Classiq, D-Wave, Fujitsu, Xanadu, Cisco and mucho K8S - The Week in Quantum Computing, August 4th
Issue #247
Quick Recap
Classiq Technologies expanded its Series C fundraising with new investments from SoftBank Vision Fund 2 and CDP Venture Capital, following their earlier $110M round. D-Wave Quantum Inc. launched a strategic cryogenic packaging initiative in partnership with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Fujitsu, with backing from NEDO, AIST, and RIKEN, began developing a superconducting quantum computer expected to exceed 10,000 qubits by 2030, expanding their STAR architecture and focusing on chip-to-chip integration and scalable error correction. Kubernetes announced the ability to configure post-quantum algorithms for TLS in its upcoming v1.34 release, reflecting increased urgency in cybersecurity. DARPA unveiled the HARQ program, aiming for scalable, heterogeneous quantum architectures to address military requirements in 2025. Argonne National Laboratory led a discovery of promising qubit defects in magnesium oxide, advancing spin-based quantum memory research. Xanadu and HyperLight set new photonic chip benchmarks with sub-2dB/m waveguide loss and record-low switch loss, highlighting commercial viability for photonic quantum computers. Cisco Quantum Lab introduced a chip generating 200 million entangled photon pairs per second at room temperature, facilitating quantum networking over standard fibers.
Did you see the Quantum H1 2025 recap? If not, here it is again!
The Week in Quantum Computing
Post-Quantum Cryptography in Kubernetes
The Kubernetes project announced its initial steps toward post-quantum cryptography in its 2025 v1.34 release, highlighting the urgency posed by potential quantum-related vulnerabilities in widely used protocols such as TLS. This update signifies that Kubernetes maintainers are aware of “NIST’s ongoing standardization of post-quantum algorithms” and are “experimenting with hybrid key exchange mechanisms” to defend against future quantum attacks. No default algorithms have been changed, but Kubernetes can now be configured with candidate post-quantum schemes for TLS connections. This move, while early, represents a proactive alignment of cloud-native infrastructure with anticipated cryptographic standards, reflecting the growing awareness across open-source communities of quantum threats materializing in the coming decade.
Researchers to brief industry on military quantum computing in applications like sensors and communications
DARPA will brief industry on August 8, 2025, regarding the Heterogeneous Architectures for Quantum (HARQ) program, which seeks to develop scalable, efficient quantum computing frameworks for military sensors and communications. The program targets integration of diverse quantum and classical components, with a focus on quantum interconnects, circuit compilers, and memory. HARQ’s two technical areas, MOSAIC (software for multi-qubit compilation) and Quantum Shared Backbone (interconnect technologies), aim to surpass the limitations of current homogeneous quantum systems reliant on one qubit species. By advancing modular, optimized architectures, DARPA intends to foster innovations that could position heterogeneous quantum computing as a practical solution to military and aerospace challenges in 2025.
Researchers Zero in on a New Material for Quantum Information Storage
A team led by Argonne National Laboratory, including researchers from the University of Chicago and Linköping University, identified a nitrogen-vacancy center in magnesium oxide as a promising candidate for quantum information storage. Using high-throughput screening of nearly 3,000 defects, they narrowed the field to 40 potential spin defects and ultimately focused on one nitrogen-vacancy center, analogous to those previously explored in diamond but within the widely used microelectronic material magnesium oxide. Detailed characterization was enabled by DOE-funded computational resources, including the Polaris supercomputer. According to Vrindaa Somjit, this work offers “deep insight into the magnesium oxide host and the nitrogen-vacancy qubit” and positions magnesium oxide as a potential new platform for spin-based qubits in quantum technologies in 2025.
D-Wave Quantum Announces Strategic Development Initiative for Advanced Cryogenic Packaging
On July 30, 2025, D-Wave Quantum Inc. announced a strategic initiative to advance cryogenic packaging aimed at accelerating the scaling of both gate model and annealing quantum processors. Leveraging NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s superconducting bump-bond process, D-Wave demonstrated end-to-end superconducting interconnects, foundational for scaling its annealing and fluxonium-based gate-model architectures. The initiative will also enhance D-Wave’s multichip packaging capabilities and increase circuit densities in superconducting PCB manufacturing. Dr. Trevor Lanting, D-Wave’s chief development officer, emphasized, “Scaling both annealing and gate-model quantum computers requires high performance packaging,” positioning this as pivotal for D-Wave’s roadmap toward 100,000 qubits.
Xanadu and HyperLight unveil groundbreaking advancements in photonic chips, setting new benchmarks for quantum computing performance
Xanadu and HyperLight have announced significant progress in photonic chip technology, introducing advancements they claim set “new benchmarks for quantum computing performance.” Although specific performance figures are not detailed in the release, the emphasis on photonic chips highlights both companies’ focus on advancing the scalability and speed of quantum systems. This development is notable in 2025 as photonic approaches compete with superconducting and trapped ion modalities, reflecting ongoing efforts to address quantum computing’s key challenges in scalability and stability. The collaboration underscores industry momentum toward making quantum hardware commercially viable.
Fujitsu starts official development of plus-10,000 qubit superconducting quantum computer targeting completion in 2030
Fujitsu has launched official development of a superconducting quantum computer exceeding 10,000 qubits, targeting completion by 2030, with support from Japan’s NEDO and in collaboration with AIST and RIKEN. The system will feature 250 logical qubits using the proprietary STAR architecture, with plans for 1,000 logical qubits by 2035 and ongoing integration of superconducting and diamond spin-based qubits. Key technical focuses include high-precision Josephson Junction manufacturing, chip-to-chip interconnects, and scalable error correction. This builds on Fujitsu’s STAR architecture, which can simulate 60,000 qubits 18,000 times faster than conventional computers, and follows their 256-qubit system unveiled in April 2025. The project marks Japan’s ambition for industrial-scale, practical quantum computing.
At Cisco, bold steps towards a quantum network
Cisco’s Quantum Lab has unveiled a quantum entanglement source chip capable of generating up to 200 million pairs of entangled photons per second at telco frequencies, allowing transmission over standard fiber networks. This room-temperature, low-energy chip achieves over 99% photon entanglement fidelity, a significant leap from existing quantum hardware that typically requires extreme cryogenic conditions. According to lab lead Reza Nejabati, the chip is a “foundation of our quantum network” and part of a broader strategy to connect smaller quantum processes into scalable distributed systems, as described by Vijoy Pandey. With immediate applications in sectors like finance and robotics, this prototype marks a rare, practical step toward quantum networking, potentially accelerating real-world quantum computing faster than anticipated.
SoftBank Vision Fund 2 Makes Strategic Investment in Classiq, Expanding Series C
Classiq Technologies, a leading quantum software platform, has expanded its Series C round with strategic investments from SoftBank Vision Fund 2 and CDP Venture Capital, Italy’s largest venture operator. This follows Classiq’s record-setting $110M Series C led by Entrée Capital earlier this year. SoftBank’s R&D team conducted an “in-depth evaluation” validating Classiq’s ability to generate high-performance quantum circuits that reduce costs and yield superior results on current quantum hardware. The new funding will accelerate product development and global partnerships, targeting sectors like finance, energy, and pharmaceuticals. CDP’s backing underscores a drive to boost Italy’s digital sovereignty and Europe’s deep tech momentum, reflecting an increased focus on scalable, accessible quantum solutions in 2025.
Karnataka launches Rs 1,000 crore Quantum Mission, to set up Q-city near Bengaluru
The Karnataka government has launched a Rs 1,000-crore Quantum Mission to transform the state into a $20 billion quantum economy by 2035 and position it as the “quantum capital of Asia.” Announced at the Quantum India Summit 2025 in Bengaluru, the plan includes establishing Q-City near Bengaluru as a hub for quantum tech innovation, research, and manufacturing. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah aims to create 10,000 high-skilled jobs, generate at least 100 patents, and support over 100 startups. Karnataka already hosts India’s first commercially deployable quantum computer and will operationalize domestic quantum chip fabrication by year-end.
Microsoft CEO sends a surprising message on quantum computing
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has tempered expectations for quantum computing in 2025, stating that "quantum computing is a ways away from becoming mainstream." This message comes despite Microsoft’s ongoing quantum research initiatives. Nadella emphasized the technology’s promise but highlighted that it is "not at the stage where it’s commercially viable or practical for wide-scale deployment." Microsoft continues to invest in quantum development, yet acknowledges current technical barriers. In a year marked by announcements from quantum startups and major tech firms, Nadella’s remarks underline the persistent gap between quantum computing’s theoretical potential and its real-world readiness, signaling to the industry that significant breakthroughs and commercial applications remain several years off.
Canada's first quantum computing hub boots up in southern Alberta | CBC News
SuperQ Quantum Computing has launched Canada’s first public quantum computing hub at the Tecconnect innovation centre in Lethbridge, Alberta. Founder Muhammad Khan introduced the web-based Super platform, which lets businesses solve problems—like supply chain optimization or staff scheduling—by accessing a hybrid classical-quantum system through plain English queries. The system is set to expand globally, with additional hubs planned in Canada, the US, Europe, India, and the UAE. Economic Development Lethbridge’s Renae Barlow emphasized the hub’s role in helping southern Alberta businesses maintain a competitive edge, offering workshops and training. Interest includes applications in AI-driven healthcare and agricultural analysis.
Thanks Sergio for keeping your finger on the pulsde of the quantum ecosystem - so helpful!