Spooky Specters and Quantum Leaps! QURECA’s October Newsletter is here to treat you with some thrilling quantum updates!
As the shadows lengthen and the nights draw in, even the ghosts are curious about the spooky action at a distance! Isn’t quantum entanglement the ultimate trick-or-treat of physics?
In this edition, we dive into the last month’s biggest news stories from the world of quantum technologies and highlight some spell-binding research that could change the world as we know it.
Don’t miss out on our cauldron of quantum curiosities—perfect reading for a crisp October evening. Subscribe now and let’s explore the mysteries of quantum together!
Introduction
Welcome to our monthly news exploration of quantum realms with QURECA! As the leaves turn and the autumn air grows crisp, it’s the perfect time to delve into the mysteries and opportunities of quantum technologies.
At QURECA, we believe that understanding quantum technology is no witchcraft, but a doorway to revolutionary advancements. So, gather your curiosity and a pumpkin spice latte, and join us for a month filled with quantum leaps and bounds.
Stay tuned for more updates, and remember, in the quantum world, things are always more entangled than they appear—especially on Halloween!
Register now to uncover the power of quantum this Halloween season with QURECA!
QURECA News
In our recent webinar, Preparing for Quantum: Why Your Business Needs a Quantum Strategy in 2025, with our Founder and CEO, Dr Araceli Venegas-Gomez, Brian Lenehan, Quantum Strategy Institute, and Dr Nicole Fellouris, Founder & Principal Scientist at Halcyon Foundation, we explored how quantum technologies are shaping industries and why forward-thinking businesses need a solid quantum strategy. With insightful discussions on the potential of quantum technology across all sectors, we provided valuable guidance on what leaders should consider as they prepare for the Year of Quantum in 2025.
As a follow-up, we’re delighted to offer 20% off our Quantum Strategy for Business course. Use code 20%QS4B to access essential insights and develop a roadmap for your business’s quantum future.
Weekly News highlights
Here’s a recap on our weekly LinkedIn news updates from October in case you missed any!
Quantum AI-driven Drug Discovery through Quantum Annealing
(Tuesday, 1st October) D-Wave and Japan Tobacco Inc. announced new partnership to develop innovative processes for discovering “first-in-class” pharmaceutical compounds using quantum annealing-enhanced AI technologies. Read more: https://www.dwavesys.com/company/newsroom/press-release/japan-tobacco-inc-and-d-wave-announce-collaboration-aimed-at-accelerating-innovative-drug-discovery-with-quantum-ai/#:~:text=PALO%20ALTO,%20Calif.%20%E2%80%93%20October%2001,%202024%20%E2%80%93%20D-Wave%20Quantum
Highly-Efficient Photon-Photon Entanglement for Quantum Technologies
(Tuesday, 1st October) Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed two highly hardware-efficient methods of creating entangled photon-pairs by embedding a single-photon emitter within a photonic crystal waveguide and, separately, manipulating a single electron spin within a quantum dot, where both methods permit entangling two-photon mixing events to be mediated. Read more: https://sciencenews.dk/en/quantum-physics-just-got-real-creating-entanglement-on-demand
Europe Opens Doors to New IBM Quantum Data Centre
(Tuesday, 1st October) Europe’s first IBM Quantum Data Centre was launched in Ehningen, Germany, the first of its kind outside of the USA. The new facility addresses processing proximity and regulatory compliance issues and provides users access to two 127-qubit QPUs with a third, 156-qubit, QPU based expected soon, all accessible via IBM’s online tools. Read more: https://www.ibm.com/quantum/blog/europe-quantum-datacenter-launch
Norway Launches New Quantum Technology Initiative
(Thursday, 3rd October) The Norwegian government announced NOK 70 million in new annual funding for OsloMet’s Quantum Hub. The new proposal aims to tackle major societal challenges such as developing new medicines, climate solutions, and enhancing secure communications, as well as bolstering national and Nordic quantum progress. Read more: https://www.oslomet.no/en/about/news/launched-major-quantum-technology-initiative#:~:text=The%20Minister%20of%20Digitalisation%20and,for%20research%20into%20quantum%20technology
Queensland Secures Major Quantum Funding
(Friday, 4th October) The University of Queensland secured over AU$29 million through the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy to lead 10 new quantum technology projects. This funding comes as part of a larger AU$53 million investment from the Queensland Government and will see the establishment of Australia’s first commercial nanophotonics and optomechanics manufacturing and processing facility as well as the Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance, featuring 27 partner organisations poised to harness PsiQuantum’s photonic QCs for developing climate solutions. Other UQ projects listed include quantum sensor development, athlete performance, diagnosing concussions, doping tests, and more. UQ also saw a share of AU$3.8m awarded across six Queensland universities as part of the Talent Building Program, which will see 90 scholarships made available to students. Read more: https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2024/10/uq-lead-quantum-evolution-29m-10-new-projects
Quantum Computing Firms at Risk of Trade Delisting
(Monday, 7th October) Rigetti Computing and D-Wave both received notices warning of potential delisting from their respective stock exchanges. This is the second and third time that each have been pressured by NYSE and Nasdaq respectively, with strict compliance regarding regular share price being a major concern for both. D-Wave has 6 months to regain compliance while Rigetti Computing has until 17 March 2025. Read more: https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/quantum-computing-firms-d-wave-and-rigetti-face-stock-exchange-delisting-again/
Zapata Computing Holdings Ceases Operations
(Monday, 7th October) Former quantum computing-turned-generative-AI startup, Zapata AI, announced that it is ceasing business operations after reporting a failure to meet its financial obligations to stakeholders. While the company does not plan to file bankruptcy at this time, almost all employees have been terminated and its asset values are unlikely to cover the full obligation making recovery appear unlikely. Read more: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/zapata-ai-cease-operations-terminates-211538221.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmluZy5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAAGfwdVdNcCBs2sW24cEHSTmJmFGZZx7xc8bTwdoXYv8JZsP7gZV5Rg9TRSlwmm7dXPiQPnkMaAZZ48x9fd6v9vVoi5Wjpg1XhtPPOBB3LWZxiOwHmJQBQLeUESHv6mMeFKDAI_-F_6tLIkExog07Jfe377xjJT_Nlx_CcLxklDG
Xanadu Shines Quantum Simulation on Material Science Research
(Tuesday, 8th October) Xanadu and Toyota Research Institute of North America announced a new partnership to develop new quantum algorithms for material science research into electronic spin-defects. Their project focuses on integrating quantum embedding theory into algorithm design to reduce computational load and optimise how materials are designed, characterised, and optimised, for a host of applications including quantum sensors, energy tech, and much more. Read more: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/toyota-and-xanadu-collaborate-to-pioneer-quantum-computing-applications-in-materials-simulations-302269126.html
European Post-Quantum Cryptography Service Launch
(Tuesday, 8th October) Cybersecurity leaders, Eviden, announced the launch of their post-quantum cryptography Hardware Security Module as a Service, or PQC HSMaaS. While being the only HSM available which features the highest security qualification from ANSSI, this cloud-independent, EU-sovereign service will be hosted in secure French data centres and provide customers with protection against quantum computing attacks along with support in meeting NIS2 Directive requirements. Read more: https://eviden.com/insights/press-releases/eviden-launches-pqc-hsmaas-a-eu-sovereign-post-quantum-cryptography-hardware-security-module-as-a-service/
ICQIA Urge Canada to Prioritise Quantum Tech During G7 Presidency
(Friday, 11th October) The International Council of Quantum Industry Associations, representing nearly 600 stakeholders, sent a letter to the Canadian Prime Minister calling for quantum technologies to be given top priority during Canada’s G7 presidency in 2025. They highlighted quantum technology’s rapidly growing interest among other G7 nations and security alliances, as well the unique opportunity to position Canada as a powerful catalyst in deployment of quantum tech to address key global challenges during the upcoming International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Read more: https://www.euroquic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ENG-20241011-ICQIA-letter-to-Canadas-Prime-Minister-re.-G7-quantum.pdf
Chinese Scientists Report First Effective Attack on Key Security Algorithms
(Monday, 14th October) A team of researchers at Shanghai University claimed the first effective attacks on key encryption algorithms using a quantum computing system. Using a D-Wave Advantage system, the team report successfully factoring a 22-bit RSA integer before attacking other critical AES algorithms – Present, Rectangle, and the Gift-64 block cipher. Their peer-reviewed findings were published in the Chinese Journal of Computers and, while highlighting current QC limitations, hint to future threats to even military-grade encryptions. While impressive, many security experts, including Avesta Hojjati Ph.D., have stated this does not imply any immediate security concerns and is far from the 2048 or 4096-bit keys used today. Read more: https://www.csoonline.com/article/3562701/chinese-researchers-break-rsa-encryption-with-a-quantum-computer.html
New Research Accelerates Viable Multi-user Quantum Networks
(Wednesday, 16th October) Researchers from Technical University of Denmark and Palacky University proposed an innovative quantum passive optical network (QPON) protocol to take QKD beyond basic point-to-point and into simultaneous multi-user network capacity. Unlike traditional QKD which employs digital data, QPON leverages continuous-variable (CV) systems, specifically coherent state quadratures, to enhance simultaneous key distribution for multiple users. They developed two protocols with varying trust levels to successfully facilitate simultaneous key generation for an 8-user network each connected by an 11km link at rates of 1.5 and 2.1 Mbps, or 0.4 and 1.0 Mbps with finite-size channels estimation considered. The proposed CV-QPON reflects very positively toward scaling to tens of users and generally towards low-cost, high-rate, scalable quantum networks. Read more: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41377-024-01633-9
Quantum Computing Wins NASA LiDAR Contract
(Thursday, 17th October) Quantum Computing Inc. were awarded a new NASA contract to develop a unique approach to remote quantum sensing techniques that will significantly reduce operational costs of spaceborne LiDAR technology. This is the fifth project confirmed between the long-standing partners and aims to improve climate research by enabling more frequent atmospheric monitoring flights as well as showcase quantum technology’s relevance in wider fields such as civilian and military surveillance. Read more: https://quantumcomputinginc.com/news/press-releases/quantum-computing-inc.-receives-award-to-support-nasa-in-quantum-sensing-solutions-for-lidar-missions
Chicago’s New Quantum Computing Campus Sees Backlash
(Friday, 18th October) Residents of Chicago’s Southeast Side are urging officials to slow down the development of the multi-billion-dollar Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. They’ve expressed concerns about rapid development without adequate community engagement, fearing environmental risks and displacement. The project, intended to transform the area into a hub for quantum computing, where PsiQuantum are expected to create the country’s first utility-scale QC, has not sufficiently addressed these community concerns, despite promises of job creation and economic benefits. Read more: https://www.wbez.org/chicago-neighborhoods/2024/10/18/southeast-side-residents-call-on-officials-to-slow-down-massive-quantum-campus-project
U.S. DOE Announce New Funding for Quantum Simulation in Chemistry and Material Science
(Thursday, 24th October) The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through its Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), has announced a $30 million investment in the Quantum Computing for Computational Chemistry (QC³) programme. Project teams will identify specific problems where a quantum solution can provide x100 improvement over classical means. Read more: https://arpa-e.energy.gov/news-and-media/press-releases/us-department-energy-announces-30-million-use-quantum-computing
TELUS and Photonic Join Forces to Build Canada’s Quantum Future
(Monday, 28th October) Canada’s quantum communication future got a little brighter with the announcement of a first-of-its-kind collaboration between TELUS and Photonic Inc. This will see Photonic gain access to a 30km dedicated network in BC to advance the critical capabilities in quantum computing, networking, and QKD. The PureFibre testing network connects to TELUS’ national infrastructure, offering the future opportunity for nationwide testing. Read more: https://www.telus.com/en/about/news-and-events/media-releases/telus-and-photonic-join-forces-to-build-canadas-quantum-future
Japan Makes First Venture Investment in U.S. Quantum Computing
(Monday, 28th October) Qolab secured $3.5 million from Development Bank of Japan Inc., marking its first US quantum investment. Focused on utility-scale superconducting QC, Qolab has partnered with Applied Materials to enhance qubit quality through improved fabrication for practical applications. Read more: https://www.iotworldtoday.com/quantum/japanese-bank-invests-3-5m-in-us-quantum-startup
ORCA Computing Unveil the PT-2
(Tuesday, 29th October) ORCA Computing unveiled the latest product in their PT Series, special purpose photonic quantum computers for machine learning, the PT-2. End users can look forward exploring quantum-enhanced generative AI solutions through its integration with NVIDIA’s CUDA-Q development platform, which proclaims the nearest path to industrial scale quantum AI. Read more: https://orcacomputing.com/orca-computing-unveils-the-pt-2-delivering-quantum-enhanced-generative-ai-capabilities/
TQI Opens QPU Benchmarking Database to Public
(Wednesday, 30th October) Finally, taking on the immense challenge of benchmarking the quantum computing-world’s progress, The Quantum Insider publicly released their quantum processing unit (QPU) benchmarking tool for public access. Currently featuring 140 QPUs across 39 companies, the live and expansive database allows users to compare current offerings from various providers, how to gain cloud access, and how the QPUs compare on critical performance metrics including qubit count, gate fidelities, decoherence times, quantum volume and much more. Check it out here: https://app.thequantuminsider.com/quantum-cloud/qpu-benchmarking
Now you’re all caught up with our weekly news updates, let’s look at some other interesting news from around the world of quantum technologies that we haven’t yet covered!
Other big news!
China Plans Launch of New Quantum Communication Satellites
(Saturday, 5th October) According to an article in China Business News published 3rd October, China plans to launch two to three quantum communication satellites into low Earth orbit and another into medium Earth orbit in 2027. These satellites will work in conjunction with ground-based networks to form a global quantum communication network. This initiative aims to improve quantum key distribution and quantum entanglement technologies, allowing for more secure and extensive data transmission capabilities across great distances. Read more: https://spacenews.com/china-to-launch-new-quantum-communications-satellites-in-2025/#:~:text=The%20new%20satellites%20will%20be,in%20a%20matter%20of%20minutes
China Upgrades Its Domestic Wukong Quantum Computer Production Line
(Tuesday, 8th October) According to an update from Anhui Quantum Computing Engineering Research Center, China has upgraded its first domestic superconducting quantum computer production line, enhancing the performance of its 72-qubit quantum chip, Wukong. This upgrade aims to develop more advanced quantum chips with higher stability and performance, allowing for simultaneous assembly of more machines. The “Origin Wukong”, China’s 3rd-generation superconducting chip which began operation in January of this year, has reportedly completed over 270,000 tasks across 133 countries and regions around the world. Read more: https://www.ecns.cn/news/cns-wire/2024-10-08/detail-ihehxcae7639237.shtml
Airbus Select Multiverse Computing to Build Gesture Recognition Software for Fighter Pilots
(Wednesday, 9th October) Airbus Defence and Space selected Multiverse Computing to develop gesture recognition software for fighter pilots after the successful proposal of their “Quantum Gesture Recognition for Aerospace Control” project. This technology would allow pilots to control jet systems through gestures, enhancing situational awareness and efficiency. The project, part of the EPIIC European Defence Fund, aims to integrate quantum-inspired algorithms into cockpit interactions, including virtual and augmented reality technologies. The initiative involves over 20 entities across 12 European countries and runs until September 2025. Read more: https://multiversecomputing.com/resources/multiverse-computing-selected-by-airbus-to-build-gesture-recognition-software-for-fighter-pilots
Innovate UK Publish Quantum for Life
(Thursday, 10th October) The UK’s non-governmental organisation, Innovate UK, published their extensive report, Quantum for Life, highlighting major impacts of quantum technologies in life sciences and healthcare. The 52-page report details advancements in quantum computing, sensing, communications, and data security. Notable applications include highly accurate medical diagnostics through quantum sensors, including identification of breast cancers, trace detection of various blood cancers, enhanced glucose monitoring, X-ray imaging, and improved epilepsy monitoring; accelerated drug discovery as well as patient care and other applications via quantum computing, and secure transmission of medical data using quantum encryption. The report stresses the importance of collaboration and regulation in integrating these technologies into healthcare systems. Download a copy here: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/perspectives/explore-quantums-potential-in-healthcare/
lyntia Leads Pioneer Test of Quantum Cryptography Systems for Data Networks
(Friday, 11th October) lyntia led a pioneering test with partners Nokia, LuxQuanta, ID Quantique, evolutionQ, OFS Furukawa Solutions, and Digital Realty to demonstrate quantum cryptography for data networks using low-latency fibers. This proof of concept used QKD to secure data connections, integrating advanced “Hollow Core” fiber technology which reduces latency significantly. The test confirmed the viability of quantum cryptography to safeguard communications against quantum computing threats, ensuring enhanced security for data centre connections. Read more: https://www.lyntia.com/en/press/lyntia-leads-pioneer-test-of-quantum-cryptography-systems-for-data-networks-using-low-latency-fibres-in-collaboration-with-nokia-luxquanta-id-quantique-evolutionq-ofs-furukawa-solutions-and-dig/
Qunova Computing Crack Chemical Accuracy with Hardware-agnostic HiVQE Algorithm
(Monday, 14th October) Qunova Computing reported significant positive test results for their hardware-agnostic HiVQE algorithm across multiple Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) systems with as few as 40-60 qubits. In each test, the algorithm produced results with an accuracy below the 1.6 millihartrees threshold required for practical quantum chemistry applications, a standard referred to as ‘chemical accuracy’. Read more: https://qunovacomputing.com/news/113
QuEra and Google Announce Major Partnership
(Tuesday, 15th October) QuEra Computing received a strategic investment from Google Quantum AI of undisclosed value to advance the development of large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers using their neutral atom technology. This collaboration, involving Harvard and MIT, will focus on enhancing quantum error correction capabilities and other key technologies as outlined in QuEra’s strategic roadmap with the aim of developing quantum solutions for sectors such as materials, chemicals, life sciences, pharma, government, and financial services, which could enhance AI/machine learning technologies. Read more: https://www.quera.com/press-releases/quera-computing-announces-investment-from-key-strategic-partner-to-accelerate-development-of-large-scale-fault-tolerant-quantum-computers
IQM to Deliver Radiance Quantum Computers to LRZ
(Wednesday, 16th October) IQM has been chosen to deliver two advanced quantum computers for the Euro-Q-Exa system, a part of the European supercomputing infrastructure. The first, a 54-qubit system, will be delivered in the second half of 2025, and the second, a 150-qubit system, by the end of 2026. These systems will be integrated into the high-performance computing infrastructure at the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ) in Germany, enabling researchers and industry end-users across Europe to access hybrid HPC-QC workflows developed as part of the Munich Quantum Software Stack (MQSS). Read more: https://www.meetiqm.com/newsroom/press-releases/iqm-selected-to-deliver-two-advanced-quantum-computers-as-part-of-euro-q-exa-hybrid-system
Google Moonshot Aims for Multi-billion-dollar Valuation
(Friday, 18th October) SandboxAQ has targeted a $5 billion valuation to boost its AI and quantum technologies. Emerging from Google’s moonshot factory, SandboxAQ focuses on developing software tools which merge quantum computing with AI to revolutionise areas like cybersecurity and medicine. Read more: https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/18/eric-schmidts-sandboxaq-aims-for-5b-valuation-for-its-ai-quantum-google-moonshot/
IBM Guardium Data Security Center Set for Quantum-safe Upgrades
(Tuesday, 22nd October) IBM is advancing its IBM Guardium Data Security Center with a suite of new quantum-safe technology and AI security enhancements. The upgrades help secure sensitive data across environments, supporting data lifecycle protection with unified controls. The new system integrates workflows for data monitoring, response, and cryptography management, particularly aimed at protecting against risks associated with the adoption of quantum computing and AI technologies. Read more: https://newsroom.ibm.com/2024-10-22-ibm-advances-secure-ai-quantum-safe-technology-with-ibm-guardium-data-security-center
Nord Quantique Secures North American Semiconductor Supply Chain Through Two New Partnerships
(Wednesday, 23rd October) Nord Quantique announced two new partnerships to enhance its semiconductor supply chain for quantum computing. These collaborations with the MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre and NY CREATES, declared with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between each, focus on the fabrication of quantum microchips and superconducting qubits. The partnerships aim to secure long-term chip production, crucial for developing fault-tolerant quantum computers and reinforcing North American semiconductor manufacturing. Read more: https://nordquantique.ca/en/news/nord-quantique-secures-semiconductor-supply-chain-through-two-new-partnerships
NASA Plan Quantum Communication Testing in Upcoming Mission
(Thursday, 24th October) The SEAQUE experiment, part of the payload on the 31st SpaceX resupply mission to the International Space Station, focuses on establishing quantum communication in space between quantum computers. This effort aims to demonstrate the feasibility of extending quantum entanglement over large distances, potentially connecting quantum devices between Earth and space. The successful implementation of this technology could lead to the development of a secure, space-based quantum communication network, revolutionising how data is transmitted and protected in space environments. Read more: https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/biological-physical-sciences/nasa-science-on-health-safety-to-launch-on-31st-spacex-resupply-mission/
New Quantum-HPC Announced in Massachusetts
(Friday, 25th October) The Healey-Driscoll administration has allocated $5 million to set up a pioneering quantum computing complex at the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center (MGHPCC) in Holyoke. This initiative, conducted in partnership with QuEra Computing, is expected to span two years and aims to integrate a state-of-the-art neutral atom quantum computer. The project will foster open access research, enhance quantum hardware innovation, and offer hands-on training opportunities, supporting local quantum industry growth in Western Massachusetts. Read more: quera.com/press-releases/healey-driscoll-administration-awards-5-million-to-establish-the-nations-first-quantum-computing-complex?utm_content=314429509&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-70501755
UK Launches National Quantum Computing Centre
(Friday, 25th October) The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) was launched in Harwell, England. The new facility, which hosts 12 quantum computers from various providers, is open to industry and academia and aims to drive innovation in AI, energy, healthcare, and more. The facility includes a variety of educational programmes and focuses on practical applications like energy optimisation and drug discovery. This initiative is part of the UK’s broader effort to maintain leadership in quantum technologies, supported by significant funding and collaborative efforts. Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-national-quantum-laboratory-to-open-up-access-to-quantum-computing-unleashing-a-revolution-in-ai-energy-healthcare-and-more
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See you in the next monthly update!