Cisco and Quantinuum among founding members of Nu Quantum data centre alliance
The Quantum Datacenter Alliance (QDA) is designed to bring together leading companies representing different layers of the quantum computing stack and create a forum on data centre-scale quantum computers.
By collecting complementary perspectives from across the ecosystem, the QDA presents an open community to discuss the opportunities and challenges on the road to building large, scalable and robust quantum computing services.
Founding members of the QDA are:
- Cisco, worldwide technology leader
- Nu Quantum, networking for distributed quantum computing
- NTT DATA, information technology and data centre services
- OQC, superconducting quantum computing
- QphoX, Quantum interfaces to enable networked quantum computation
- Quantinuum, multi-unicorn specialising in trapped ion quantum computing
- QuEra, neutral-atom quantum computing
The QDA will host an inaugural in-person event in 2025 to share insights and explore topics such as distributed architectures, scaling, standardisation and interoperability. You can register interest at qda.global.
Carmen Palacios-Berraquero, CEO at Nu Quantum, said: “We are proud to found the QDA with some amazing partners. The interactions we have had with other members have been incredibly enlightening and underline the importance of cross-industry discussion to accelerate the maturity of the quantum computing industry. We look forward to welcoming more members and associates to accelerate the industry further.”
Bill Gartner, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cisco’s Optical Systems and Optics added: “As a global leader in networking, Cisco acknowledges the critical role of cutting-edge research in driving innovation.
“Quantum networking, as a catalyst for distributed quantum computing, aligns closely with our strategic objectives of creating flexible, high-performance, and energy-efficient network solutions.
“We are confident that collaborating in the development of this groundbreaking technology can expedite its market entry and unlock transformative business value.”
Simon Phillips, CTO at Oxford Quantum Circuits, said: “As the first in the world to deploy a quantum computer into a colocation data centre, OQC are incredibly excited to be a part of the QDA initiative. For quantum computing to truly begin unlocking transformative business value, it cannot work in isolation: continuing to utilise the infrastructure of data centres will be critical in shaping the future of the quantum industry.”
Jenni Strabley, Vice President, and General Manager of Compute Products at Quantinuum, said: “We embrace collaborations like the QDA that support and develop potential technology paths to fast-track universal, fault-tolerant quantum computing.
“Partnerships are key to building a complete quantum stack and unlocking transformative possibilities. We appreciate the highly innovative work led by groups in the UK, a global hub of quantum innovation that we’re proud to be a part of.”
Founded in 2018, Nu Quantum is a spin-out of the University of Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory. In November 2023, the company raised an £8.5million pre-series A round from main investors Amadeus Capital Partners, Expeditions Fund, and IQ Capital.
