QShield, IBM, ISACA, Berkeley Lab, Rigetti, Terra Quantum, Siemens and the US– The Week in Quantum Computing – May 5th 2025
Issue #233
Quick Recap
Private investment shot past $1.2 billion in Q1 2025, led by QuEra’s $230 million, IonQ’s $360 million. PQShield launched the UltraPQ-Suite, aligning with NSA’s CNSA 2.0 and featuring FIPS 140-3 certification, which CEO Ali El Kaafarani and Dr. Axel Y. Poschmann say addresses RSA phase-out demands. In China, Stephen Chen’s team tested a drone-based quantum sensor that can detect submarines at picotesla levels, potentially reshaping maritime security. Meanwhile, Mirko Pittaluga and Andrew J. Shields pushed twin-field QKD over 254 km in Germany at 110 bits per second, marking a milestone in long-distance secure communications. IBM’s $150 billion investment over five years—including $30 billion in mainframe and quantum R&D—strengthens its 300-member network and 600,000 users. While commiting a deployment of a Heron system in India. ISACA warns that 95% of organizations still lack a quantum roadmap, highlighting critical readiness gaps. Experts see quantum surpassing AI’s disruptive power, echoed by Berkeley Lab’s multi-pronged research in hardware, materials, and error mitigation. Rigetti won a $5.48 million Air Force grant with academic and national lab partners to refine qubit fabrication, and Terra Quantum partnered with Siemens to embed secure quantum tech into next-generation digital twins.
The Week in Quantum Computing
PQShield launches UltraPQ-Suite for deeply specialized implementations of post-quantum cryptography
PQShield introduced the UltraPQ-Suite in 2025, featuring PQPlatform-TrustSys, an advanced Root of Trust solution aligned with emerging PQC regulations like the NSA’s CNSA 2.0. “2025 is where we run into the real challenge—implementation,” remarks Ali El Kaafarani, founder and CEO. Dr Axel Y. Poschmann highlights that the product suite caters to ASIC and FPGA manufacturers, ensuring quantum-safe hardware aligned with NIST benchmarks and the RSA phase-out deadline of 2035. The suite’s three pillars—ultra fast, ultra secure, and ultra small—address performance, security, and footprint constraints, critical for sectors like networking and IoT. PQShield’s FIPS 140-3 certification underscores robust cryptographic standards and pushes the global transition to quantum security.
Quantum Startups Secure $1 Billion+ in Q1 as Commercial Race Accelerates
Private investment in quantum soared past $1.2 billion in Q1 2025, rising 125% year-over-year. QuEra raised $230 million, IonQ secured $360 million plus acquired ID Quantique, and Quantum Machines closed a $170 million round. IonQ named Niccolò de Masi as CEO, signaling strategic shifts. D-Wave claimed “quantum supremacy” in materials simulation (although it was contested). Microsoft introduced its Majorana 1 chip but faces skepticism; the scientific community calls for replication, emphasizing the need for validation. “Quantum computing may not deliver very useful systems for another 15 to 30 years,” warned NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang. Analysts note surging consolidation among fewer firms, while the UK Government’s 2035 cryptography deadline underscores a pressing focus on real-world adoption.
China unveils drone-mounted quantum device for submarine detection in South China Sea
In 2025, Chinese scientists led by Stephen Chen in Beijing, as reported by the South China Morning Post, revealed a drone-mounted quantum sensor system with picotesla-level magnetic detection. This technology, tested in the South China Sea, can track submarine activity and map seabed resources by overcoming blind zones typical in low-latitude regions. The People’s Liberation Army’s submarines could benefit through pinpoint detection of underwater vessels and their tail waves, according to some published studies. Conventional optically pumped magnetometers struggle with parallel magnetic-field alignments, a challenge addressed by the new device. Its emerging role in quantum computing could shift maritime security dynamics, though the system’s ultimate impact awaits further testing.
Long-distance coherent quantum communications in deployed telecom networks
Mirko Pittaluga, Andrew J. Shields, and colleagues have demonstrated coherence-based twin-field QKD over a 254-kilometre commercial telecom link between Frankfurt and Kehl, Germany, achieving 110 bits per second without cryogenic detectors. “Our results demonstrate repeater-like quantum communication in an operational network setting, doubling the distance for practical real-world QKD,” they write. This innovative setup uses scalable optical coherence distribution and non-cryogenic single-photon detection, highlighting a measurement-device-independent design. By aligning with telecom infrastructure, these findings are vital for 2025’s push toward advanced quantum networks, from clock synchronization to distributed computing. The achievement underscores a rapidly evolving quantum landscape, where bridging infrastructure gaps paves the way for broader adoption of secure, long-distance quantum communications.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08801-w
IBM Unveils $150 Billion Investment in America to Accelerate Technology Opportunity
IBM plans a $150B US investment over five years, with $30B earmarked for mainframe and quantum R&D, reflecting its drive for advanced computing. “Technology doesn’t just build the future—it defines it,” said CEO Arvind Krishna. The company continues manufacturing quantum computers in America, a crucial milestone in 2025 as quantum becomes vital to defense, research, and commerce. IBM’s network now includes nearly 300 institutions and 600,000 users accessing the world’s largest quantum fleet. This development underscores quantum’s expanding role in fostering breakthroughs from cryptography to drug discovery, echoing the growing sense that quantum could revolutionize modern technology. IBM’s commitment highlights the mounting drive for quantum supremacy, intensifying competition while opening new avenues for innovation.
Despite Rising Concerns, 95% of Organizations Lack a Quantum Computing Roadmap, ISACA Finds
In 2025, ISACA’s latest finding from Schaumburg, Illinois reveals that 95% of organizations lack a quantum computing roadmap, despite rising concerns over security vulnerabilities. This statistic underscores widespread unpreparedness for looming quantum threats, which could compromise sensitive data and cryptographic protocols. The absence of a clear strategic plan also raises doubts about how enterprise infrastructures will harness quantum advantages. ISACA’s insights encourage organizations to develop proactive policies for managing quantum disruptions before advancing technology outpaces current measures. Ongoing research highlights the critical need for robust frameworks to address quantum-era challenges, spurring a sense of urgency as breakthroughs accelerate faster than many can anticipate.
Microsoft Investing in American leadership in quantum technology: the next frontier in innovation
In 2025, quantum computing is positioned as a pivotal leap beyond AI, which “has captured the public imagination—and with good reason,” transforming our work, creativity, and learning. Emphasizing new frontiers, the text underscores investing in American leadership in quantum technology to catalyze this transformative innovation. By harnessing the lessons learned from AI’s success, quantum systems could unlock unprecedented computational power for scientific, industrial, and national applications. Bolstering these investments now promises to accelerate disruptive breakthroughs and maintain a competitive edge in innovation.
https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2025/04/28/investing-in-american-leadership-quantum/
Seven Ways Berkeley Lab is Pioneering the Quantum Future
By 2025, Berkeley Lab advances quantum science on multiple fronts. Leading the DOE’s Quantum Systems Accelerator, it unites 15 institutions to drive quantum information breakthroughs. Its Advanced Quantum Testbed refines superconducting qubits, boosting noise resilience via new etching. QubiC, an open-source control system for superconducting processors, now integrates AI. QUANT-NET is building a distributed quantum network with UC Berkeley. Researchers pioneer quantum materials, simulate subatomic phenomena on advanced quantum hardware, and refine error mitigation. A femtosecond-laser technique is enabling telecom-band optical qubits in silicon. Quantum sensors target dark matter detection. Today’s progress sets the stage for extraordinary computational capabilities that stand to reshape innovation and scientific discovery.
https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2025/04/23/seven-ways-berkeley-lab-is-pioneering-the-quantum-future/
Rigetti Granted Air Force Office of Scientific Research Award to Further Develop Breakthrough Chip Fabrication Technology
Rigetti has secured a $5.48 million award from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research to refine its chip fabrication process, Alternating-Bias Assisted Annealing (ABAA), with Iowa State University, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, the University of Connecticut, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. “This project gives us access to the resources and expertise to unlock the full potential of ABAA,” says Rigetti CEO Dr. Subodh Kulkarni. Aiming to curb defects in superconducting qubits called two-level systems (TLSs), ABAA promises more precise qubit frequencies, higher two-qubit gate fidelity, and improved scalability. The year 2025 sees crucial strides in quantum hardware, narrowing the path toward large-scale fault-tolerant computing.
Terra Quantum partners with Siemens to unlock quantum advantage for sovereign automotive and drone systems
Terra Quantum and Siemens Cre8Ventures joined forces in April 2025, adopting quantum technologies for sovereign automotive and drone infrastructure. “Quantum technology is the key to Europe’s digital sovereignty,” stated Terra Quantum CEO Markus Pflitsch, emphasizing secure, scalable quantum capabilities within Siemens’ digital twin ecosystem. Dr. Florian Neukart, Terra Quantum’s CPO, stressed, “Our TQ42 platform…making quantum accessible to innovators across Europe.” Key quantum components include QKD, post-quantum cryptography, and hybrid quantum-classical algorithms that bolster simulation, routing, and mission planning. This collaboration aligns with the EU Chips Act, offering start-ups and universities robust quantum solutions. Embedding quantum power securely into next-generation mobility systems demonstrates Europe’s momentum toward dedicated quantum innovation in 2025.
Quantum-Proof Your Data: Revolutionizing FormSG with SafeQuard by pQCee
Ng Yu Hueng’s April 22, 2025 announcement spotlights the integration of SafeQuard by pQCee into FormSG, tackling the “Harvest-Now-Decrypt-Later” threat. SafeQuard employs post-quantum algorithms to protect data against Shor’s algorithm, which can break RSA and ECC in polynomial time. “This isn’t just a technical deep dive—it’s a reflection of why this integration matters,” said Ng Yu Hueng. Encrypted attachment buffers undergo virus scanning without jeopardizing security. By embedding quantum-resistant encryption client-side, sensitive information remains secure even if intercepted. This move underlines the growing urgency to fortify applications as quantum computing capabilities advance, reinforcing that resilient cryptography is a crucial pillar of digital defense in 2025.
https://qcve.org/blog/quantum-proof-your-data-revolutionizing-formsg-with-safequard-by-pqcee
Moth Infinite
MOTH and ILa’s “RECURSE [Infinite Mix]” merges quantum AI with music in 2025, using the IQM Quantum Computer for an infinitely generated remix. The Archaeo quantum software platform addresses “major limitations in current procedural content and AI generation tools.” ILĀ, a transgender mixed-race artist, contributed original musical sequences. “No external data, private or public, was used to train the quantum AI models,” highlights MOTH, ensuring artist-first control. This collaboration showcases how quantum computing can push creative boundaries without sacrificing transparency or intellectual property. Even as quantum research evolves rapidly, Archaeo signals a new frontier for generative AI in music and beyond.
https://infinite.mothquantum.com/
Quantum Security and Military Applications, and International Security and Policy
In 2025, quantum security’s rapid development spurs urgent defense and policy analyses, with NATO and SIPRI paying close attention. Michal Krelina’s studies highlight quantum encryption’s power to upend current cybersecurity, quantum-enhanced radars for electronic warfare, and space-based quantum intelligence. “Unhackable” quantum communication is a myth, note Krelina and Manoj Harjani (2023), emphasizing that no system is fully breach-proof. The Journal of the JAPCC charts timelines for quantum-based ISR, PNT, and radar, while QuDef and Sympulse studies explore impacts on arms control and global stability. Researchers underscore the need for forward-looking strategies, as readiness to integrate these transformative technologies remains crucial in quantum computing’s pivotal year.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-work-quantum-security-military-applications-michal-krelina-44vcf
MIT engineers advance toward a fault-tolerant quantum computer
In 2025, MIT engineers led by Yufeng “Bright” Ye (PhD ’24) and Kevin O’Brien demonstrated the strongest nonlinear light-matter coupling yet, about an order of magnitude beyond previous results. Their novel quarton coupler architecture could boost quantum operations and readout speeds by roughly 10 times. “This would really eliminate one of the bottlenecks in quantum computing,” says Ye, underscoring how stronger nonlinear interactions accelerate fault-tolerant systems. By feeding more current into the coupler, they enhance interactions between qubits and microwave photons, vital for fast logic and measurements. “This is the fundamental physics demonstration, but there is work going on in the group now to realize really fast readout,” notes O’Brien, signaling a leap toward practical error-corrected quantum devices.
https://news.mit.edu/2025/mit-engineers-advance-toward-fault-tolerant-quantum-computer-0430
Scaling Advantage in Approximate Optimization with Quantum Annealing
Researchers have published a new study claiming that quantum annealing can outperform classical simulated annealing when solving a specific kind of complex optimization problem called the Sherrington-Kirkpatrick (SK) spin glass model. In their simulations, quantum annealing found lower-energy (i.e., better) solutions more efficiently, suggesting that quantum methods might offer a meaningful advantage in approximate optimization tasks. If this result holds more broadly, it could be an important milestone in demonstrating practical benefits from quantum computing.
However, it’s worth noting that these results come from idealized simulations, not real-world quantum hardware. That means no noise, no decoherence, and none of the messy realities that current quantum machines face. And while the SK model is challenging, it’s still a very specific case—not necessarily representative of the kinds of problems businesses or scientists deal with every day. So while the results are promising, we should stay cautious about overhyping them until they’ve been tested in more realistic conditions.
https://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.160601
IBM, Tata Consultancy Services and Government of Andhra Pradesh Unveil Plans to Deploy India’s Largest Quantum Computer in the Country’s First Quantum Valley Tech Park
IBM, TCS, and the Government of Andhra Pradesh plan to establish India’s largest quantum computer in Amaravati by 2025 at the new Quantum Valley Tech Park. The proposed 156-qubit Heron processor, built on IBM’s Quantum System Two, aims to accelerate algorithm and application development. N. Chandrababu Naidu calls it a “true center of innovation,” while Jay Gambetta sees it as paving the way for “a successful demonstration of quantum advantage.” Dr. Harrick Vin highlights TCS’s role in developing cross-industry use cases. Anchored by IBM’s system, this project will provide cloud-based quantum access, fostering a vibrant R&D community aligned with India’s National Quantum Mission and signaling a powerful leap in quantum computing’s local adoption.
Surface Code-Enhanced QRAM Reduces Overhead in Quantum Computing
On April 30, 2025, Ansh Singal and Kaitlin N. Smith introduced “Heterogeneously error-corrected QRAMs,” employing surface code error correction with heterogeneous code distances. “We propose a surface code-based QRAM using heterogeneous code distances, achieving higher-fidelity queries with reduced qubit overhead,” wrote Singal and Smith. This method delivers a 10x cut in resource needs, addressing decoherence and significantly enhancing query fidelity. Their approach demonstrates polylogarithmic error reductions while maintaining constant scaling, crucial for quantum computing’s scalability. Researchers highlight improved machine learning and optimization potential, reflecting a leap toward practical quantum systems in 2025.
https://quantumzeitgeist.com/surface-code-enhanced-qram-reduces-overhead-in-quantum-computing/
Post Quantum Government Initiatives by Country and Region
Governments worldwide are intensifying post-quantum cryptography (PQC) programs in 2025. The U.S. references NIST’s deadlines extending to 2033, while the G7’s 2024 statement urges: “We must plan for the opportunities and risks of quantum computing.” ENISA in the EU calls for a coordinated roadmap by 2026, and China’s NICCS sets milestones for next-generation commercial cryptographic algorithms by 2025. National cyber agencies (e.g., Australia’s ACSC, Canada’s CSE) advise taking inventory and preparing transitions. Financial institutions in Israel and Singapore face new regulatory requirements, prompting urgent PQC planning. These synchronized timelines reinforce the importance of quantum-proof standards and highlight the global race to protect critical infrastructure against emerging quantum threats.
https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/post-quantum-government-initiatives-by-country-and-region/
University unveils new £2.5M quantum-enabled Optical Ground Station
Heriot-Watt University’s new £2.5M Quantum Communications Hub Optical Ground Station (HOGS), unveiled on 2 May 2025, enhances the UK’s space-based quantum security. Dr Ross Donaldson hailed it as “a quantum leap for UK communications security,” citing quantum key distribution to thwart evolving cyber threats. The facility’s 70-centimetre telescope and single-photon detectors underpin an ultra-secure quantum internet, crucial for financial and healthcare data protection. Collaborations with Bristol, Strathclyde, York, and RAL Space reinforce its impact. Professor Tim Spiller emphasized HOGS as “a key next step” in satellite-based quantum security, while Professor Gerald Buller noted its potential to keep the UK “at the very forefront of quantum networking.” Such breakthroughs illuminate 2025’s rapidly advancing quantum landscape.
https://www.hw.ac.uk/news/2025/university-unveils-new-2.5m-quantum-enabled-optical-ground-station
Universal distributed blind quantum computing with solid-state qubits
In this 2025 study from Qi Hu and colleagues (Science), a measurement-induced phase transition secures quantum memory behind an event horizon. For quantum computing, that is significant because it demonstrates data preservation in extreme conditions. The team employed random circuit models to show that targeted measurements can spur a shift from entangled states to a protective regime. “This phenomenon opens new avenues for robust quantum memory,” said Qi Hu. Such synergy of quantum information with gravitational theory suggests potential breakthroughs for next-generation hardware. These findings extend our understanding of quantum entanglement, offering fresh approaches to fault-tolerant quantum architectures.