Horizon plans multi-vendor software-and-hardware testbed, starting with Rigetti, Quantum Machines
Horizon Quantum Computing, one of the companies developing software and programming tools for quantum computers, is creating a testbed at its Singapore headquarters that will allow its Triple Alpha software stack to be integrated with quantum computing hardware from a variety of suppliers, Rigetti Computing being the first among those integration partners.
Though there have been many similar testbeds or testing environments involving both hardware and software vendors, Horizon’s could be the first operated by a software stack provider with the modularity to host multiple quantum computers or processors at its own site. By acquiring its own hardware, Horizon said it gains full control over both hardware and software stacks. The company added that rather than implementing a single-vendor solution, it has purposely selected best-in-class components from different providers for a multi-vendor model with modularity that will allow Horizon to integrate its software stack with different hardware configurations, and upgrade the system over time.
The first integrated system will be based on Rigetti’s Novera quantum processor and Quantum Machines OPX1000 processor-based quantum controller from Quantum Machines, and is expected to be installed by early 2025.
“Recent progress on quantum processors and error correction has underscored the rapid pace of progress in the field,” said Dr Joe Fitzsimons, Founder and CEO at Horizon Quantum Computing. “We are taking the step of creating this testbed because we believe that tight integration between hardware and software is the shortest path to truly useful quantum computing. We are delighted to work with Rigetti Computing and Quantum Machines on our first system.”
The testbed could prove to be a high-profile showcase for Rigetti’s Novera QPU, which the company launched last December after the California firm said it saw increasing demand for a small-scale QPU that other parties could integrate with their own gear to build a full system.
Rigetti CEO Dr Subodh Kulkarni said, “We are thrilled that Horizon has selected the Novera QPU for their first quantum computing system. Establishing high performing on-premise quantum computing capabilities is key for working towards useful quantum computing.”
At the time of Rigetti’s commercial launch of the Novera QPU, the company suggested it could be used to test and help evolve the capabilities of companies working in the control electronics space, like Quantum Machines. Dr Itamar Sivan, co-founder and CEO of Quantum Machines, said upon the announcement of the Horizon testbed that his company’s emphasis on scalability, interoperability, and modularity resonate with the capabilities of Horizon’s Triple Alpha stack.
“This collaboration with industry pioneers like Horizon and Rigetti not only showcases the adaptability and effectiveness of our processor-based OPX1000 controller in diverse setups, but also marks a significant step forward in the collective journey towards useful quantum computers,” Sivan said.
Dan O’Shea has covered telecommunications and related topics including semiconductors, sensors, retail systems, digital payments and quantum computing/technology for over 25 years.
