Pasqal and Welinq align to develop interconnected, multi-QPU systems
Quantum computing firm Pasqal and quantum networking company Welinq, both based in France, have partnered in pursuit of a vision for interconnected, multi-QPU systems to support qubit scaling for fault-tolerant computing.
The companies plan to match Pasqal’s neutral-atom quantum computing technology and QPUs (quantum processing units) with Welinq’s quantum interconnect technology based on quantum memories too address the complexities around the increasing numbers of qubits that will be required not only to carry out quantum computing tasks, but also support correction of errors that are likely to arise.
Central to the partnership’s plan is Welinq’s quantum memory technology that leverages cold neutral atoms, and which is used to create full-stack turnkey quantum links between Pasqal QPUs that allow for qubit scaling.
Welinq, which very recently received an EIC grant to support its quantum networking research, and Pasqal, which has been working with many companies on quantum computing projects in recent years, outlined their goals for achieving multiple milestones over the next several years:
- By the end of 2024, Welinq targets an industrial prototype of their neutral atom quantum memory with cutting-edge efficiency, storage time, and fidelity, while over the same timeframe Pasqal is aiming for a breakthrough to achieve 1000-qubit QPUs.
- By the 2026-2027 time range, the pair is projected to be working with 10,000-qubit QPUs and high-fidelity two-qubit gates.
- By 2030, they aim to foster a thriving quantum computing ecosystem, driving major scientific and commercial advancements.
The vision for eventual interconnected multi-QPU systems is expected to lead to secure quantum information sharing and the ushering in of an era of large-scale quantum computation.
Georges-Olivier Reymond, CEO & Co-founder of Pasqal, stated, “The partnership between Pasqal and Welinq is a strategic step towards practical quantum computing. Our collaboration is centered on creating tangible solutions by integrating Pasqal’s precision in quantum processing with Welinq’s innovative networking and quantum memory systems. This is quantum advancement with real-world application in mind, striving to solve complex problems with greater efficiency and reliability.”
Welinq CEO & Co-founder Tom Darras added, “I am delighted to see that Welinq’s unique vision for the scale-up of quantum computing is in alignment with quantum computing leaders like Pasqal. This is a landmark for boosting the global quantum community towards achieving practical quantum computing in networked quantum computer architectures.”
Raphael de Thoury, CEO of Pasqal’s Canadian subsidiary, is scheduled to speak at IQT’s June event in Vancouver, Canada.
Dan O’Shea has covered telecommunications and related topics including semiconductors, sensors, retail systems, digital payments and quantum computing/technology for over 25 years.
