lazaridis’ Quantum Valley Investments, serves as a crucial incubator for quantum startups. The lab’s efforts include developing a commercial-ready prototype for a radio frequency measurement device, a significant step towards market transition. Ontario’s investment will support graduate internships and accelerate quantum innovation commercialization. For additional details, refer to an article from the Waterloo Region Record here.
January 26, 2024
Fujitsu Quantum Simulator Challenge Winners Announced
Fujitsu recently concluded its global competition, the “Fujitsu $100,000 Quantum Simulator Challenge,” aimed at advancing research in quantum technologies using its 39 qubit quantum simulator. The company revealed the four winning teams during the Fujitsu Quantum Day event held on January 25, 2024, in Delft, The Netherlands. There were 43 participating teams from startups and universities from 17 countries and regions. The total award amount was $100,000 USD. Click here for the list of winners.
January 25, 2024 – News Brief
Qrypt Awarded STTR Phase 1 Contract by AFWERX and Department of Air Force to Enhance National Defense Against Quantum Threats
Qrypt has been awarded an STTR Phase 1 contract by AFWERX and the Department of Air Force (DAF), aimed at enhancing national defense against quantum threats. Teaming up with the University of Texas at San Antonio, Qrypt will focus on bolstering cybersecurity with its quantum-secure encryption solution. The collaboration aims to address vulnerabilities in traditional encryption methods and combat emerging threats like “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks through Quantum Key Generation (QKG), which enables the independent generation of encryption keys without transmission. Qrypt’s Chief Technology Officer, Denis Mandich, emphasizes the importance of advancing quantum-secure encryption to protect critical communications and sectors. Partnering with the National Security Collaboration Center (NSCC) at UTSA, Qrypt seeks to evaluate its solution on DAF-specific use-cases and challenges, contributing to the advancement of quantum-resistant cryptography. For additional details, refer to the original press release provided here.
January 25, 2024 – News Brief
Fujitsu and Delft University of Technology Establish Fujitsu Advanced Computing Lab Delft for Quantum Computing
Fujitsu and Delft University of Technology have launched the Fujitsu Advanced Computing Lab Delft to spearhead quantum computing advancements. Positioned within QuTech, the lab will focus on diamond-spin quantum computing, aiming to develop scalable quantum computing solutions. Additionally, it will explore quantum applications in computational fluid dynamics. Vivek Mahajan, Fujitsu’s SEVP, CTO, and CPO, highlights the potential for breakthroughs in quantum hardware and talent development. Prof. Tim van der Hagen of Delft University of Technology applauds the collaboration’s alignment with societal challenges. Dr. Shintaro Sato from Fujitsu Research expresses confidence in the lab’s outcomes, while Kees Eijkel from QuTech emphasizes shared visions for economic impact. The collaboration aims to create a blueprint for scalable quantum computing and achieve fault-tolerant quantum computation. For more details, refer to the original press release here.
January 25, 2024
IonQ Increases their Quantum Processor Performance from #AQ29 to #AQ35
IonQ has improved the performance of their Forte processor from #AQ29 ro #AQ35. IonQ’s #AQ performance metric is based upon work performed by the QED-C to develop a quantum performance benchmark. As can be seen in the picture below the improvement allowed the machine to run larger versions of the Phase Estimation and Hamiltonian Simulation test with an increase of six qubits from 29 to 35. Although that may not seem very large, it represents an increase in the number of potential quantum states by a factor of 64. Click here for the full article which provides additional information on how IonQ was able to achieve this improvement.
January 25, 2024
Phasecraft Develops a More Efficient Quantum Materials Modeling Algorithm and Publishes a Materials Modeling Quantum Complexity Database
Phasecraft has published in Nature Communications a paper that describes their approach which reduces the gate depth by roughly 5 or 6 orders of magnitude for a Trotter layer of time-dynamics simulation. Their software can support either a variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) to approximate the ground state of a Hamiltonian variational ansatz or a time dynamics simulation (TDS) algorithm. As an example, the company’ assets that their algorithm can simulate a lithium copper oxide (Li2CuO2) material with 410,000 gates versus a baseline of about 1.5 trillion with a more traditional quantum algorithm. With reductions like these, one of their quantum material simulation algorithms could be expected to run successfully for many materials on quantum processors that we expect to be available within the next few years. Phasecraft has used its algorithms to create a Materials Modeling Complexity Database that compares the number of qubits and gate levels needed to simulated 46 different materials between a more traditional baseline approach and their approach. Click here for more.
January 24, 2024 – News Brief
University of New Mexico and Sandia National Laboratories Launch Quantum New Mexico Institute to Help Establish the State as a National Quantum Hub
The University of New Mexico (UNM) is collaborating with Sandia National Laboratories to establish the Quantum New Mexico Institute (QNM-I), aiming to position New Mexico as a national quantum hub. UNM, having produced over 40 QIS leaders, envisions the QNM-I fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across departments such as Chemistry, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics. Aligned with the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) Act of 2018, the QNM-I aims to expand quantum education, promote multidisciplinary research opportunities, address knowledge gaps, and enhance facilities for quantum research. The Center for Quantum Information and Control (CQuIC), integrated into the QNM-I, participates in NQI Centers and offers fellowship programs. QNM-I’s vision is to attract global quantum talent to New Mexico, solidifying its position in quantum research and technology. Additional information is available in a news release provided by the University of New Mexico here.
January 24, 2024 – News Brief
Rescale and IonQ Forge Strategic Partnership for Hybrid Quantum Computing Advancements
Rescale, a cloud-based high-performance computing (HPC) leader, is teaming up with IonQ, a quantum computing expert, to integrate accelerated cloud computing with quantum technology. This collaboration targets intricate challenges in product development, healthcare, finance, and more. Rescale’s cloud platform, hosting over 1,000 R&D applications, complements IonQ’s advanced quantum computers, like the 29-qubit IonQ Forte, enabling the resolution of previously impossible problems. The partnership emphasizes delivering hybrid (classical and quantum) solutions, crucial for unlocking quantum-enabled business potential. Joris Poort, Rescale’s CEO, notes the collaboration accelerates R&D and fosters a collaborative ecosystem for groundbreaking scientific exploration. IonQ’s Chief Revenue Officer, Rima Alameddine, sees it as a transformative venture, combining high-performance computing, AI, and quantum capabilities to solve complex problems. Additional information is available in a press release provided by Rescale here.
January 24, 2024
PsiQuantum, MUFG, and Mitsubishi Chemical Form Quantum Alliance for Energy-Efficient Material Design
PsiQuantum, in collaboration with Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) and Mitsubishi Chemical, has initiated a partnership under the Qlimate initiative. The joint project aims to leverage PsiQuantum’s fault-tolerant quantum computing capabilities to model and analyze excited states of photochromic molecules. These molecules hold significant potential for applications like smart windows, energy-efficient data storage, solar energy storage, and more. The project will assess the feasibility of achieving high-accuracy estimates of excited state properties on early-generation fault-tolerant quantum computers, concentrating on diarylethenes for energy-efficient photo-switching applications. Click here for additional information about this alliance.
January 23, 2024 – News Brief
Thales and Quantinuum Introduce PQC Starter Kit for Quantum-Resilient Encryption Testing
Thales and Quantinuum have jointly unveiled the PQC Starter Kit, a pioneering solution designed to assist enterprises in preparing for the era of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). Released in response to the impending threat posed by quantum computing attacks, the kit facilitates swift and efficient testing of quantum-hardened PQC-ready encryption keys. As 73% of organizations acknowledge the vulnerability of traditional cryptography to quantum computing, the PQC Starter Kit becomes crucial for assessing and fortifying the security of business infrastructure. Todd Moore, Global Head of Data Security Products at Thales, emphasizes the importance of testing applications, data, and devices relying on traditional cryptography to ensure a seamless transition to PQC. The kit, incorporating Luna HSMs and Quantinuum’s Quantum Origin technology, enables organizations to test various security use cases within a trusted lab environment. The solution empowers enterprises to identify potential weaknesses in encryption deployment and implement changes to safeguard their IT infrastructure effectively. For additional information, you can access the press release Thales has provided here.
January 23, 2024 – News Brief
D-Wave and Deloitte Forge Alliance to Propel Quantum Adoption in Canada
D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) has partnered with Deloitte Canada to drive the adoption of quantum computing solutions in the Canadian public sector and businesses. The alliance focuses on joint go-to-market efforts, harnessing D-Wave’s quantum computing expertise and Deloitte’s global leadership in public sector services. Targeting complex challenges faced by the Canadian government, the collaboration emphasizes near-term quantum technologies such as annealing quantum computing and quantum-hybrid solutions. Building on their prior collaboration in the United States, particularly in transportation and national security, D-Wave and Deloitte aim to transform the Canadian government’s operations through the computational power of quantum technology. This strategic partnership aligns with Canada’s national quantum strategy, integrating Deloitte’s professional services with D-Wave’s quantum capabilities, addressing issues ranging from logistics to artificial intelligence. A press release announcing the partnership has been posted on the D-Wave website here.
January 23, 2024
Alice & Bob Collaborates with Inria to Develop High Efficiency Error Correction Codes Using Cat Qubits and LDPC
Alice & Bob has worked with French resource group Inria to develop a potential highly efficient quantum error correction scheme that uses a combination of Cat qubits and an LDPC error correction code. They have posted a theoretical paper on arXiv describing the architecture and the presumable next step is that they will work to implement this on a chip. Click here for our write-up of this new architecture with links to the arXiv paper and other information.
January 23, 2024
D-Wave Unveils 1,200+ Qubit Advantage2™ Quantum Prototype, Showcasing Significant Performance Gains
D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) has unveiled its 1,200+ qubit Advantage2™ prototype, featuring a new lower-noise, multilayer superconducting integrated-circuit fabrication stack. Set to be integrated into the Leap™ quantum cloud service, the prototype exhibits a 20-fold increase in solving spin glasses, showcasing 40% higher energy scale, 20-way qubit connectivity, and doubled qubit coherence time compared to its predecessor. This performance leap is attributed to the lower-noise fabrication stack, promising improved coherence, connectivity, and energy scale. The full Advantage2 system, anticipated as D-Wave’s sixth-generation quantum system, is poised to feature 7,000 qubits with a novel 20-way qubit connectivity design. See our full article that covers this announcement here.
January 22, 2024
ORNL Secures $10.75 Million in Funding for Quantum Initiatives to Advance Quantum Networking, Quantum Computing and Power Grid Applications
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) unveiled its Quantum Roadmap at the Quantum on the Quad event, showcasing a strategy built on 20-plus years of quantum research and a Quantum Science Center. Recognized for their quantum advancements, ORNL secured three funding awards to solidify their position in quantum computing and networks. To learn more about these three awards, read our full article here.
January 20, 2024
Microsoft Makes Major Enhancements to its Azure Quantum Development Kit and Resource Estimator
Microsoft has made a major rewrite of their Azure Quantum Development Kit (QDK) to make it 100X faster, 100X smaller, and able to run in a browser. The new version has just been released as the Azure Quantum Development Kit 1.0. The key change driving the improvements is that the internal code base was converted to the Rust programming language known for its higher efficiency in runtime and memory usage. They have also made the Azure Quantum Resource Estimator open source and have integrated its functionality into the new QDK. Click here for our article that describes the changes in more detail.
January 20, 2024 – News Brief
QuSecure Has Won Another U.S. Government SBIR Award for PQC from the U.S. Air Force
QuSecure, Inc., a leader in post-quantum cryptography (PQC), has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by AFWERX to address challenges in the Department of the Air Force. The Air Force will use QuSecure’s QuProtect™, the industry’s first end-to-end PQC software-based solution designed to protect encrypted communications and data with quantum resilience. This contract follows similar SBIR contract awards QuSecure has won from the U.S. Army in 2023 (Phase II SBIR) and the U.S. Government in 2022 (Phase III SBIR). The award recognizes QuSecure’s ability to enhance the combat fighting capabilities necessitated by modern warfare. The U.S. Government has shown urgency to move toward a quantum-safe future, with recent actions such as the Endless Frontiers Act and the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act. A press release from the company announcing the award is available here.
January 20, 2024
NATO Creates a Quantum Technology Strategy
NATO has put together a strategy to foster a secure, resilient and competitive quantum ecosystem amongst the NATO allies that will cooperate together to understand technology development status, potential applications, and responsible use of quantum technologies. They are looking to create a Transatlantic Quantum Community to help keep track of the fast-paced developments in the field. Click here to read our full article about this and other associated efforts at NATO to help promote and enhance cooperation in quantum tech amongst the NATO Allies.
January 19, 2024
Quantum Research Sciences Secures a U.S. Air Force STTR Phase III $2.5 Million Contract for Quantum Software that Helps to Manage Supply Chains
Quantum Research Sciences (QRS) has been awarded a $2.5 million, three-year Phase III Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contract from the U.S. Air Force, marking the Department of Defense’s inaugural operational quantum computing software. Specializing in optimization scenarios, QRS employed quantum computers to enhance supply chain inventory management, particularly in predicting demand for military inventory. QRS’s quantum software demonstrated a 28% improvement in accuracy over classical computing methods, addressing challenges faced by government and commercial entities in inventory forecasting. The software provides not only quantity estimates but also precise timing and logistics information, offering a comprehensive solution to inventory management complexities. Click here for rest of the article.
January 17, 2024
QphoX Secures €8 Million ($8.7M USD) Funding to Advance Quantum Modem Technology for Quantum Internet
Dutch quantum computing company QphoX has secured €8 million in funding, marking the largest investment in a quantum company in the Netherlands to date. The round, led by QDNL Participations, included participation from the EIC Fund, along with existing investors Quantonation, Speedinvest, High-Tech Gründerfonds, and Delft Enterprises. This substantial investment follows a grant from the EIC Accelerator, supporting the development of QphoX’s disruptive quantum technology. For more about QphoX and this investment, click here.
January 16, 2024 – News Brief
QuEra and Pawsey Supercomputing Forge Global Partnership for Quantum Innovation
QuEra Computing and Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre have joined forces to advance quantum technology and supercomputing on a global scale. The collaboration involves the development of high-performance quantum emulation software optimized for Pawsey’s Setonix supercomputer, ranked as the world’s fourth greenest. Leveraging Pawsey’s expertise in high-performance computing and QuEra’s proficiency in quantum emulation, the partnership aims to accelerate research capabilities and pursue national government-sponsored quantum computing projects. QuEra will grant Pawsey access to its neutral-atom-based quantum computers, located in Boston, facilitating collaborative research through quantum machine time, consulting services, and specialized training. QuEra’s Aquila-class quantum computers, featuring 256 qubits and innovative analog quantum processing, have been publicly accessible since November 2022. The collaboration emphasizes practical, focused innovation, anticipating more efficient solutions and accelerated discoveries at the intersection of supercomputing and quantum computing. Additional information can be found in a press release provided by QuEra here.
January 16, 2024
Quantinuum Announces a $300 Million Equity Investment
Quantinuum has announced it has raised $300 million in a new investment brining the total capital raised by the company to about $625 million with a pre-money valuation of $5 billion. The investors included JPMorgan Chase, Mitsui & Co., Amgen and Honeywell who have all worked with the company for many years. The company believes that this will be the last private fund-raising that would be needed before an eventual IPO. Click here for our full article with details about this new investment.
January 16, 2024
Q-CTRL to Collaborate with USGS on Quantum Sensing Applications
Q-CTRL, a global quantum technology leader, has entered a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to investigate quantum computing and sensing applications for geological sciences. The collaboration seeks to leverage Q-CTRL’s expertise in quantum control engineering to address critical challenges in geophysics and environmental sensing. The partnership aims to advance USGS missions, including underground water resource management, polar ice-sheet monitoring, natural-hazard preparedness, and energy and mineral resource discovery. Click here for additional information about the applications that will be explored as part of this R&D agreement.
January 16, 2024
Accenture and SandboxAQ Collaborate to Tackle AI-Driven Cyber Threats and Quantum Risks with Joint Quantum Computing Solutions
Accenture and SandboxAQ have joined forces to offer artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing solutions, addressing organizations’ cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Accenture’s research highlights executives’ concerns about adapting to technological advancements and AI-driven cyber threats in 2024. The collaboration integrates Accenture’s expertise with SandboxAQ’s Security Suite for AI-enabled cryptographic management. The solution enables comprehensive scanning of files, applications, and network traffic, securing data across on-premise and cloud platforms. The focus is on safeguarding against quantum computing-based decryption attacks, anticipated to escalate with ongoing quantum advancements. Accenture will also help clients leverage SandboxAQ’s simulation and quantum sensing products for applications such as drug discovery, materials science, navigation systems, and medical imaging. For the full article, click here.
January 15, 2024
Finland’s Quantum Leap: €13 Million ($14.2M USD) Investment for the Finnish Quantum Flagship Program
Finland’s quantum landscape receives a substantial boost as the Research Council of Finland allocates €13 million to the Finnish Quantum Flagship (FQF), initiating an ambitious eight-year project starting March 2024. A collaboration of prominent institutions, including Aalto University, VTT Technical Research Centre, and others, the FQF aims to position Finland at the forefront of quantum research and development. For the rest of the article, click here.
January 14, 2024 – News Brief
MSU Quantum Computing Project Advances with $500K DOE Grant
Mississippi State University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, supported by a three-year $550,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is advancing quantum computing research. Led by Principal Investigator Gautam Rupak, the Three-body Interactions on a Quantum Computer project aims to train MSU students in quantum computing and information science. The interdisciplinary effort involves collaboration with experts in nuclear physics, Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) computers, and machine learning. Rupak’s team will develop and test algorithms on existing quantum computers to analyze three-body nuclear forces, impacting future studies on nuclear structure and reactions across various atomic masses. The research targets the precise calculation of the binding energy of the triton—a positively-charged particle with potential applications in drug and chemical research. A press release from the university announcing the award can be accessed on their website here.
January 13, 2024
Who’s News: Management Updates at Infleqtion and Pasqal
Infleqtion has announced the addition of a new Senior Vice-President of Business Development, a Chief Marketing Officer, a Global Vice-President of Manufacturing, and three additional members to its Board of Directors. And Pasqal has a new Chief Commercial Officer. Click here for the details.
January 12, 2024
PASQAL and Mila Forge Partnership to Advance Quantum AI Generative Modeling
PASQAL, a prominent French quantum computing company specializing in ordered neutral atom processors, has joined forces with Mila, a leading AI research institute, to enhance generative modeling in Quantum AI. The collaboration aims to leverage quantum benchmarking and tensor networks, exploring the intersection between quantum computing and machine learning. PASQAL’s quantum application engineer, Slimane Thabet, will work with Mila Professor Guillaume Rabusseau’s team on a one-year research plan focused on deepening the understanding of quantum concepts and structured data generation. Click here for the rest of the article.
January 11, 2024 – News Brief
Grant Awarded to HRL Laboratories and UCLA to Advance Spin Qubit Based Quantum Processors
HRL Laboratories, LLC, in collaboration with UCLA researcher Jason Petta, has secured a grant from the Army Research Office and the Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) to advance silicon-based quantum processors. The project, named Universal Control of Scaled Spin Systems (UCS3), aims to bring spin qubits, a promising next-generation quantum computing element, to a functional multi-qubit array. By embedding cutting-edge quantum science technology onto silicon chips, the team seeks to leverage existing semiconductor infrastructure for scalable quantum computing, mirroring the transformative impact of transistors on conventional electronics in the 1940s. The partnership combines HRL’s industrial wafer fabrication capabilities with UCLA’s academic research agility to enable unprecedented quantum measurements on single electron spin qubits. The UCS3 grant builds on initiatives to expand quantum science research in the Los Angeles area, fostering collaboration between academia and industry. For additional information, access the full press release posted on the HRL Laboratories website here.
January 11, 2024 – News Brief
Rigetti Computing and Partners Secure Innovate UK Grant for Quantum Machine Learning in Finance
Rigetti UK Limited, a subsidiary of Rigetti Computing, has secured an Innovate UK grant, collaborating with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Imperial College London, and Standard Chartered. The consortium’s focus is on developing quantum machine learning techniques to enhance financial institutions’ ability to process and interpret complex data streams. Financial tasks such as credit risk evaluation and market-making services often face challenges with classical machine learning methods due to the intricate nature of data streams. The collaboration aims to leverage Rigetti’s quantum computing capabilities, AWS’s classical high-performance computing resources, Imperial College London’s expertise in classical machine learning models, and Standard Chartered’s datasets. The research objectives include advancing quantum signature kernels, benchmarking results against classical methods, and building quantum algorithms for efficiently computing signatures and signature kernels for extensive and high-dimensional data streams. This project, initiated on January 1, 2024, is set to last 18 months. For additional information, you can access the original press release from the company here.
January 11, 2024 – News Brief
T-Systems and AQT Collaborate to Provide Cloud Quantum Computing Access for European Customers
T-Systems has initiated a collaboration with AQT, the European market leader in ion trap-based quantum computers. T-Systems Quantum Cloud customers can now access AQT’s quantum computers, reinforcing Europe’s sovereignty in quantum computing. The partnership enables users to engage in quantum use cases via cloud access, integrated into T-Systems’ multi-quantum cloud offering. Successful test runs have been conducted, allowing customers immediate access to solutions and consulting services. T-Systems supports Quantum Cloud users with training, offering access to pre-built quantum algorithms and applications through the European PlanQK platform. Various service packages, including computing time-based models and volume packages, are available for customers ranging from one-day introductions to multi-month proofs-of-concept. Jörn Kellermann, SVP Global Portfolio and Technology Excellence at T-Systems, emphasizes the significance of quantum computing as a key technology for the future, fostering European infrastructure. AQT’s CEO, Thomas Monz, anticipates the collaboration will unlock new capabilities and markets for Europe. For further details, refer to the original press release here.
January 10, 2024
Entrust Unveils First Commercially Available Post-Quantum Ready PKI Platform for Quantum-Safe Security
Entrust has unveiled its Post-Quantum Ready PKI-as-a-Service (PKIaaS PQ) platform, marking the first commercially available solution of its kind. The cloud-based PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) platform offers both composite and pure quantum-safe certificate authority hierarchies, empowering enterprises to explore and implement quantum-resistant scenarios and infrastructure. Click here for more information about Entrust’s PKIaaS and the incorporation of Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) technology within it.
January 10, 2024 – News Brief
Qrypt Joins NVIDIA Inception to Bolster Data Security Against Quantum Threats
Qrypt, a leading quantum-secure encryption company, has joined NVIDIA Inception, a program supporting startups driving technological advancements. The company focuses on protecting data integrity and confidentiality in AI-driven environments using quantum-secure encryption technology. With the increasing reliance on generative AI and large language models, securing data in-transit is crucial, given the looming threat of quantum computing compromising existing encryption technologies. Qrypt’s acceptance into NVIDIA Inception strengthens its ability to fortify data security against immediate and future threats, specifically addressing the “harvest now, decrypt later” (HNDL) risk associated with quantum advancements. Denis Mandich, CTO and co-founder of Qrypt, emphasized the inevitability of quantum computing breaking classical encryption, underscoring the company’s commitment to leveraging NVIDIA Inception resources for safeguarding valuable data assets in the AI industry. For further details, access the original press release from Qrypt here.
January 10, 2024
Taiwan Targets Domestic Quantum Computer Production by 2027
Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has announced its objective to domestically manufacture a quantum computer by 2027, marking a pivotal advancement in computational power, according to NSTC’s Department of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Development Head, Luo Meng-fan. Collaborating with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Academia Sinica, the NSTC is implementing a five-year, NT$8 billion (US$258.86 million) quantum technology initiative initiated in 2022. Click here for more.
January 9, 2024
RIKEN Chooses Quantinuum’s H1 Quantum Computer for a Quantum-HPC Hybrid Platform
RIKEN, one of Japan’s premier research institution, has set its sights on the future of computing with its selection of Quantinuum’s H1 ion-trap quantum computer for its ambitious hybrid quantum-supercomputing platform. The H1 processor is expected to be installed and operational by early 2025. This collaboration, driven by a consortium of leading academic institutions and supported by Japan’s national research agency, promises to accelerate the development of software tools and applications that harness the combined power of classical supercomputers with cutting-edge quantum technology. Alongside RIKEN, prominent institutions including SoftBank, the University of Tokyo, and Osaka University will work to develop the necessary tools and applications to achieve an effective integration between the quantum and classical computers. Click here for more.
January 9, 2024
SandboxAQ Expands AI Simulation Capabilities with Strategic Acquisition of Good Chemistry for Accelerated Drug Discovery and Material Science
SandboxAQ, a prominent enterprise SaaS company, has recently acquired Good Chemistry, a leading computational chemistry firm specializing in AI, quantum, and advanced technologies for expediting drug discovery and materials design. This acquisition, marking SandboxAQ’s entry into the AI simulation sector, brings valuable technologies, customers, and top-tier talent to the company. Good Chemistry, previously spun out of 1Qbit in 2021, brings with it a wealth of experience and industry insights from collaborations with key players such as Dow and the Japanese chemical manufacturer Dī Ai Shī Kabushiki-gaisha. Click here for the rest of the article.
January 9, 2024
QuEra Computing Unveils Its Three Year Roadmap
Coming on the heels of the announcement last month that Harvard, MIT, QuEra and others were able to demonstrate a system with up to 48 logical qubits (see our articles here and here), QuEra has announced a roadmap for the next three years that will work to leverage this research along with experience fielding its Aquila 256 qubit analog quantum processor that takes the next steps to go beyond this milestone. QuEra’s will work to commercialize the fault tolerant technology to make it available to end users. Click here for our full article that reports on this roadmap.
January 7, 2024
Origin Quantum Computing Places a 72 Qubit Superconducting Processor Online
Chinese QC startup Origin Quantum Computing has announced that it has put its 72 qubit superconducting processor named Origin Wukong on-line and is offering free access until February 6, 2024. This machine contains 72 computational qubits and also include 126 couplers between the qubits to provide higher qubit fidelity. This third generation processor follows earlier developments of 6 qubit and 24 qubit devices that Origin had developed over the past few years. Click here for the rest of our article with additional technical details about this processor.
January 7, 2024
EuroHPC JU Expands Quantum Computing Infrastructure with New Call for Hosting Entities
The European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) has launched an initiative to bolster Europe’s quantum computing capabilities: a call for expression of interest to select entities that will host and operate two new EuroHPC quantum computers in 2024. This marks a significant step in solidifying Europe’s position at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. Click here for additional details for this Call for Expression of Interest to host quantum computers in Europe.
January 5, 2024
Baidu Ends Its Quantum Computing Research and Donates Lab and Equipment to the Beijing Academy of Quantum Information Sciences
We had reported in November who Alibaba had decided to shut down its quantum research team and donate the remaining equipment to Zhejiang University. And at that time, we cautioned that we could see more of this. Now, Baidu has announced that it is donating a quantum computing laboratory and equipment to the Beijing Academy of Quantum Information Sciences (BAQIS). The parties are still working out the details and it is not known if the researchers who were working on Baidu’s quantum research will also join BAQIS or stay with Alibaba or go elsewhere. Click here for the rest of the article.
January 5, 2024 – News Brief
Rigetti Announces Public Availability of Its Next Generation 84 Qubit Ankaa-2 Processor
Rigetti Computing has announced that its Ankaa-2 processor is now publicly available to their customers on Rigetti’s Quantum Cloud Services (QCS) platform. This uses a fourth generation architecture and includes numerous improvements of the previous generations including tunable couplers, a square lattice topology, and other improvements in fabrication and electronics to provide more qubits and higher levels of qubit quality. A key area of focus was in improving the two qubit gate fidelity which has now reached 97.5% on the Ankaa-2 versus about 95.1% on the predecessor Aspen-M-3 device (see here for details on these metrics). A press release from Rigetti announcing the availability of this processor has been posted on the company’s website here.
January 5, 2024
POLARISqb and Scientist.com Unveil Quantum-Aided Drug Design Platform for Accelerated Drug Discovery
POLARISqb and Scientist.com have forged a groundbreaking partnership, introducing the Quantum-Aided Drug Design (QuADD) platform, marking a significant leap in drug discovery technology. POLARISqb’s QuADD is a quantum-enabled molecular optimization tool for drug discovery that utilizes quantum annealing computers, completing calculations over 500 times faster than traditional computers. It translates the molecular library building problem into an optimization challenge, providing a library of potential drug candidates targeting specific binding pockets in 1-3 days This collaboration allows Scientist.com users access to POLARISqb’s QuADD platform, leveraging quantum computing to expedite the creation of optimized molecular libraries for drug design within days. Click here for additional comments about this new partnership.
January 4, 2024
UCLA’s Center for Quantum Science and Engineering (CQSE) Will Receive a New Facility in a Former Shopping Mall
California Governor Gavin Newsome and University of California President Michael Drake have announced that the state has acquired a 700,000 square foot building that was formerly known as the Westside Pavilion which will now be the location of the UCLA Research Park. The facility is located approximately 2 miles from UCLA’s main campus and the rumored price of the acquisition was $700 million. The research park will be the home of the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy at UCLA, the UCLA Center for Quantum Science and Engineering (CQSE), and eventually other programs. Click here to learn more about CQSE and the timeline for converting the facility from a former shopping mall to a research lab.
January 4, 2024 – News Brief
D-Wave Achieves SOC 2 Type 2 Compliance for Data Security
D-Wave Quantum Inc. has successfully completed its SOC 2 Type 2 audit, marking a significant milestone as the first full-stack quantum computing provider to achieve this compliance. This audit covers how a cloud-based service provider handles sensitive information and includes both the suitability of a company’s controls and their operating effectiveness. The audit, conducted by A-LIGN, reinforces D-Wave’s commitment to data security as the company witnesses increased adoption and production use of its quantum computing solutions. Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave, emphasized the strategic significance of SOC 2 compliance in establishing and regularly reviewing commercial-grade security measures. D-Wave plans to conduct annual SOC 2 Type 2 assessments and will provide the latest report to customers upon execution of a nondisclosure agreement. For those seeking more information, the original press release and information on how to obtain D-Wave’s SOC 2 Type 2 report are available through the company’s official communication channels here.
January 4, 2024
Rigetti Collaborates with Moody’s Analytics to Pioneer Quantum-Enhanced Machine Learning in Finance
Rigetti, a frontrunner in full-stack quantum computing, is advancing quantum-enhanced machine learning in collaboration with Moody’s Analytics, a global financial intelligence and analytics leader. With a steadfast focus on achieving narrow quantum advantage, Rigetti aims to solve practical problems more efficiently than classical alternatives. The collaboration, initiated in April 2023, showcased promising results in recession forecasting using a hybrid approach of classical signature kernels and quantum-enhanced data transformations. Click here for more.
January 4, 2024
SandboxAQ and Carahsoft Forge Strategic Partnership to Distribute Quantum and AI Powered Solutions to the Public Sector
SandboxAQ, a leader in quantum solutions, has joined forces with Carahsoft Technology Corp., a trusted government solutions provider, to extend the distribution of its cutting-edge cybersecurity and AI-enabled quantum solutions within the Public Sector. Under the partnership, Carahsoft will deliver SandboxAQ’s Security Suite, a modern cryptography management platform, alongside other AI and quantum technology solutions, leveraging its extensive network of resellers, integrators, and consultants. SandboxAQ and Carahsoft will not only address this challenge but also provide Simulation & Optimization solutions for advanced material discovery and quantum sensing solutions applicable in various domains. Click here for our full article about this new collaboration.
January 1, 2024 – News Brief
QuantrolOx Releases Their First Product, Quantum Edge
QuantrolOx has released Quantum Edge Asparagus, a software platform that provides automated qubit control for automating the tuning and calibration of quantum computers. As quantum hardware developers continue to scale up the number of qubits in their machine, it becomes increasingly impractical to have engineers manually calibrate and tune-up the machine because the complexity of the task increases exponentially with the number of qubits. The Quantum Edge software currently interfaces with control electronics from Qblox and Quantum Machines with plans to support additional control electronics providers in the future. Key functions provided by the software include QPU Monitoring, Automation Workflows, and Data Visualisations. An announcement of the software release can be seen in a LinkedIn post here. A web page for the product can be seen here. And a video demo of the software has been posted on YouTube here.
December 30, 2023 – News Brief
Three Universities in Arkansas Win a $5M Grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation for Quantum Research and Education in the State
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will create a Quantum Information Science and Engineering program in the state along with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the University of Arkansas Fayetteville. The $5 million grant will have a five year time period. UA Pine Bluff will be the lead institution and will receive $3.5 million of this funding to set up a quantum laboratory and quantum curriculum for bachelors and masters students. Another $750 thousand will be provided to UA Little Rock for quantum dot research. And UA Fayetteville will also receive $750 thousand for fabricating integrated quantum photonic devices. Additional information can be found in an article at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette here and also a news release posted on the UA Little Rock website here.
December 23, 2023 – News Brief
Rydberg Technologies Demonstrates Ultra Sensitive, High Bandwidth RF Quantum Sensing to the U.S. Army
Rydberg Technologies, a leader in Rydberg quantum technologies and radio frequency (RF) quantum sensing, has successfully demonstrated the world’s first long-range radio communications with an atomic quantum sensor. The demonstration took place at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) C5ISR Center Network Modernization Experiment 2023 (NetModX23) event. The Rydberg atomic receiver device showed exceptional sensitivity across high-frequency (HF) to super high-frequency (SHF) bands and set new industry standards in size, performance, and environmental resilience. The device’s unique features include high sensitivity, selectivity, and wideband coverage using a single atomic detector element. This technology has the potential to revolutionize RF surveillance, safety, communications, and networking capabilities. The development of the Rydberg Atomic Receiver was supported by the National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC) funding initiative. A press release from Rydberg Technologies announcing this successful demonstration can be accessed here.
December 22, 2023 – News Brief
Qubitekk and Qunnect Demonstrate Quantum Networking Interoperability on the EPB Quantum Network
Quantum technology companies Qubitekk and Qunnect have successfully demonstrated the first interoperability of equipment on a commercial quantum network, EPB Quantum Network℠, marking a significant milestone in the quantum technology industry. The demonstration involved Qunnect’s Automatic Polarization Controller (QU-APC), which was tested for compatibility with Qubitekk’s entangled photon source. The QU-APC performed fast channel stabilization, maintaining 99% fidelity with 99%+ channel uptime. This collaboration paves the way for the integration of diverse quantum technologies for enhanced communication capabilities and is a crucial step towards identifying solutions for aerial fiber quantum networks or hybrid buried/aerial networks. Qunnect was just recently added as a user onto the EPB network with a goal of testing interoperability and this is the first result of their testing. A press release with additional details about these tests is available on the EPB website here.
December 22, 2023 – News Brief
Quantum Collaboration Advances HVAC Design: VINCI Energies, QuantumBasel, and D-Wave Lead Sustainable Innovation
An international collaboration between VINCI Energies, QuantumBasel, and D-Wave has achieved a breakthrough in sustainable building design using quantum computing. Spearheaded by VINCI Energies | DIANE, uptownBasel | QuantumBasel, and D-Wave, the project focused on optimizing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for complex buildings. In the first phase, the team successfully translated the HVAC network generation problem into a constrained quadratic model (CQM), poised for efficient resolution by D-Wave’s quantum-classical hybrid solvers. This marked a significant departure from conventional methods towards a more innovative quantum-classical hybrid approach. The implementation phase saw the CQM translated into Python code and processed by D-Wave’s hybrid solvers. Results showcased superior HVAC network designs, surpassing traditional data-driven methods. Notably, these designs offered quicker solutions with reduced duct lengths and construction elements, validated by VINCI Energies’ experts. Moving forward, the project aims to translate technical improvements into tangible business impact, promising reduced computation time and less manual engineering effort. A press release with additional information about this project has been posted on D-Wave’s website here.
December 21, 2023
Japan Unveils Third Superconducting Quantum Computer at Osaka University
A groundbreaking collaboration led by the Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology at Osaka University has successfully unveiled Japan’s third superconducting quantum computer. Partnering with key institutions such as RIKEN, NTT Corporation, and Amazon Web Services, and a consortium including e-trees.Japan, Inc., Fujitsu Limited, QuEL, Inc., QunaSys Inc., and Systems Engineering Consultants Co.,LTD, the consortium leveraged a 64-qubit chip from RIKEN, showcasing a commitment to utilize Japanese domestic components. Set to be accessible via cloud services starting December 22, 2023, this achievement marks a significant stride in quantum computing accessibility. Additional information about this projects can be seen in our full article here.
December 20, 2023
Alice & Bob Tapes Out New Chip with Error Correction in Quest to Achieve a 0.0001% Logical Qubit Error Rate
The chip is codenamed Helium 1 and contains 16 qubits to test out Alice & Bob’s cat qubit architecture for achieving a very high fidelity logical qubit. The term “tape out” means that the company has finished the design and sent the design files to a fabrication facility for construction. After the chip has been built, it will undergo extensive testing, characterization, and calibration by the company’s engineering team to realize the optimum performance and then made available for external use by the company’s customers. Any lessons learned during this process will be utilized in the design of the next chip so that even better characteristics can be achieved. Click here for the remainder of the article about this Alice & Bob’s technology and this new chip.
December 20, 2023
PsiQuantum and Microsoft Selected to Move on to Phase 2 of DARPA’s Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing (US2QC) Program
About a year ago, the Defense Advanced Project Research Agency announced a new program called Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing (US2QC). Its purpose is to provide some funding for underexplored and revolutionary approaches to quantum computing that might achieve progress faster than some of the more conventional QC approaches being taken. (In other words, superconducting and ion trap developers need not apply!). At that time, DARPA selected three hardware providers to participate in Phase 1. Now, DARPA has announced that it is has selected Microsoft and PsiQuantum to move on to Phase 2 which will involve building and demonstrating a small-scale fault system design for a fault-tolerant prototype. For our full article that discusses this new development, click here.
December 20, 2023
Infleqtion Joins Japan’s Quantum Moonshot Program, Pioneering Neutral Atom Quantum Computing Advancements
Infleqtion, a leading quantum information company, has been chosen by Japan’s Science and Technology Agency for the Quantum Moonshot program, positioning itself as the sole foreign quantum computing partner. This collaboration signifies a groundbreaking moment for Infleqtion’s quantum computing platform. Working under the guidance of Professor Kenji Ohmori, a global authority in ultrafast atom control for quantum computing, Infleqtion will contribute to the development of a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer based on atomic qubits. Professor Ohmori’s recent achievement of an ultrafast 2-qubit gate between single atoms has dramatically accelerated the operation of neutral atom quantum computers. Click here for the rest of the article which provides additional information on Japan’s Quantum Moonshot program.
December 20, 2023
QuantaMap Receives €1.4 Million ($1.5M USD) in Early Stage Venture Funding
QuantaMap, a Dutch quantum technologies startup, has secured €1.4 million in early-stage funding to improve the production of quantum computer chips. The funding round was led by QDNL Participations and will be combined with a grant for SMEs provided by the Quantum Delta NL foundation. The funds will be used to further develop the technology and scale production capabilities. Click here for the rest of the article.
December 19, 2023
Riverlane Partners with Rolls-Royce and NQCC to Explore Accelerating Materials Design Using Quantum Computing
Riverlane, Rolls-Royce, and the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) have partnered to accelerate materials discovery using quantum computing. The collaboration aims to build computational tools to simulate large, complex materials on a quantum computer, a task that is currently challenging for classical algorithms. The Quantum Accelerator for Materials Design (QuaMaD) project, building on Riverlane’s existing algorithms research, will significantly reduce the number of qubits (quantum bits) required for the quantum simulation of new materials. This is crucial as modern pharmaceutical, chemical, and materials companies rely on simulation to develop new materials and medicines. Click here for the rest of the article.
December 19, 2023
Kipu Quantum Raises a €10.5 Million ($11.5M USD) Seed Round
Kipu Quantum, a German quantum software company, has successfully raised a seed round funding of 10.5 million EUR. This funding will be used for the further development of their hardware-specific quantum algorithms. The financing round was led by HV Capital and DeepTech & Climate Fonds (DTCF) with additional participation from existing shareholders, Entrada Ventures, Quantonation, and First Moment Ventures, and also new investors Onsight Ventures and QAI Ventures. The funds will be used to expand their team of quantum scientists, researchers, and engineers, with the goal of reducing the time to industrially-useful quantum computers by several years. Click here for more.
December 19, 2023 – News Brief
Quantum South’s Automatic Package Selection and Ordering (APSO) is Now Available on the International Air Transportation Association’s (IATA) Open API Hub
Quantum-South’s product, Automatic Package Selection and Ordering (APSO), is a quantum-inspired optimization tool that increases cargo load factors in load planning scenarios. It considers multiple optimization objectives and constraints to return optimal load plans for each container. APSO is now available on the International Air Transportation Association’s (IATA) Open API Hub, a hub which allows airline industry organizations to discover and collaborate with APIs from trusted providers. It is a Software as a Service (SaaS) designed to optimize package selection during loading scenarios for airlines, cargo handlers, and warehouse operators. It addresses capacity utilization challenges in the air cargo industry, enabling optimal selection and ordering of packages within Unit Load Devices (ULDs). The APSO API token on the IATA Hub is limited for free demo testing. Quantum-South has conducted Proof-of-Concepts with industry leaders like IAG Cargo and Amerijet International, increasing capacity utilization by up to 30%. Additional information is available in a blog posted on the Quantum South website here and also a product page for APSO which can be seen here.
December 16, 2023
Who’s News: Managements Updates at Quantinuum, Q-CTRL, Zapata, Qrypt, and PsiQuantum
Quantinuum has recruited a Chief Scientist for Algorithms and Innovation. Q-CTRL has appointed a Head of Engineering, Zapata has added both a Chief Revenue Officer and a Chief People Officer. Qrypt has added a new member to their Board of Advisors. And PsiQuantum has created a new Government Board of Advisors. Click here for details on all these new appointments.
December 16, 2023 – News Brief
Australia’s CSIRO to Provide $3.6 Million AUD ($2.4M USD) in Funding for 16 Quantum PhD Scholarships
Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is implementing a Next Generation Quantum Graduates Program which allocates $3.6 million to fund four quantum research initiatives. The program will provide 16 PhD scholarships for projects across 11 Australian universities, focusing on areas from quantum internet to sub-atomic biological processes. The program, announced by Labor in May 2022 and funded by CSIRO in April, will run from 2024 to 2029. It aims to leverage existing university resources to tackle industry challenges and accelerate Australia’s quantum technology industry. Lead institutions for the funding include Deakin University, the University of Queensland, Swinburne University of Technology and the Sydney Quantum Academy, a collaboration between four universities. Additional information can be seen on the InnovationAus.com website here.
December 16, 2023 – News Brief
QNu Labs Obtains $6.5 Million in Pre-Series A Funding
The investment was led by Ashish Kacholia of Lucky Investments, with additional participation from Speciale Invest. QNu labs is a quantum cybersecurity company founded in 2016 from IIT, Madras Research Park. They provide QKD, QRNG, and PQC products for enterprises to protect their critical infrastructure from quantum attacks by adversaries using future quantum computers. The company is headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India and will be using the funds to expand their sales, marketing, and engineering teams. They will also work to accelerate the deployment of their solutions and expand into new geographic markets. Additional information is available on the website of Startup Outlook India here.
December 15, 2023
Orca Computing is Installing Two Boson Sampling Processors at the Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center (PSNC)
ORCA Computing is installing two of its PT-1 quantum photonics processors the year at the the Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center (PSNC). These systems will be installed at PSNC’s high-performance computing data center in Poznań, Poland, and will enhance its quantum computing work in various scientific and application fields, including biology, chemistry, and machine learning. Click here for the full article.
December 15, 2023 – News Brief
IQM to Partner with UC Berkeley and Expand into the U.S.
IQM Quantum Computers, a global leader in building quantum computers has announced its plan for expansion into the United States market. As part of this expansion, IQM has signed a strategic partnership with the University of California, Berkeley, to advance Quantum Information Science (QIS) through the development and operation of the next generation of advanced superconducting quantum processors. The partnership with UC Berkeley will focus on developing 3D-integrated versions of novel quantum processors that have high quantum coherence and minimal levels of unwanted crosstalk. This expansion aligns with IQM’s long-term strategy to begin by driving quantum adoption with education and research organizations and afterwards collaborate with high-performance computing (HPC) service providers across the US to commercialize its technology to a larger base of potential users. A press release from IQM announcing its collaboration with UC Berkeley and U.S. expansion has been posted on their website here.
December 15, 2023
QC Design Launches Plaquette+, a Design Automation Tool for Fault-tolerant Quantum Computers
QC Design, a company specializing in quantum computing, has launched Plaquette+, a fault-tolerance design automation software. This tool provides advanced fault-tolerance methods and hardware-specific error models, making it the first industry-grade tool of its kind available to all quantum computer manufacturers. Plaquette+ allows for the design of fault-tolerant quantum computers across all matter and photonic platforms, and can analyze arbitrary hardware imperfections in thousands of qubits. Click here for more.
December 15, 2023
Aliro Quantum Introduces the Aliro Simulator for Designing Quantum Communication Networks
The Aliro Simulator is a versatile, modular quantum network simulator that can model all portions of a quantum network, from the smallest optical components to the largest heterogeneous networks. It implements discrete event simulation, multiple quantum state computation backends, generic quantum and classical device components, optical components, noise models, networking concept abstractions, and support classes. It allows organizations to test and identify issues, as well as make informed decisions about any trade-offs. It provides a valuable way for organizations to assess their quantum needs, establish proof of value, design to their requirements, and obtain guidance on how to best implement quantum networks. See our full article here with additional information about the Aliro Simulator.
December 14, 2023
IBM and University Partners Seek to Educate 40,000 Students in the U.S., Japan, and Korea on Quantum Technology
IBM has announced a collaboration with Keio University, The University of Tokyo, Yonsei University, Seoul National University, and The University of Chicago to support quantum education activities in Japan, South Korea, and the United States. The aim is to advance the training of up to 40,000 students over the next 10 years to prepare them for the quantum workforce and promote the growth of a global quantum ecosystem. Click here for the rest of the article.
December 14, 2023
Zapata Introduces BenchQ, an Open-source Tool for Quantum Computing Resource Estimation and Benchmarking
One of the products that has resulted from the DARPA Quantum Benchmarking program that we reported on earlier this month is BenchQ, a tool developed by Zapata AI along with partners at Aalto University, IonQ, the University of Technology Sydney, and the University of Texas at Dallas. A key purpose of the tool is to provide a user with an estimate of the quantum processor resources required to solve high-utility problems. Click here for the rest of our article that describes ways that this new tool can be used and where to find it.
December 14, 2023
Terra Quantum Announces TQ42, a Quantum Software as a Service Platform
Terra Quantum, a leading quantum software company, has launched TQ42, a unique Quantum Software as a Service platform. This platform makes quantum solutions easily accessible to enterprises across various sectors. TQ42 provides access to Terra Quantum’s advanced quantum algorithms and robust hybrid quantum cloud infrastructure. It offers a streamlined, secure gateway for a range of users, including developers skilled in Python, APIs, and command-line operations. Currently, TQ42 is available to select companies in beta. After the initial beta period, TQ42’s no-code web interface will be available, empowering a broad spectrum of data scientists and business analysts to create quantum solutions without needing advanced computing or coding expertise. For the rest of our article about TQ42, click here.
December 13, 2023
Broadcom to Fund a Broadcom Quantum Laboratory at Caltech
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and Broadcom have announced a multi-year partnership to advance quantum science research and innovation. The partnership, backed by a significant (but not publicly announced) investment from Broadcom, will establish the Broadcom Quantum Laboratory at Caltech, fostering collaboration among experts in quantum computing, sensing, measurement, and engineering. The investment will support joint research to expedite discovery. Over the next five years, an annual symposium will be hosted by both organizations to explore mutual interests and future development opportunities. Click here for more.
December 13, 2023
The Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ) is Purchasing a 20 Qubit Quantum Processor from AQT for Around €9.8 Million ($10.7M USD)
The Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ) is collaborating with Munich Quantum Valley (MQV) to procure a quantum computer based on trapped-ion technology. This computer, developed by the Austrian start-up Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT), uses 20 qubits implemented in an ion trap. The new system will be made available to the seven member organizations of MQV, primarily for conducting research in system software. The quantum computer is funded by the Bavarian State Ministries for Science and the Arts (StMWK) and for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy (StMWi) with around 9.8 million euros ($10.7M USD) as part of the Hightech Agenda Bavaria. For the rest of the article, click here.
December 13, 2023 – News Brief
EAGLYS, Mitsui, and Quantinuum Partner on Hardened Encryption Keys Using Quantum Computing
EAGLYS, Inc., Mitsui & Co., Ltd., and Quantinuum have partnered to integrate Quantum Origin into EAGLYS’ secure computation product, DataArmor. This strengthens the platform against quantum threats to encrypted data. DataArmor uses homomorphic encryption, allowing data analysis while maintaining encryption, thus protecting sensitive data and AI models. The integration of Quantum Origin, a solution that uses quantum computing processes to strengthen encryption keys, enhances DataArmor’s resilience against quantum-computing-based attacks. Quantum computers, expected to create significant value in the future, also pose a threat to cryptographic security measures. RSA, a widely used cryptographic algorithm, may soon be deciphered by cybercriminals, exposing confidential data. Organizations are increasingly concerned about ‘Hack now, Decrypt later’ attacks, where malicious third parties steal and store encrypted data for future decryption. A news release from Quantinuum announcing the collaboration is available on the Quantinuum website here.
December 13, 2023 – News Brief
Infleqtion and L3 Harris Partner on Quantum RF Sensors
Infleqtion, a leading quantum information company, and L3Harris, a global aerospace and defense firm, have announced a strategic collaboration to develop and transition quantum radio frequency (RF) sensing technology from the lab to the field. This partnership aims to advance quantum capabilities for advanced dual-use applications. The collaboration will result in a revolutionary RF receiver that defies traditional constraints, enabling continuous tuning from Hz to THz, with resilience to interference and sensitivity close to the blackbody radiation limit. L3Harris and Infleqtion recently won a classified quantum RF sensing program, demonstrating the strength of their partnership and their ability to deliver innovative solutions for sensitive and critical defense applications. Infleqtion’s Quantum RF solution, SqyWire, was recently demonstrated at the Army C5ISR NetModX23 evaluation. Dr. William Clark, Vice President of Quantum Development at Infleqtion, stated that this collaboration marks a significant step forward for Infleqtion to enhance secure communications using quantum applications. A press release from Infleqtion announcing the partnership can be accessed here.
December 9, 2023 – News Brief
Atlantic Quantum Releases Software Tools for Compiling OpenQASM and Storing Experimental Data
Atlantic Quantum, a venture-backed start-up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is launching an open-source software framework to aid in the control and calibration of quantum processors. This project, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, includes two main components: Svalbard, a database for storing experimental data, and Shipyard, a compiler for OpenQASM, an open-source language for quantum circuits initially developed by IBM. These tools aim to support the quantum ecosystem and make quantum computing more accessible and they are accessible on Atlantic Quantum’s GitHub page. A news release from Atlantic Quantum announcing their release has been posted here.
December 9, 2023
Oxford Quantum Circuits and Classiq Partner to Make Advanced Quantum Computing More Accessible
Classiq, a leading quantum software company, and Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC), a quantum computing hardware company, announced a partnership aimed at making advanced quantum computing more accessible and streamlined for users across research and industry. The partnership aims to unlock the power of quantum by abstracting away complexity for developers. As part of this collaboration, they will partner to further integrate their respective technologies with data centers and HPC (high-performance computing). To learn more about the contributions of each partner, click here.
December 9, 2023
Wave Photonics and Partners Receive s £500 Thousand ($627K USD) Grant from Innovate UK for Researching Photonics Chips for Trapped Ion Processors
Wave Photonics, a startup based in Cambridge, UK, is spearheading a £500 thousand ($627K USD) funded by Innovate UK project to develop integrated photonic components for trapped ion quantum computers and establish a UK supply chain. The project is a collaboration with Oxford Ionics, the CORNERSTONE foundry at the University of Southampton, and the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult. The goal is to enhance the UK supply chain for integrated photonics and quantum technologies. Click here for more.
December 9, 2023
Rigetti Formally Announces Its Novera QPU Devices for Researchers
When Rigetti Computing released their Q3 financial report, they mentioned that they had developed a 9 qubit QPU chip and had sold one to the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS) at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and sold another one to an unnamed U.S. national laboratory. The company has now given a name of Novera to this product and announced it is now available for other customers. The product consists of a chip with 9 qubits arranged in a 3×3 matrix that used tunable couplers along with a second chip with 5 qubits without tunable couplers intended for testing single qubit operations along with other components. See our report here that provides more details about this product.
December 9, 2023
EPB Quantum Network℠ Powered by Qubitekk Adds Qunnect and the University of Tennessee Chattanooga as Users
The EPB Quantum Network℠ powered by Qubitekk announced that Qunnect has joined as their first customer and the University of Tennessee Chattanooga (UTC) as the first academic institution connected to their network. Qunnect is seeking to demonstrate interoperability between quantum component providers on a dedicated commercial network infrastructure. The Quantum Initiative at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga will be using the network for research and education. Among other things, they will be exploring quantum sensing applications using the network. Additional details about these announcements can be found in our full article located here.
December 9, 2023
Riverlane, Infleqtion, and Nüvü Camēras Partner to Improve Qubit Readout on Neutral Atom Processors
The project, titled ‘Scalable Qubit Array Detection for Rydberg Quantum Computers’, will see quantum computing companies Infleqtion and Riverlane team up with imaging systems specialists Nüvü Camēras. The goal is to develop systems that significantly enhance the readout of qubit status. Click here for our full article that provides more details about this project.
December 6, 2023
Team Led by Harvard with Collaborators QuEra Computing, MIT, and NIST/UMD Demonstrate an Error-corrected Quantum Computer with 48 Logical Qubits
The team successfully executed large-scale algorithms on an error-corrected quantum computer utilizing 48 logical qubits. This represents a significant advance over previous demonstrations, which were limited to one or two logical qubits. The research demonstrates enhanced computation stability and reliability through quantum error correction, operating logical qubits with a fidelity superior to the component physical qubits. The fidelity improves as the code distance increases, allowing the correction of more errors. Click here for our full article reporting on this development.
December 6, 2023
Multiverse Computing and Moody’s Analytics Introduce Quantum SaaS Platform
Multiverse Computing, in collaboration with Moody’s Analytics, has launched QFStudio, a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform. This initiative, announced in San Sebastián, Spain, combines Multiverse’s expertise in quantum algorithms with Moody’s extensive experience in risk management. The platform is tailored to offer quantum computing solutions for applications in machine learning, optimization, and financial simulations. Click here for the rest of the article.
December 5, 2023 – News Brief
Unitary Fund Releases Its 2023 Quantum Open Source Survey (QOSS)
Once again, the Unitary Fund has surveyed a wide variety of users to help the industry gain a better understanding of the who the users are, what tools and software they are using, and the strengths and needs of the ecosystem. The survey covers areas including user demographics, programming languages used, experience level, cloud services used, OSS (Open Source Software) development and research, community and resources, diversity and inclusion, and other things. The survey received 798 responses from a broad audience ranging from business leader to hobbyist, people from 56 countries, who worked at academic institutions, enterprises, startups, government labs, and other places. There is a lot of data useful for those who want to understand more about the current user base in quantum. A full report showing the results of the 2023 Quantum Open Source Survey (QOSS) is available here and a blog posting that summarizes some of the key findings can be found here.
December 4, 2023
IBM Promises a Disruptive Leap for Quantum in 2024
At its annual Quantum Summit in New York, IBM unveiled its quantum roadmap for both hardware and software through the next 10 years. It represents a continuation of the roadmaps they have presented but also promises a disruptive leap for 2024. C;lick here for our full article that covers IBM’s announcement.
December 2, 2023
Zapata, Rigetti, and Others Win Phase II Awards for DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Program
In April 2021, the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced a Quantum Benchmarking program to estimate the long-term utility of quantum computers by creating new benchmarks that can quantify progress towards specific computational challenges. Additionally, the program will estimate the hardware-specific resources required to achieve different levels of benchmark performance. We had previously reported (see here and here) on several Phase I awards that were made last year. Now, DARPA has issued awards for Phase II that includes teams from Zapata, Rigetti, and others. Click here to read about two of the recent Phase II awards that were made as part of this program.
November 30, 2023
ParTec AG and Quantum Machines Add to their Collaboration on Quantum Technology
ParTec AG, a leader in modular supercomputers, and Quantum Machines, a provider of quantum control solutions, announced plans to intensify their collaboration. They aim to develop products that combine Quantum Machines’s Quantum Orchestration Platform with ParTec’s proprietary IP. By 2024, ParTec will offer a comprehensive qubit-agnostic solution with Quantum Machines’s technology embedded within. This solution will allow customers to acquire various quantum processing unit (QPU) technologies from different manufacturers and integrate them into a uniform system architecture tailored to their specific needs. Click here for the rest of our article describing the collaborations between these two companies.
November 30, 2023
QSimulate Receives $2.5 Million in a New Funding Round
Quantum Simulation Technologies, Inc. (QSimulate) has secured $2.5M in funding from 2xN, UTokyo IPC, and Kyoto iCAP. The investment will bolster QSimulate’s business, which focuses on its quantum physics-based drug-discovery platform, QSP Life. This platform includes QUELO, QuValent, and QuantumFP, which cover various aspects of drug design. QSimulate employs proprietary quantum physics-based algorithms to predict solutions to large-scale biological problems. Its technology has facilitated the first quantitative application of quantum mechanics to drug design, offering predictions with unparalleled accuracy. Click here for our full article which contains additional information about QSimulate’s customer partnerships.
November 30, 2023
Alice & Bob Partners with OVHcloud to Launch Felis, an Emulator for Logical Qubits
Alice & Bob, a hardware developer in quantum computing, has partnered with OVHcloud to launch Felis, the first quantum emulator capable of predicting the behavior of logical qubits. Available through the OVHcloud Public Cloud universe, Felis allows users to tune error rates and abstracts error correction, simplifying quantum algorithm testing. Click here for more.
November 29, 2023 – News Brief
AWS Announces Braket Direct for Reserving Dedicated Time on a Quantum Processor
One of the frustrations users sometimes have in using quantum computers on the cloud can be the long job queues and the delays a user may see from the time they submit a job to when the job is finally run and the results returned. This can certainly impact productivity. To help solve this issue, AWS has introduced a Braket Direct program that allows a user to reserve a dedicated time. You can reserve time in 1 hour increments but you will pay for all the time you reserve, even if the machine is idle for portions of the period. Braket Direct is now available for the IonQ Aria, QuEra Aquila, and Rigetti Aspen-M-3 processors. Also, the IonQ Forte 30 qubit machine will only be available through Braket Direct. Besides the reservation, AWS will offer free consulting in a 30 minute reservation prep session from one of their experts to enable users to get the most from their reservation. Also 30 minute Office Hours slot to provide advice to users is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional details about Braket Direct are available in a blog post located on the AWS web site here.
November 29, 2023
PASQAL to Receive a $15 Million CAD ($11M USD) Loan to Establish Its Canadian Subsidiary in DistriQ, a Quantum Innovation Zone in Quebec
PASQAL, a quantum computing company, has announced a $90 million initiative over five years in Sherbrooke, Quebec. The project aims to manufacture and commercialize quantum computers, and conduct research and development in collaboration with academic and industrial partners within DistriQ, a quantum innovation zone. The goal is to establish Sherbrooke as a globally recognized quantum hub. The Government of Quebec is supporting this investment project with a $15 million CAD ($11M USD) loan for the establishment of PASQAL SAS’ subsidiary in DistriQ. The project is expected to create 53 permanent jobs over five years. Click here for more.
November 29, 2023
Q-CTRL Error Suppression Technology Integrated into IBM Quantum’s Pay-As-You-Go Plan
Q-CTRL and IBM have announced that Q-CTRLs error suppression technology, named Q-CTRL Embedded, has been integrated into the IBM Qiskit runtime system. This feature is currently only available for users on the Pay-As-You-Go plan. There is no additional cost for those users who utilize this capability. This is the first time that IBM has integrated third party software into their system in this manner. The software can be invoked with a single line of code. This software can provide users with a significant improvement in the quality of the calculated results versus a run using standard settings. Click here for our full article with additional details about this integration.
November 27, 2023 – News Brief
QuantumDiamonds Raises €7 Million ($7.6M USD) in Seed Funding for Development of Quantum Sensors
QuantumDiamonds is a Munich, Germany based company formed in 2022 by graduates of the Technical University of Munich. The first €3 million of the funding was led by funding led by IQ Capital and Earlybird with additional participation from Onsight Ventures, First Momentum, Creator Fund, UnternehmerTUM, and various angel investors from the semiconductor industry. In addition, the company received €3 million in grant funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator and the Bavarian state to bring the total to €7 million. The company develops atom-sized quantum sensors for non-destructive, nano-scale imaging of magnetic fields based upon nitrogen-vacancy (NV) diamond technology. These types of sensors can be useful for semiconductor manufacturing, medical diagnostic applications, and other applications. The company indicates that four of the world’s top 10 semiconductor manufacturers are testing their devices. They will be using the funds to hire more quantum engineers and to take the product form the current prototype status to commercial production. Additional information about the funding can be seen on the Tech.eu website here.
November 27, 2023
Oxford Quantum Circuits Receives a $100 Million Series B Investment and Announces Its 32-Qubit Toshiko Platform
Oxford Quantum Circuits is a quantum processor manufacturer using superconducting technology and formed in 2017 and based in the UK. The $100 million Series B investment was led by SBI Investment with additional participation from previous investors Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE), University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners (UTEC), Lansdowne Partners, and OTIF, acted by manager Oxford Investment Consultants (OIC). The company has also announced that the Toshiko processor is now available in private beta. It is an upgradable design that currently supports 32 qubits. It is intended for deployment at commercial data centers where it can be integrated with the classical HPC resources for a hybrid compute environment. For more information about these announcement click here to see our full article.
November 25, 2023 – News Brief
Entropica Labs Raises $4.7 Million USD in Series A Funding
The round was led by Italian Deep Tech venture capital firm Liftt and existing investor Wavemaker Partners. Additional investors include SEEDS Capital, the investment arm of Enterprise Singapore; California-based CerraCap Ventures; SUTD Venture Holdings; and previous seed investors, Elev8 VC. Entropica Labs is a quantum software company based in Singapore that is building development tools for error correction and fault tolerance. Entropica will be using the funding to grow their team and perform testing of Entropica’s products on real quantum hardware. A news release announcing the funding can be found on the Entropica website here.
November 24, 2023 – News Brief
Quantum Application Lab (QAL) Receives a €1.2 Million ($1.3M USD) Award for Quantum Application Development
The Quantum Application Lab (QAL) is a consortium of six Dutch organizations in The Netherlands that works on quantum application development and use case evaluation. They have received a “Subsidie Economische Structuur en Arbeidsmarktversterking” (SESA) grant from the municipality of Amsterdam to grow its organization and further their work in quantum application development. This follows another grant of €600 thousand received in October from Quantum Delta NL for co-financing five new projects in the next years. QAL will be adding additional Quantum Innovation Officers and help to grow a skilled workforce in quantum technologies. Additional information about this new SESA award can be found in a blog posting on the QAL website here.
November 24, 2023
UK Government Announces Five Quantum Missions as Part of Its National Quantum Strategy
As part of the UK Government’s 2023 Autumn Statement, they have released five key missions that provide more specific goals as a follow-on to the March 2023 release of the UK’s National Quantum Strategy. The National Quantum Strategy called for an investment of £2.5 billion ($3.15B USD) in quantum over the next ten years and a portion of those funds will be utilized to achieve these technical missions. Click here for additional information on what each mission is expected to accomplish.
November 24, 2023
Government of Ireland Releases Its National Quantum Technologies Strategy
Similar to efforts we have seen in many other countries, the government of Ireland has released a document titled Quantum 2030 – A National Quantum Technologies Strategy for Ireland with the tagline “Putting Ireland in a Quantum Superposition”. Their goal is to ensure that by 2030 Ireland is established as an internationally competitive hub in quantum technologies. Click here for the rest of our article describing Ireland’s quantum strategy and the five pillars it is based upon.
November 23, 2023
Kipu Quantum Joins DLR’s BASIQ Program to Simulate Battery Materials
The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt, also known as DLR) has established a three year program called BASIQ which has a goal of using quantum computing to simulate battery chemistries to better understand the atomic processes involved and pave the way for future improvements in battery performance. Kipu Quantum has been awarded a contract to develop novel algorithms for static and dynamic quantum chemical simulations that can be run on the DLR QCI (Quantum Computing Initiative) quantum computers. Click here for more.
November 23, 2023
SandboxAQ Partners with NVIDIA to Accelerate Simulations of Quantum Mechanical Effects for Material Science
SandoxAQ has announced they will be collaborating with NVIDIA to use NVIDIA’s GPUs to accelerate some of the tensor network based algorithms used in these simulations. Specifically, NVIDIA will be able to utilize up to 32 NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs along with NVIDIA’s cuTENSOR and cuQuantum software to achieve the high performance needed to provide useful results in a reasonable period of time. Click here for our full article describing this collaboration.
November 19, 2023 – News Brief
US Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) Awards $6.7 Million Grant to Team for Studying Materials Characterization and Modeling of Silicon Spin Qubits
The award was made by the US Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) to a team led by the University of Rochester with collaborators from the University at Buffalo, SUNY Stony Brook, NY Creates, University of California Los Angeles, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. They will study issues that can negatively impact coherence times of silicon spin qubits such as charge noise, valley splitting, and spatial variations in electron G-factor. By better understanding the basic materials issues that causes these issues, the team may be able to find improved ways of manufacturing the qubits to achieve higher quality and lower error rates in a quantum processor. A news release from the University of Rochester announcing the award can be accessed here.
November 18, 2023
Who’s News: Management Changes at Quantinuum, IonQ, and Quantum Brilliance
A senior executive at Quantinuum has left the company, IonQ has added a Chief of Marketing and Vice-President of Software to its executive team and Quantum Brilliance has appointed a new Country Manager for the United Kingdom. Click here for our article with more details about these changes.
November 18, 2023
Quantum Computing Inc. Reports Third Quarter Financial Results
Quantum Computing Inc. (QCI) report achieving third quarter 2023 revenue of $50 thousand. This compares to revenue of $38 thousand in the year ago quarter and $112 thousand in the previously second quarter of 2023. Net loss was $8.2 million compared to $7.5 million in Q3 2022 and $4.6 million in Q2 2023. The company ended the quarter with $7.3 million in cash and cash equivalents compared to $7.2 million at the end of Q2. Click here the rest of our article about QCI’s Q3 financial results and company status.
November 18, 2023 – News Brief
qBraid Now Provides Access to Intel’s Quantum SDK
qBraid, a quantum computing platform, announced that it is the first provider outside of Intel to offer access to the Intel Quantum SDK, a software development kit for quantum programming. The Intel Quantum SDK allows users to program quantum kernels using C++ language extensions and run them on various qubit-simulator backends, including one that simulates Intel’s quantum hardware under development. The QCR ran a review of Intel’s Quantum SDK which you can find here. qBraid and Intel have collaborated to pilot courses using the Intel Quantum SDK at the Ohio State University, where students and researchers learned and developed quantum algorithms. Additional details about aBraid’s support of Intel’s Quantum SDK are available in a press release provided by qBraid here.
November 17, 2023
Alice & Bob Partner with Equinix to Expand Access to Alice & Bob’s Quantum Processors
Equinix, a global digital infrastructure company, has announced a strategic partnership with Alice & Bob, a leading quantum computing company. This collaboration aims to provide Equinix customers worldwide, including in the United States, with secure access to Alice & Bob’s advanced quantum technology through Equinix Metal and Equinix Fabric. Additionally, businesses can leverage Alice & Bob’s quantum strategy services to unlock potential opportunities in areas such as simulation, optimization, machine learning, and cryptography. Click here for the rest of the article.
November 16, 2023 – News Brief
QDM.IO Introduces a Quantum Diamond Microscope
QDM.IO is a quantum sensor startup with technology that originated from research at Harvard University and the University of Maryland. The Quantum Diamond Microscope uses nitrogen vacancy diamond quantum technology to measure magnetic fields at nanotesla sensitivities with image resolution better than a thousandth of a millimeter and a field-of-view up to about a centimeter. They have already provided pilot units to Oxford University, Washington University, SUNY Buffalo, and New York University. QDM also provides with the unit a Python-based control software called Ferrum that provides a graphical user interface all allows users to set up automated scans. List price for the unit starts at $150,000 with an expected lead-time of a few months. Additional information about the unit is available in a product brochure located on the QDM website here and also a press release announcing the product here.
November 16, 2023 – New Brief
SpeQtral and SPTel Selected to Build a Quantum Network in Singapore
The Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) will be building up a new quantum network in the city-state of Singapore called the National Quantum-Safe Network Plus (NQSN+). This network will be an upgrade of the the National Quantum-Safe Network (NQSN) that we reported on earlier this year and this network is intended to cover the entire island-country. SPTel, a joint venture company of ST Engineering and SP Group, and SpeQtral have been selected to build this network. These companies will leverage SPTel’s experience in providing digital communication infrastructure in Singapore with SpeQtral’s expertise in developing both terrestrial and space-based solutions for quantum networks. In November 2022, the companies announced that they had successfully completed a trial test of quantum secure network on SPTel’s diverse fiber network. A press release provided by SpeQtral announcing their appointment with SPTel to build the NQSN+ network has been posted on their website here.
November 16, 2023 – News Brief
University of Illinois Wins a $1 Million Grant to Study Josephson Junction Defects in Superconducting Qubits
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign team has won an award for a two-year program from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research to look at ways of reducing defects in the deposition process of the aluminum/aluminum oxide/aluminum junctions used in superconducting Josephson junctions. Defects in the junction can negatively impact coherence time in a superconducting qubit so improvements that can reduce the disorder in the material can help improve the overall qubit quality. The team will be using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as well as low temperature characterization to be able to develop a full picture of a the Josephson junction deposition. Additional information is available in a news release posted by the University of Illinois here.
November 15, 2023 – News Brief
Quoherent Closes a $4.7 Million Seed Round Financing
Quoherent, Inc., a Huntsville, Alabama quantum hardware startup, has secured a $4.7 million in a seed round led by Morpheus Ventures with additional participation from Draper Associates, Khosla Ventures, and Alpha Edison. The company is developing a novel quantum modality that used topological materials that operate at room temperature. The could potentially enable installing a quantum computer at the edge or in portable systems. The funds will be used to will be used to accelerate development of Quoherent’s “third-wave” solid state quantum qubits. Additional information is available in a press release provided by Quoherent which available here.
November 14, 2023
NVIDIA Unveils Collaborations with BASF, IQM, Classiq, and Terra Quantum
In several announcements that came out in conjunction with The International Conference for High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage, and Analysis conference being held this week, NVIDIA has announced several collaborations with quantum end users and quantum providers that use its CUDA Quantum software platform. To learn more about these several collaborations, click here to view our full article that provides additional information.
November 11, 2023
Quantum Machines and QuEra Receive a Grant to Develop a Photonic Control Unit
Quantum Machines and QuEra Computing have received an innovation grant from the Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation to jointly develop over a 24 month period a photonic control unit (PCU) that can significantly accelerate the computational power of quantum computers. The PCU is based on QuEra’s advanced photonic microchips and Quantum Machines’ high-speed analog controllers. The PCU will be integrated into QuEra’s quantum computers and Quantum Machines’ testing facilities and product lines. Click here for the rest of the article.
November 11, 2023 – News Brief
Fermilab SQMS Center Opens “The Quantum Garage”
The Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS) at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory has built a 6,000 square foot lab devoted to advanced research in quantum technology. The facility will provide start-ups, academia and industry with access to advanced scientific tools, equipment, and facility to perform their cutting-edge research. This includes two large dilution refrigerators. The facility will also help train a future quantum workforce, among one of the key missions of SQMS. SQMS has 34 partners across industry, academia and federal labs, including Ames National Laboratory, NASA, NIST, Northwestern University, Rigetti Computing, the Italian Institute of Nuclear Physics, the U.K. National Physics Laboratory and others who will be able to participate in the use of the facilities. A press release announcing the opening of the Quantum Garage has been posted on the Fermi website here and a video of the event celebrating the opening is available here.
November 11, 2023 – News Brief
Quantum Motion Partners with the University of Pennsylvania to Help Develop Test Techniques for Quantum Motion’s Spin Qubit Chips
Quantum Motion will be providing the Penn Quantum Hardware Lab at the University of Pennsylvania with its latest silicon qubit chips along with funding to work on techniques for testing Quantum Motion’s silicon-based quantum processor chips. The funding provided will support a postdoctoral scholar, a PhD student, for three years as well as additional testing equipment in the lab. The Penn Quantum Hardware Lab has considerable expertise in developing new methods to encode and control electron spin qubits to enable devices with improved qubit-to-qubit connectivity and new control approaches. A press release has been posted by Quantum Motion announcing this collaboration and it can be seen on their website here.
November 11, 2023 – News Brief
Quandela Receives €50 Million ($53.5M USD) in Funding
Quandela, a French quantum hardware startup developing photonic based processors, received has closed on €50 million in funding to support international expansion and continue with their R&D efforts. The investors include Serena, Credit Mutuel Innovation, the European Innovation Council Fund, Bpifrance, OMNES Capital and Quantonation. This amount also include funding from the French government through the France 2030 Plan. The company also announced it had delivered their first quantum computing machine, called MosiaQ to the OVHcloud datacenter. MosiaQ is a photonics based processor that can support anywhere between 2 and 12 qubits. The company also indicated it has started the production of three additional machines in its factory for delivery in 2024. A press release about the funding is available from Quandela on their web site here and another press release announcing the installation of the MosiaQ processor at OVHcloud can be accessed here.
November 11, 2023 – News Brief
IQM Announces Its Upgradable Radiance Series Quantum Processors with both 54 and 150 Qubit Versions
IQM has announced its Radiance series of upgradable quantum processors. These are based upon IQM’s superconducting quantum technology and the processors will come in two versions, a 54 qubit version available availability planned for Q3 2024 and a 150 qubit version with availability planned for Q1 2025. Customers purchasing the 54 qubit version will be able to upgrade to the 150 qubit version when it is available. And customers with the 150 qubit version should be able to upgrade to more advanced IQM processors when those become available. Target customers for these machines include businesses, high performance computing centers, data centers and governments. One of the first customers to receive the 54 qubit version will be the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland which had previously installed an IQM 20 qubit machine earlier this year. A press release from IQM announcing these new machines can be accessed here and a web page for the Radiance series of quantum processors is available here.
November 11, 2023
Rigetti Computing Reports on Its Q3 2023 Financial Results
Rigetti Computing achieved revenue in Q3 of $3.1 million versus $3.3 million in Q2 2023 and $2.8 million in Q3 of 2022. Operating costs were $19.1 million in Q3 versus $18.9 million in Q2 and $33.3 million in Q3 of 2022. This year over year decrease was largely due to a reduction in stock compensation expense along with a company reduction in force implemented earlier this year. Loss from Operations was $16.8 million in Q3 versus $16.2 million in Q2 and $31.3 million in Q2 2022. The company ended the quarter with $110 million in cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale investments compared with $105 million at the end of Q2. The increase was due to the sale of $12.7 million of stock as part of a common stock purchase agreement with B. Riley. Click here for the rest of our article about the company’s Q3 financial results and description of the company’s commercial and technical progress during the quarter.
November 11, 2023
D-Wave Reports its Q3 2023 Financial Results
D-Wave Quantum Inc. has reported its Q3 results and said it achieved revenue of $2.56 million in Q3 compared to $1.71 million in Q2 and $1.69 million a year ago in Q2 2023. Operating expenses decreased to $19.9 million in Q3 from the $21.6 million the company had in Q2 and compared to $16.2 million in Q2 2023. Adjusted EBITDA loss was $11.6 million versus $4.9 million in Q2. Click here for our full article covering the highlights of D-Wave’s Q3 financial release.
November 10, 2023
IonQ Announces Q3 Financial Results
IonQ has announced its Q3 financial results and reported revenues of $6.1 million for the quarter. This represents an 11% increase over the Q2 revenues of $5.5 million and a 111% increase over the Q3 2022 revenues of $2.7.6 million. However, operating costs also continued to increase coming in at $48.3 million in Q3 versus $38.6 million in Q2. Adjusted EBITDA loss was $22.4 million this quarter versus $19.4 million in Q2. The company ended the quarter with $485.1 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments. Click here for more.
November 8, 2023
Photonic Inc. Receives a $100 Million Venture Investment from Microsoft and Others. Will also Collaborate with Microsoft on Quantum Technology
Photonic Inc. has raised $100 million USD to continue development of its unique silicon spin qubit architecture. The investors in this round include British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI), Microsoft Corporation, the UK government’s National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF), Inovia Capital, and Amadeus Capital Partners bringing the total amount invested in the company so far to $140 million USD. Besides the investment, Microsoft and Photonic, Inc. also announced an agreement to collaborate in two technical areas, developing the technology for creating a long distance quantum internet and integrating a future Photonics processor with Microsoft Azure Quantum Elements. Click here for our article with more on these announcements.
November 4, 2023
Who’s News: Management Updates at Rigetti Computing, Alice & Bob, Infleqtion, and IonQ
Rigetti Computing has a new Chairman of its Board of Directors, Alice & Bob has appointed a their President of Alice & Bob USA subsidiary, Infleqtion has promoted a new President of Infleqtion UK and recruited a new Director of Business Development, and a founder and Chief Science Office of IonQ is returning to academia. Click here for details on these recent management changes in the quantum industry.
November 3, 2023 – News Brief
PASQAL Contributes $500,000 CAD ($366K USD) to Create a Research Chair in Quantum Computing at the Université de Sherbrooke
PASQAL, a global leader in neutral atom quantum computing, is supporting the Faculty of Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS), a leader in education and applied research in Canada, to create a research chair in applied quantum computing. The chair holder will develop quantum software solutions for industry, using PASQAL’s hardware and technology. PASQAL is setting up a facility to manufacture quantum processors at Espace Quantique 1 of DistriQ – Quantum Innovation Zone in Sherbrooke, Canada. This will help accelerate the adoption of neutral atom quantum computing in the North American market. The research chair is part of PASQAL’s strategy to deliver real-world applications and quantum advantage in the short term. PASQAL is contributing $500,000 CAD to the position, which will be matched by Canadian federal and/or provincial granting agencies. The Faculty of Engineering, UdeS, is known for its collaborative research, technology transfer, and student training. It has several research centers and institutes, including the Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation (3IT), the Institut quantique (IQ), and the Centre de collaboration MiQro Innovation (C2MI). A press release from PASQAL announcing this support can be viewed here.
November 3, 2023 – News Brief
ParityQC Awarded Contract from DLR to Develop New QC Methods of Molecular Simulation
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) has created a project called QuantiCom (Quantum Computing for Materials Science and Engineering) to research the use of quantum computers for rapid development of new materials. One of the subprojects of this endeavor is called QuantiCom Q2H which is intended to demonstrate the use of quantum computing for performing atomic level simulations of molecules. ParityQC has won a three year contract that goes through 2026 to develop quantum algorithms for performing these simulations and will start with two small molecules, hydrogen and water. Once they have developed a quantum based simulation algorithm, they will then compare the results with current classicalal HPC (high performance computing) methods to determine if the quantum approach can provide better results. It is hoped that the new algorithms resulting from this research can be then applied in the future to the more complex types of materials used in aircraft and spacecraft that are of high interest at DLR. Advances that help development of lighter, stronger, and more durable materials are always welcome in the aerospace industry, particularly if they can also be produced at a lower cost. A press release from ParityQC announcing receipt of the award is available here.
November 3, 2023
Rigetti Computing Receives an Innovate UK Award to Research Using QC for Money Laundering Detection
Rigetti Computing announced that it was awarded an Innovate UK grant as part of the Feasibility Studies in Quantum Computing Applications competition. The grant will support a project to enhance quantum machine learning methods for money laundering detection, a critical method for identifying and preventing financial crime. Rigetti UK Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rigetti Computing, will collaborate with HSBC, the Quantum Software Lab (QSL) based at the University of Edinburgh, and the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) in this project. The consortium aims to improve the performance of current-state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms by using quantum computing techniques. Click here for more information in our full article about this award.
November 3, 2023
IARPA Funds Two Projects with up to $40 Million for Research on Entangled Logical Qubits (ELQ)
The Intelligence Advanced Projects Research Activity (IARPA) is a U.S. government agency that invests in high risk, high payoff research that can help to tackle some of the Intelligence Community’s (IC) most difficult challenges. They launched an Entangled Logical Qubits (ELQ) project earlier this year as a four year program to fund projects which can demonstrate high-fidelity entanglement between two error-corrected logical qubits in a fully fault tolerant manner. To learn more about the organizations participating in this program and the approaches they are taking, click here.
November 2, 2023 – News Brief
Analog Quantum Circuits to Receive $3 Million AUD ($1.9M USD) in Funding
Analog Quantum Circuits is a superconducting hardware components startup based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. They were founded in 2022 by a team that came from the University of Queensland. The company develops miniaturized core microwave components such as such as amplifiers, attenuators, circulators, and other components. These components can be integrated on-chip to help enable the scale-up of superconducting quantum processors. Uniseed is Australia’s longest running early-stage commercialisation fund and the Uniseed-managed funds have committed to invest $3 million AUD in the company. Additional information is available in a news release posted on the Uniseed website here and also an article posted on the Australian website startupdaily here.
November 2, 2023 – News Brief
Nu Quantum Raises £7M ($8.5M USD) in a Pre-Series A Round
Nu Quantum is a quantum networking startup that was formed as a spinout of the Cavendish Lab at the University of Cambridge. They are focusing on providing the technology that will allow multiple quantum processors to be hooked together in a quantum network with a product they call the Quantum Networking Unit (QNU). The funding The round was led by Amadeus Capital Partners, Expeditions Fund, and IQ Capital, with additional participation from Ahren Innovation Capital; Seraphim Capital; University of Cambridge and Martlet and new investors including Presidio Ventures backed by Sumitomo Corporation, the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF), and Deeptech Labs. This funding follows a £2.1 million ($2.5M USD) seed round invested in the company in September 2020. The company has posted a news release on their website with additional information about this new investment and it can be seen here.
November 2, 2023
NobleAI Collaborates with Microsoft Azure Quantum Elements for Chemical and Materials Discovery
NobleAI has announced that it will be offering its AI based materials discovery platform with the recently announced Microsoft Azure Quantum Elements which provides access to both high performance computing (HPC) and quantum processors for accelerating the calculations. NobleAI is one of the early users of Microsoft Quantum Elements which was just announced last June. NobleAI’s customers include large enterprises in the chemical and energy industries and they help these organizations improve their product development by shortening development times, help identify ways of improving the performance of the materials, and also helping to make the new materials and chemicals more environmentally sustainable. Click here for our full article that reports on this new collaboration.
October 31, 2023
QuEra Wins Two Grants from DARPA as Part of the Imagining Practical Applications for a Quantum Tomorrow (IMPAQT) Program
QuEra Computing, a company that develops neutral-atom quantum computers, has received two grants from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as part of the Imagining Practical Applications for a Quantum Tomorrow (IMPAQT) program. The first grant is for a project on “Quantum Reservoir Learning using Neutral Atoms and its Applications”. The second grant is for a project on “Error-Corrected Quantum Architectures Based on Transversal Logical Gates”. In addition, QuEra has five partners that have also received DARPA IMPAQT grants for their projects which will use QuEra’s neutral-atom hardware. Click here for our article with more information about these projects.
October 31, 2023
Boeing Provides $3.5 Million in Funding to the Chicago Quantum Exchange for Quantum Research and Talent Development
An expanded collaboration between Boeing, a global aerospace company, and the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE), a network of academic institutions and national labs that work on quantum information science and engineering (QISE) has been announced. The collaboration aims to support early-career scientists, seed new research projects, and develop next-generation quantum sensors and networks. The collaboration also renews Boeing’s corporate partnership with the CQE, which started in 2019. The collaboration involves a $3.5 million investment from Boeing, which will fund technical workshops, graduate student and postdoctoral fellowships, and an award for innovative researchers in the field of QISE. Click here for our full the article about the collaboration between Boeing and the CQE.
October 31, 2023 – News Brief
Multiverse, OQC, and Moody’s Analytics Win Innovate UK Award to Develop Large-scale Flood Prediction Models using Quantum Computing
Multiverse Computing, Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC), and Moody’s Analytics will team up to develop two-dimensional hydrodynamical models that numerically solve Shallow Water Equations (SWE) to improve to flood risk assessment and help make management of flood conditions better and more accurate. These calculations are too complex for traditional classical techniques to make accurately so the team will be looking at Quantum Physics-Informed Neural Network (QPINN) and Variational Quantum Circuit (VQC) algorithms with hybrid classical/quantum processing to see if that approach can do it better. Moody’s estimates that flood losses cost £700 million ($850M USD) in the UK every year. In this project Multiverse will be lead contractor and software developer, OQC will supply the quantum hardware, and Moody’s Analytics will provide industry expertise, data requirements, and insights on computational efficiency. This initial Innovate UK grant is a Phase 1 award for a three month period which will finish at the end of November. At that time, the team will need to demonstrate enough progress to warrant a Phase 2 award which would last for 15 months. More information about the award can be found in a news release available here.
October 30, 2023 – News Brief
Cisco Investments Joins the Series A Investment Round in Aliro Quantum
Earlier in October we reported that Aliro Quantum had received a Series A venture investment from Accenture Ventures and Flybridge Leaders Fund. The round has now been joined by Cisco Investments. Cisco is a very large company involved with classical computer networking and has been watching the quantum networking space for some time. They have now decided to make their first quantum investment with Aliro Quantum that provides customers with a product called AliroNet, the world’s first full-stack multi-purpose end-to-end entanglement-based secure network solution. Unlike standalone venture capital firms, Cisco Investments is participating as a strategic investor and can additionally contribute expertise in networking, systems engineering, and systems integration to help accelerate Aliro’s technology development and marketing efforts. A press release provided by Aliro announcing their new venture investor is available here and a blog posting by Cisco Investments featuring an interview with Dr. Prineha Narang, founder and CTO of Aliro, can be accessed here.
October 29, 2023
In order to promote diversity and inclusion to make the technology more accessible, Q-CTRL has teamed up with the Quad Investors Network to provide fully subsidized licenses of Black Opal to students who attend Technical and Further Education (TAFE) vocational training institutions in Australia and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the US. Implementation of this program will start in 2024. Click here for more about this announcement.
October 28, 2023 – News Brief
PASQAL to Collaborate with Sumitomo’s QX-PJ Project on Low Altitude Air Traffic Control
As drones and other low flying objects like drones and flying cars proliferate, the sky will face increasing complex air traffic control issues as there may be hundreds or thousands of them travelling at a low altitude in the same geographic area. One thing to remember is that the problem might be even more complex than terrestrial traffic control because this scenario needs to work in three dimensions while automobile traffic only travels in two dimensions. In 2021, the Sumitomo Corporation in Japan formed a Quantum Transformation Project (QX-PJ) to research this problem and has now turned to PASQAL in what is called “Quantum Sky” to see how PASQAL’s system can run the necessary calculations. Previously, the QX-PJ project used a quantum annealer for the calculations but now they will explore using the PASQAL processor using both analog and digital mode to see if it can accomplish the tasks any better. A press release from PASQAL announcing their participation in this project is available here.
October 28, 2023 – News Brief
BlueQubit Wins a DARPA Award
BlueQubit, a California based quantum software company, has received an award from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as part of DARPA’s Imagining Practical Applications for a Quantum Tomorrow (IMPAQT) program. The company will be focusing on finding hybrid classical/quantum algorithms that will maximize the potential of full NISQ devices to find solutions without requiring fault-tolerant quantum computers. This will include areas where classical methods fall short, particularly in Gibbs sampling. For this project, BlueQubit will be collaborating with QuEra to use QuEra’s neutral atom computer to execute the quantum programs. BlueQubit’s press release announcing the award can be accessed here.
October 28, 2023 – News Brief
QMware and QuEra Collaborate to Integrate QuEra’s Processor with QMWare’s Hybrid Quantum Computing Cloud
QMware is a European base provider of Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) that provides a hybrid quantum cloud that includes classical high-performance computing capabilities, quantum simulators, and quantum processors in a secure private quantum runtime environment. The target a broad spectrum of European customers across research, industry, and academia as potential clients. In this new development, QMware will be integrating QuEra’s 256 Aquila-class machines and FPQA™️ technology with their platform to offer end users a hybrid quantum/classical capability that can also offer customers an analog quantum computing capability. Additional information is available in a press release posted on the QMware website here and also the QuEra website here.
October 28, 2023 – News Brief
PASQAL Will Partner with GESDA to Support the Open Quantum Institute
Earlier this month, we reported on the launch of the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) supported by UBS, the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator Foundation (GESDA), CERN, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Swiss universities ETH Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL). The purpose of the institute will be to accelerate the usage of quantum computing to support implementation of six of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PASQAL has now signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GESDA to support OQI’s activities. The support will include providing cloud access to PASQAL’s quantum devices, providing tools and training, and contributing technical support for the implementation of use cases. Additional information can be found in a news release posted on the PASQAL website here.
October 27, 2023
D-Wave Extends and Expands Its Agreement with QuantumBasel
D-Wave has announced that they are extending and expanding their agreement with QuantumBasel. The extension will be for another two years and the expansion will be an agreement for D-Wave to open a European office on the QuantumBasel campus. This will make it easier for D-Wave to support its European customers including such organizations as Koç Holding, Satispay, Poznan Superconducting and Network Center, and Cineca. Click here for our full article which provides additional background about this agreement.
October 27, 2023
New Office Expansions for Quantum Machines and Alice & Bob
Quantum Machines is opening up a new office in Stuttgart, Germany and Alice & Bob is opening up their first North American office in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Click here for our article reporting on these expansions.
October 25, 2023
IonQ is Making Progress with Its Future Generation Barium Based Platform
In December 2022, IonQ announced that it was researching the use of barium instead of ytterbium for a future generation machine. Barium has certain potential advantages in an ion trap machine because it is more compatible with telecom wavelengths for control and also allows the use of higher power lasers which can improve gate delays. But, up until now, none of the IonQ publicly announced machines had yet switched to using barium. The previous Harmony, Aria, and Forte machines and also the upcoming Tempo processor announced last month will continue to use ytterbium. However, in a clear sign the company is making progress, they have announced been able to achieve a performance metric of #AQ29 on a prototype machine they have developed that uses barium. Click here for more.
October 25, 2023
Another Quantum Networking Test Bed Being Set up in Quebec, Canada with $10.1 Million CAD ($7.3M USD) in Funding
The test bed will start being set up in the DistriQ Quantum Innovation Zone in Sherbrooke in October 2023, followed by Montreal and Quebec City in early 2024. It is being managed by Numana, a non-profit organization that will be responsible for the deployment and operation of the test bed. The test bed will be used by business and other organizations to experiment with quantum networking and is designed to be open, collaborative, adaptable and scalable. It will include terrestrial, aerial and satellite network components. Initially, the network will be set up a three separate metropolitan networks in each location with an eventually desire to tie them together in the future to establish a Quebec-wide quantum communication network. Click here for additional details about this quantum networking test bed announcement.
October 25, 2023
SCALINQ and Atlantic Quantum Partner on Large-scale Quantum Computing Via Cutting-Edge Hardware
SCALINQ is bringing its expertise in cryogenic, microwave devices to a partnership with Atlantic Quantum by the cryogenic hardware necessary for its experiments. LINQER SCALINQs packaging solution hosts multiple devices simultaneously and the solution allows them to reliably measure devices repeatedly, and efficiently. It combines flexibility and scalability, supporting a high density of control lines with PCBs that can be customized to fit Atlantic Quantum’s requirements. Click here for our full article.
October 24, 2023
Atom Computing Previews an 1180 Qubit Neutral Atom Processor
Atom Computing has previewed its next generation neutral atom process that will sport 1180 qubits on a 1225 site (35 x 35) array. The system is currently being tested in Atom’s laboratory in Boulder, Colorado and expected to be made available to clients in 2024. In many respects, the machine is a scale up of their preceding 100 qubit processor, but it does have some key differences. The most significant is that they have changed the atom species used from Strontium to Ytterbium, and the machine is built for uptime. The design is build in modules and offers continuous loading of the atoms in real time if needed. Click here for more.
October 23, 2023
Chicago Region Designated as a U.S. Tech Hub for Quantum Technology as Part of the U.S. Chips and Science Act
A second U.S. area has been designated as a Tech Hub for quantum technology. A group called the Bloch Tech Hub, led by the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE), has been chosen to participate as part of Phase 1 of the U.S. Tech Hub program under the Chips and Science Act. A total of 31 regions were designated as tech hubs in eight different technical categories. In addition to the Chicago region, Colorado was also chosen as a tech hub for quantum. Of the 31 regions selected for Phase 1, the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce will select 5-10 Tech Hubs to proceed to Phase 2 for receiving approximately $50-75 million in implementation grants. Click here to read our full article on this development.
October 21, 2023 – News Brief
Colorado To Be Awarded U.S. Tech Hub Funding for Quantum Technology as Part of the U.S. Chips and Science Act
As part of the U.S. Chips and Science Act signed in August 2022, $10 billion was allocated for programs that extend from Fiscal Year 2023 through Fiscal Year 2027 to create 20 geographically distributed regional technology and innovation hubs. Colorado will be announced as one of the 20 recipients for quantum technology. The twenty recipients of Tech Hub awards were selected from a total of 192 applications in 10 different categories. As an initial step, the Colorado Tech Hub will receive a planning grant of up to $500,000 and subsequently be able to apply for an implementation grant of $50 to $75 million which will be awarded in 2024. Colorado has significant quantum activity already with a major NIST facility in Boulder, the University of Colorado at Boulder, the JILA Research Institute, quantum computing companies Atom Computing, Quantinuum, and Infleqtion as well many other quantum component suppliers such as Maybell Quantum, Vescent Photonics. Companies in the region have established a consortium called Elevate Quantum with over 70 members to promote quantum technology in the region. Additional information is available in an article published by The Colorado Sun here and also a letter of support from Jared Polis, Colorado state governor which can be seen here.
October 21, 2023 – News Brief
Quantum Machines Announces QBoard-II, an Improved Cryogenic Sample Holder
Quantum Machines has introduced a next generation modular, PCB-based cryogenic sample holder as a follow-on to the original QBoard sample holder introduced by its QDevil subsidiary in 2020. This new sample holder improves upon the previous generation with more compact dimensions, new PCB, interposer, and daughterboard designs, and the addition of a shielding lid for better signal integrity and radiation protection. It includes connectors that can support RF signals as high as 8 Ghz as well as a number of lines for DC. The product is targeted for use by experimenters working with low-temperature spin-qubit chips, superconducting circuits, and general transport experiments to make it easier and quicker to exchange samples in their system. Additional information about QBoard-II is available in a press release provided by Quantum Machines here as well as a web page for the device which can be seen here.
October 20, 2023 – News Brief
PASQAL and Partners to Research a New Type of Photonic Quantum Computer in a Program Funded by the European Innovation Council
PASQAL along with its partners at Sorbonne Université, Pixel Photonics GmbH (PIX), The Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), and Institut d’Optique Théorique et Appliquée (IOTA) have received a four year grant to research a new type of photonic quantum computer funded by the Pathfinder-2023 challenge grant of the European Innovation. Council. This photonic based processor would be completely different from the ones currently being developed by companies such as PsiQuantum and Xanadu because it leverages some of the technology, such as optical tweezers and neutral atoms, that PASQAL has developed for its standard neutral atom computers. It also works significantly different that PASQAL’s processors because a basic concept is that the information is stored as continuously variable quantum information in the photons as exotic states of light, rather than having the information stored in the state of the neutral atoms themselves. This is a long term research program and a processor based upon this new approach would not be expected for another 5 or 10 years. Additional information about this project is available in a news release provided by PASQAL that can be accessed here.
October 18, 2023
Fermilab and Argonne National Lab Will Each Receive $9 Million for Advanced Quantum Network Research
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science has provided awards to both Fermilab and Argonne for research into advanced quantum networks with a goal of furthering the development of technology needed for a U.S. national quantum network. Click here for details about these projects.
October 18, 2023
POLARISqb just received a Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) award supporting the use of quantum computers to design drugs. The research contract is part of DARPA’s Imagining Practical Applications for a Quantum Tomorrow (IMPAQT) program. The DARPA-funded project, “Quantum Computing Solutions for Inhibiting Protein-Protein Interactions for Emerging Threats,” is tasked with making a novel variational quantum algorithm (VQA) that can identify small molecules that inhibit protein-protein interactions (PPIs), a major challenge in drug design. Click here for our full article about Polarisqb’s approach to quantum drug discovery and this award.
October 14, 2023 – News Brief
Open Quantum Institute to be Launched in Geneva, Switzerland with Two Million Swiss Francs ($2.2M USD) in Funding from UBS
A consortium led by UBS and including the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator Foundation (GESDA), CERN, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Swiss universities ETH Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) will be established at CERN beginning March 2024 to accelerate the usage of quantum computing to support implementation of six of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The effort will have a three year pilot implementation from 2024-2026 with UBS contributing funding of two million Swiss francs per year. The effort will include over 40 partners from more than 20 different countries to work towards four objectives they call the “4A’s”. These include accelerating applications for humanity, providing access for all, advancing capacity building, and activating multilateral guidance for SDGs. For additional information on this Open Quantum Institute announcement you can view a press release provided by UBS here, another news release from GESDA here, and the web page for the Open Quantum Institute here.
October 12, 2023
PASQAL Introduces Qadence Software for Digital Analog Quantum Computing
PASQAL has innovated with a new approach for quantum computing called Digital Analog Quantum Computing (DACC) that can use the two together to utilize the best features of each. They are providing an open-source Python library called Qadence to support this. The program configures the qubits into blocks. Single quantum gates can be applied to the qubits within a block and then the blocks are fed into an analog block that will evolve the quantum system continuously in a controlled fashion. Click here for our full article describing this new software and how it works.
October 12, 2023 – News Brief
$100,000 Quantum Startup Pitch Competition to Be Held at Q2B23 Silicon Valley
Early quantum startups will have a chance to receive a $100,000 investment from Qubits Ventures, a VC firm investing in early-stage quantum tech startups in a pitch competition that will be held on day 2 of the Q2B23 Silicon Valley event on December 6, 2023. Any startup with a focus on quantum solutions that has raised less than $2.5M in funding is eligible to apply. Applications will be evaluated on their uniqueness, feasibility, financial viability, and market desirability. The deadline to submit a pitch for consideration is November 15, 2023. From the submitted entries, seven finalists will be selected to make a live pitch on stage at the event. For terms and conditions of the competition as well as to apply, you can check out the web page for it here.
October 11, 2023 – News Brief
D-Wave and Satispay Partner to Apply Quantum Solutions to Customer Rewards Programs
Satispay is a company based in Italy that provides a means to make digital payments between friends and/or merchants without using credit cards. They have been working with D-Wave to utilize D-Wave’s Constrained Quadratic Model (CQM) hybrid solver to improve their customer rewards program that will help increase their membership. They have developed an application that shows a 50% improvement for the same amount of budget and plan on putting it into weekly production soon. Additional information about the partnership between the two companies is available in a new release posted on the D-Wave website here.
October 10, 2023 – News Brief
Aliro Quantum Receives Series A Funding
Aliro Quantum has received its Series A funding from several venture firms including Accenture Ventures and lead investor Leaders Fund. Although the company didn’t release the exact amount of the funding, they indicated it was less than $20 million. Aliro is a software company that specializes in providing software that can emulate, pilot, and deploy entanglement-based quantum networks. It was spun out of the NarangLab at Harvard University in 2019. Their software was recently selected as the vehicle for providing quantum network configuration, control and orchestration in the EPB Quantum Network Powered by Qubitekk in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The company will be using the new funds to accelerate R&D, expand their professional services, and increase their efforts in sales and marketing. A press release from Aliro announcing this new funding is available here.
October 10, 2023 – News Brief
IQM and VTT Have Installed Finland’s First 20 Qubit Quantum Processor
As part of a program announced in November 2020 to install a series of quantum computers in Finland, IQM and theVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have reached the next milestone and installed a 20 qubit superconducting based processor at the Micronova research facility in Espoo, Finland. It joins a 5 qubit machine that was installed at Micronova in November 2021. The 20 qubit processor includes improved manufacturing, integration, signaling, and packaging techniques which the team will leverage for reaching their next milestone, which will be the installation of a 50+ qubit processor by the end of 2024. Beyond that, the Finnish government has allocated a budget of €70 million ($74M USD) for a follow-on program to develop a 300 qubit quantum processor. A press release announcing the installation of this 20 qubit processor has been posted on the VTT website and can be accessed here.
October 7, 2023 – News Brief
Deep Tech Lab – Quantum Established in Denmark as an Accelerator for Quantum Startups
The Deep Tech Lab – Quantum will be operated as part of the Danish BioInnovation Institute (BII) in Copenhagen in cooperation with the Niels Bohr Institute at Copenhagen University, Denmark’s Technical University, Aarhus University, and the Danish National Metrology Institute. Their mission is to leverage Denmark’s world-leading research in quantum physics with BII’s recognized excellence in creating, fostering, and maturing start-up and spin-out companies within the Life Science field. They will support early-stage companies based on quantum and quantum-enabling technologies with programs tailored for this field and with the same goal of ensuring that they too can realize their full commercial potential. Their tailored programs will focus on developing interdisciplinary teams, identifying and developing the most promising business case(s), and determining the most suitable technology development pathways for commercial viability and company growth. Click here for additional information about this new initiative in Denmark.
October 7, 2023 – News Brief
PsiQuantum to Work with the UK’s Hartree Centre to Develop Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing Applications
We reported last March that PsiQuantum had received £9 Million in funding from the UK government at what is now the new STFC-PsiQuantum R&D facility for developing advanced cryogenic technology. PsiQuantum has now announced a second activity that will occur at that facility and that is to work with the the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Hartree Centre on a 12-month project to develop Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing (FTQC) applications in the UK. The 12 month project will including training personnel on FTQC principles, identifying potential applications with high potential impact and value, and developing algorithms for two industrial relevant use cases. Additional information about this project is available in a press release provided by PsiQuantum that is available here.
October 7, 2023 – News Brief
PlanQC and d-fine Wins €1 Million ($1.06M USD) Contract to Improve Climate Models Using Quantum Machine Learning
The contract was awarded by the German Aerospace Center Quantum Computing Initiative (DLR QCI) in association with the DLR Institute for Atmospheric Physics for a project called KLIM-QML that started in December 2022 and will continue through November of 2026. PlanQC and d-fine will work with DLR experts with a goal of improving the predictions about climate trends and more effective adaptation and mitigation strategies against climate change. There will be two parts to the work. The first will be to tune the free parameters in the climate model and the second will involve parameterization of the climate model. PlanQC is a German quantum startup founded in April 2022 that is pursuing quantum processors using neutral atom technology and d-fine is a European technology consulting company providing solutions to problems using sustainable technologies. Additional information about this project is available in a news release posted on the DLR QCI website here as well as additional news releases posted by PlanQC and d-fine here and here.
October 7, 2023
Fujitsu and Riken Launch a 64 Qubit Hybrid Quantum/Classical Computing Platform
In August of 2022, we described the establishment of the RIKEN RQC-FUJITSU Collaboration Center for joint development of quantum computers based upon superconducting technologies. Their eventual goal is to achieve a machine that supports 1,000 qubits. But for now, Fujitsu and Riken have just announced the launch of a 64 qubit hybrid computing stepping zone that combines a 64 qubits superconducting processor with a powerful quantum computing simulator developed by Fujitsu that can perform a classical simulation of up to 40 qubits. The platform can be accessed over the cloud through such serverless computing services like AWS Lambda. The qubit control software for this processor was developed by NTT. Click here for the rest of our article about this new quantum development in Japan.
October 5, 2023
Infleqtion Teams with QinetiQ to Win Award for Q-CALC (Quantum Contextual Artificial Intelligence for Long-range Correlations) Program
As part of the £15 Million awards provided by the UK’s Quantum Catalyst program funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Innovate UK (IUK), Infleqtion and QinetiQ with additional partners will be pursuing research that used contextual AI for long range correlations. The involves using recent work in a property called quantum contextuality to draw long range correlations from large sets of data such as multiple frames of images from a security camera, sentiment analysis of a large number of social media posts, or data from multiple sensors. The goal is to find ways that a quantum algorithm can process this type of data when it become too much for a classical algorithm to handle. For additional information award as well as some other awards that Infleqtion has recently received from the UK government, read our full article here.
October 4, 2023 – News Brief
Rigetti Computing Receives a DARPA Grant for Better Quantum Solutions for Solving Combinatorial Optimization Problems
The grant was provided to Rigetti Computing under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Imagining Practical Applications for a Quantum Tomorrow (IMPAQT) program. The project titled “Scheduling Problems with Efficient Encoding of Qubits” (SPEEQ) seeks to develop a novel and qubit efficient encoding of optimization problems related to scheduling problems with the goal of enabling larger problems to be mapped to currently available NISQ-era quantum computers which have a limited number of qubits. These scheduling problems are very common in industry and Rigetti will work to take advantage of its hybrid classical/quantum system architecture to develop an apporach that is more competitive with current pure classically based algorithms. Additional information about this award can be found in a news release on the Rigetti website here.