DARPA Funds QuEra to Propel Quantum Computing Toward Practical Applications

QuEra Computing, a key player in neutral-atom quantum computing, has made a significant stride in quantum technology with the announcement that it has been selected for Stage B of the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This selection follows their successful completion of Stage A of the initiative, marking an important milestone in moving towards utility-scale quantum computing solutions.

The Quantum Benchmarking Initiative is designed to rigorously assess whether various quantum computing strategies can achieve transactions with utility-scale operations by 2033, essentially establishing a point where the value gained from quantum processing exceeds its inherent costs. This mission is crucial as it aligns with the increasing global interest in harnessing quantum computing for a wide range of applications, from high-performance computing centers to significant governmental projects.

After completing a six-month plausibility evaluation in Stage A, QuEra is poised to receive up to $15 million in funding over the next 12 months during Stage B, allowing them to refine their research and development Plan ahead of a forthcoming independent hardware verification. This decision by DARPA illustrates their confidence in QuEra’s neutral-atom platform and its potential to lead advancements in quantum technology.

Andy Ory, CEO of QuEra, expressed his excitement about the continued support from DARPA and the pivotal role that this partnership will play in bringing quantum computing closer to practical application. He emphasized the collaboration's focus on enabling high-performance computing (HPC) centers, government programs, and enterprise innovators to leverage quantum computing for real-world applications. Ory's vision sees the industry transitioning from a point where practical quantum capabilities are perceived as a distant possibility to an era where they are actively in use - a shift he refers to as going from 'one day' to 'Day One.'

QuEra’s unique approach to quantum computing combines energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness and scalability, making it suitable for wide-ranging implementations across various organizations. Their neutral-atom systems utilize inherently identical natural qubits, which allow for scaling to larger system configurations while operating at room temperature and facilitating flexible all-to-all connectivity. This innovative architecture encourages highly parallel operations, supports multiple quantum error correction codes and minimizes overhead costs, enhancing their application potential.

Collaborative research efforts and partnerships have yielded impressive results, including advancements in quantum error correction and the availability of commercial systems both for cloud-based and on-premise deployment. QuEra's academic partners have demonstrated continuous operational capabilities utilizing multi-thousand-atom arrays, highlighting a steady evolution from merely controlling a few atoms to managing programmable arrays featuring thousands of qubits.

Mikhail Lukin, co-founder of QuEra and a Professor of Physics at Harvard University, noted that the transition from promising research to practical implementation has accelerated significantly. He stated that over the past ten years, neutral-atom platforms have seen gigantic leaps forward, developing programmable systems capable of conducting sophisticated quantum operations. As QuEra embarks on Stage B, they aim to break new ground regarding scalability and programmability, exploring powerful algorithms that maximize the potential of their groundbreaking technology.

As the scientific and commercial leader in neutral-atom quantum computing, QuEra is dedicated to enabling organizations to harness the competitive advantages offered by quantum technology. By fostering collaboration and offering quantum systems available on both premises and through the cloud, they simplify the process of tackling complex problems that traditional computing struggles with.

QuEra was founded through collaborations between Harvard and MIT and continues to advance its mission globally with offices in Boston, Tokyo, and the UK. As the quantum computing landscape moves from theory to practice, QuEra stands at the forefront, actively contributing to the development of large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum systems and delivering tangible impacts today. Those interested in learning more can visit quera.com.