QuintessenceLabs, Canada goes DARPA, Origin Wukong, Sparrow - The Week in Quantum Computing - April 14th 2025
Issue #230
Quick Recap
QuintessenceLabs has secured a $15M investment from the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation in a $20M round, complemented by $18.5M in federal funding for the Australian Centre for Quantum Growth. Sparrow quantum got funding from the Novo Foundation. Three Canadian firms—Xanadu, Photonic, and Nord Quantique—could each receive up to $316M under DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, while India’s first 6-qubit quantum computer at TIFR is backed by DRDO. China’s Anhui Quantum Computing Engineering Research Center fine-tuned a billion-parameter AI model on their 72-qubit Origin Wukong, achieving a 15% loss reduction (Note: This does not mean they have trained an LLM with quantum!!!), and Northeastern University engineers Cristian Cassella and Marvin Onabajo are developing CMOS-based chips projected to use “10 times less power.” Meanwhile, authors Ananth Kaushik et al. ran a MAL-VQA quantum algorithm on IonQ’s Aria and Forte, and Anuj Apte’s team demonstrated an iterative interpolation technique for QAOA with over 1000 layers. Rusty Flint showcased a QKD network with efficient post-quantum cryptography. On the PQC side OpenSSL 3.5 was introduced with new QUIC features. Russ Fein compiled fantastic learning resources to get into the field.
* Probably not
How many quantum computers are in the world?
Neil Abroug and Olivier Ezratty give us the answer here. Around 100. And this is how they are deployed.
The Week in Quantum Computing
Northeastern engineers develop next-gen chips to tackle quantum computing’s biggest bottlenecks
Northeastern University engineers Cristian Cassella and Marvin Onabajo are tackling quantum computing’s critical hurdles in 2025 with next-generation CMOS-based chips designed to solve QUBO problems more efficiently than oscillator Ising machines. “This technology could be an enabler of solving problems that can’t be currently solved with accessible computational technologies,” Cassella says. The new chips are projected to use “10 times less power,” reducing cost and improving scalability. “This will enable the use of standard manufacturing processes for the mass production of computer processors and chips,” Onabajo adds. Their work, supported by Northeastern’s Young Scholars Program, offers a promising shift toward more powerful and accessible quantum computing solutions.
https://news.northeastern.edu/2025/04/04/quantum-computing-low-powered-chips/
Paper: Quantum Computing for Optimizing Aircraft Loading
In 2025, authors Ananth Kaushik, Sang Hyub Kim, Willie Aboumrad, Martin Roetteler, Albana Topi, and Richard Ashworth present a MAL-VQA-based quantum algorithm that tackles the challenging aircraft loading optimization problem. “We propose a quantum approach… so that the quantum optimization algorithm can be run on near-term ion-trap quantum processing units (QPU),” the team reports. Executions on IonQ’s Aria and Forte, spanning 12 to 28 qubits, produced optimal solutions. The introduced cost function handles complex constraints without extra slack variables, making it highly scalable. This approach highlights the continuing progress of quantum computing to address real-world logistical tasks in an era of limited qubits.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.01567v1
Quantum Outfit QuintessenceLabs Lands $15M NRF Boost
QuintessenceLabs has secured a $15M investment from the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) as part of a $20M funding round in 2025. “This investment accelerates our product roadmap and strengthens business development,” said QuintessenceLabs. Federal Industry Minister Ed Husic also announced $18.5M in funding opportunities for the Australian Centre for Quantum Growth during a visit to QLabs. Meanwhile, University of Newcastle researchers received a $150,000 grant to collaborate with QuintessenceLabs on quantum key distribution.
https://www.quintessencelabs.com/news/quantum-outfit-quintessencelabs-lands-15m-nrf-boost
Learning More about Quantum Computing
Russ Fein compiles an updated 2025 quantum learning resource list to demystify concepts. Essential guides include David Matthews’s Nature primer and QURECA’s “Quantum Computing for Dummies” from Carlos Sampler. Gehad Salem’s LinkedIn compendium, Amit Katwala’s 2021 overview, and Cem Dilmegani’s ecosystem reports offer deeper insights. BCG (Philipp Gerbert, Frank Ruess) and McKinsey provide data-driven briefs.
Three Canadian companies vying for U.S. quantum computing funding as race to develop tech heats up
Three Canadian quantum companies—Xanadu, Photonic, and Nord Quantique—are contending for up to US$316 million each under DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative in 2025, aiming to scale quantum systems within eight years. “I can’t think of any other program that has generated this much excitement,” says Xanadu CEO Christian Weedbrook. QBI offers up to US$1 million initially, US$15 million next, and potentially US$300 million for final-stage winners. “QBI is not meant to choose a winner,” adds program manager Dr. Joe Altepeter, but to reward those who can deliver useful quantum machines quickly. Error correction remains pivotal, with major names like IBM and Microsoft developing new methods. Steady progress could soon validate quantum’s promise, driving investment and geopolitical advantage.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-quantum-computing-funding-contest/
Paper: Iterative Interpolation Schedules for Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm
Anuj Apte and co-authors introduce an iterative interpolation method for the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA), dramatically reducing parameter complexity for p > 1000. “We observe a mild growth of QAOA depth sufficient to solve SK model exactly,” they note, demonstrating robust performance on Sherrington-Kirkpatrick, portfolio optimization, and Low Autocorrelation Binary Sequences. They surpass prior methods by achieving near-optimal merit factors on LABS with over 1000-layer schedules. This milestone is significant for quantum computing in 2025, highlighting a practical path toward tackling large-scale optimization challenges using smaller sets of basis coefficients.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.01694v1
Enhancing Quantum Key Distribution with Trusted Nodes and Post-Quantum Cryptography in Paris
In 2025, Rusty Flint described “Quantum Key Distribution with Efficient Post-Quantum Cryptography-Secured Trusted Node on a Quantum Network” as “a notable advancement in quantum communication.” The research, conducted in a Paris-based fibre optic network with 11 nodes and eight academic-industrial partners, demonstrates real-world deployment of a QKD scheme using a trusted node secured by post-quantum cryptographic techniques. Key institutions like the Laboratoire Matériaux et Phénomènes Quantiques and Orange Innovation tested discrete-variable and continuous-variable QKD systems, measuring secret key rates and QBER across diverse links. This approach addresses distance and scalability challenges by reducing privacy requirements. Such progress suggests robust, future-ready quantum networks capable of strengthening Europe’s standing in secure, next-generation communication.
China’s homegrown superconducting quantum computer completes world’s first fine-tuning of billion-parameter AI model
Chinese scientists at Anhui Quantum Computing Engineering Research Center completed the world’s first fine-tuning of a billion-parameter AI model on the third-generation superconducting quantum computer, Origin Wukong, in 2025. Powered by a 72-qubit chip, Wukong demonstrated a 15% training loss reduction in psychological counseling dialogue datasets, plus accuracy gains from 68% to 82% in mathematical reasoning. “It’s like equipping a classical model with a ‘quantum engine,’” said Dou Menghan, vice president of Origin Quantum. Chen Zhaoyun of the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center called this “a huge step forward.” Even with a 76% parameter reduction, training improved 8.4%. This achievement underscores quantum computing’s emerging role in optimizing large language models and shaping AI applications.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1331580.shtml
Building India’s First Quantum Computer, a Foreign-Returned Physicist Battles the Bureaucracy
Professor Rajamani Vijayaraghavan from TIFR is leading India’s first 6-qubit quantum computer project, funded by DRDO. He overcame bureaucratic snags, including the “Just-in-Time” funding model. “We no longer receive actual money in our institute’s bank account,” he said. China’s US$15 billion bet on quantum and Microsoft’s Majorana 1 chip highlight the global race. India’s National Quantum Mission, launched in 2023, promises Rs. 50–150 crore per team, although full financial approval is pending. This matters because quantum computing can transform security, encryption, and strategic technology. “The final technology is not yet fully developed, which means we have an opportunity to catch up,” noted Vijayaraghavan, reflecting India’s ambition to secure a prominent place in quantum innovation.
Supply, Demand, and Strategic Patterns in a Quantum Computing Hardware
Neil Abroug (Head of Quantum at Inria) and Olivier Ezratty reveal that quantum computing has reached 100 deployable machines worldwide in 2025. Europe’s largest single QPU zone—responsible for ~40 units supplied—features over 20 vendors, from Pasqal to Quandela, yet it remains fragmented. Leading countries like the U.S. show self-sufficiency with domestic giants IBM and IonQ, while Germany heavily imports QPUs. Finland and Canada stand out as major exporters. “The question is not whether Europe can lead. It’s whether it can organize to lead at scale,” says Abroug. This underscores the strategic need for consolidation across Europe to compete globally without losing its innovative edge.
OpenSSL 3.5 Released with Support for PQC Algorithms, Server-Side QUIC
OpenSSL 3.5, presented by Marius Nestor on April 8, 2025, introduces server-side QUIC support, third-party QUIC stacks, and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms including ML-KEM, ML-DSA, and SLH-DSA. This milestone addresses the looming quantum threat by strengthening cryptographic protocols. Key improvements include central key generation in CMP, opaque symmetric key objects (EVP_SKEY), and hybrid PQC KEM groups as new TLS defaults. “It is expected that making this call will advance the SSL handshake…” observed the devs, noting an SSL_accept issue scheduled for a 3.5.1 fix. This release underscores the urgency of protecting online communications as quantum technologies advance.
https://9to5linux.com/openssl-3-5-released-with-support-for-pqc-algorithms-server-side-quic
The time is now to build quantum defences
In 2025, HSBC’s Philip Intallura warns that quantum computers could break current encryption methods within 10–15 years. With a 19–34% probability of cryptography failing in the next decade—possibly sooner—institutions must adopt new quantum-safe standards from bodies like NIST. “While there’s debate around… cryptosystems, the time to build defences is now,” says Intallura. The G7 Cyber Expert Group cautions against “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks on sensitive data. HSBC has joined BT and Toshiba’s quantum-secured metro network, exploring quantum-safe systems for AI trading and tokenized gold. This collaboration, also involving the Monetary Authority of Singapore, highlights the urgency of quantum security in banking. Embracing quantum-safe cryptography is essential for safeguarding global digital infrastructure.
https://www.hsbc.com/news-and-views/views/hsbc-views/the-time-is-now-to-build-quantum-defences
QuIC’s Recommendations for Europe’s Quantum Strategy: What It Means for Business (And Why You Should Care)
The European Quantum Industry Consortium (QuIC) has issued eight recommendations for the EU’s 2025 Quantum Strategy, signaling a major shift for data-heavy sectors. Carlos Kuchkovsky, CEO of QCentroid, remarks, “The challenge isn’t whether Quantum Computing will be relevant, but how fast companies can adapt.” QuIC highlights building a European full-stack quantum computer, securing supply chains, and improving investment incentives. It also urges clear standards and benchmarks to elevate competition, along with better IP protection and workforce training. This push could reshape finance, logistics, and healthcare, making quantum adoption more accessible and secure across Europe. As responsible innovation and strategic independence gain momentum, organizations prepared for quantum stand poised to thrive in the quickly evolving technology landscape.
https://qcentroid.xyz/blog/europe-quantum-strategy-business-opportunities/
Quantum AI Frameworks - On it's Way
Published by GQI, “Quantum AI Frameworks − On Its Way” signals an ambitious stride toward integrated quantum and AI solutions in 2025. The mix of AI and Quantum could accelerate breakthroughs in real-time data analytics, energy optimization, and drug discovery, reflecting the field’s rapid expansion. It exemplifies a crucial movement to merge quantum computing’s exponential power with AI’s adaptability for transformative results.
https://www.global-qi.com/so/efPOPyimB?languageTag=en
BTQ Technologies invests in QPerfect
BTQ Technologies invests €2 million in QPerfect, acquiring a 16.67% stake and an option for full ownership within 12 months. QPerfect, founded in 2023 in Strasbourg, specializes in neutral atom quantum computing. Its MIMIQ platform outperforms current simulators and hardware, speeding real-world quantum applications. “We are thrilled to partner with QPerfect,” says Olivier Roussy Newton, CEO of BTQ. “This partnership…will accelerate our Quantum Logical Unit roadmap,” adds QPerfect CEO Philippe Blot. Their alliance meshes QPerfect’s advanced quantum design with BTQ’s post-quantum cryptography expertise, reinforcing Europe’s quantum ecosystem in 2025. By merging cutting-edge hardware design with secure cryptography, they aim to propel neutral atom quantum computing toward more practical and scalable deployments.
In real-world environment: SaxonQ shows live demonstration on mobile quantum computer
SaxonQ demonstrated real-time quantum computing in 2025 using a portable, room-temperature system, aiming beyond typical lab environments. Live demos included quantum-enhanced image classification—distinguishing a smiley from a non-smiley—and a quantum chemical calculation of H₂ energy levels via a single NV-center qubit. “These mark the first-ever real-time quantum chemical calculation and image recognition on a mobile quantum computer in a public space,” said SaxonQ. Quantum Machines’ OPX+ enabled precise microwave control, reducing overhead and enhancing stability. This milestone indicates that mobile, energy-efficient quantum devices are advancing quickly and could soon address real-world applications once limited to specialized facilities.
https://www.saxonq.com/en/live-demonstration-auf-hannover-messe-gezeigt/
Paper: Quantum Optimization Benchmark Library - The Intractable Decathlon
Thorsten Koch, David E. Bernal Neira, and 25 colleagues present QOBLIB, featuring 10 combinatorial optimization problems specifically challenging for classical methods in 2025. “These problem instances allow systematic, fair, and comparable benchmarks,” say the authors, highlighting scales from fewer than 100 to up to 100,000 decision variables. This initiative—supported by the Simons Foundation—constitutes a crucial milestone as quantum hardware matures, enabling real hardware-based evaluations. The problems address real-world use cases and serve as a roadmap to measure progress toward quantum advantage. “The baseline results illustrate a standardized form to present benchmarking solutions,” notes Koch’s team, underscoring reproducibility. Such work revitalizes today's quest to harness quantum computing's full combinatorial optimization potential.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.03832v1
Novo Holdings makes first direct quantum investment with Sparrow Quantum
In 2025, Novo Holdings has made its first direct quantum investment with a €21.5 million Series A in Sparrow Quantum, co-led by PensionDanmark and EIFO. Sparrow Quantum, a European supplier of photonic quantum chips born from the Niels Bohr Institute, will scale its Sparrow Core, an on-chip deterministic single-photon source critical for photonic quantum computing. “We are pleased to announce our first direct investment in the quantum sector,” said Jeroen Bakker, Partner, Seed Investments, Novo Holdings. CEO Kurt Stokbro called it “a testament to Denmark and Europe’s ability to lead in quantum technology.” This photonic approach promises faster processing, fueling generative AI and quantum-optimized machine learning.
Sparrow Quantum: 21.5 Million Raised For Advancing Photonic Quantum Innovation In Europe
Sparrow Quantum has raised €21.5 million to accelerate photonic quantum chip development for Europe’s quantum future. PensionDanmark led the round; other investors included EIFO and Novo Holdings. Building on research by founder Professor Peter Lodahl at the Niels Bohr Institute, Sparrow’s Sparrow Core chip ensures reliable photon generation, critical for quantum scaling. “With this investment, we can truly intensify our efforts to bring quantum technology from the lab to the market,” said Lodahl. Photonic quantum computers powered by the chip target unprecedented efficiency for real-world applications across multiple sectors. According to CEO Kurt Stokbro, “This investment is a testament to Denmark and Europe’s ability to lead in quantum technology,” forging a secure and competitive European supply chain.
ORCA Computing Showcases Advancement of Quantum Use-Cases
At the 2025 QTAP Showcase, ORCA Computing demonstrated swift quantum use-case deployment at Digital Catapult, joined by Vodafone, BAE Systems, Origami Labs, and others. Richard Murray, CEO, said, “We’ve proven businesses can transition from exploration to real-world use cases in just a few months.” Dr Ryan Parker of Vodafone validated network optimization on ORCA’s PT-2 system, while BAE’s Pierre Moinier called the platform “very good for investigating early quantum algorithms.” Dr. Diana Hernández-Báez from SIMULEX and John Doherty of Origami Labs also praised ORCA’s intuitive SDK. By simplifying quantum integration, ORCA is speeding adoption across industry domains and fueling further exploration of near-term quantum solutions.
https://orcacomputing.com/orca-computing-showcases-advancement-of-quantum-use-cases/
Project Quanten(t)raume: bringing quantum technologies to the public
Project Quanten(t)räume is a collaborative initiative launched in 2025 to demystify second-generation quantum technologies. Hosted by PushQuantum, this effort includes “Quantum Tuesday,” featuring workshops, Q&A sessions, and hands-on experiments. At the Quantum Weekend 2025 in the Deutsches Museum, participants commemorated 100 years since the birth of quantum mechanics and explored real-world applications. “Bits to Qubits,” a talk by Leart Zuka, highlighted how superposition and entanglement can transform finance, healthcare, and cybersecurity. WiQi, a digital twin of the project, ensures quantum knowledge stays accessible online. Alexander Orlov praised Emily Haworth and Jannik Pflieger for spearheading the program, reflecting the growing demand for public engagement with quantum computing in 2025.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/project-quantentr%C3%A4ume-bringing-quantum-technologies-public-bxbcf
WQD 25: 12 Events For World Quantum Day 2025
In 2025, World Quantum Day on April 14 merges with the UN’s International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, marking a century since quantum mechanics began. Greg Bock highlights 12 global events underscoring quantum’s expanding reach. In Riyadh’s “Discovering Quantum Possibilities,” Dr. Basma Al-Buhairan says, “Saudi Arabia uses this platform to shape pro-innovation policies.” Washington’s Quantum.Tech USA draws over 450 experts and features a “Cryptography Spotlight Day.” The Netherlands celebrates with the University of Twente and Quantum Delta NL, showcasing cutting-edge research. Attendees worldwide explore error correction, quantum-safe encryption, and new computing paradigms. This widespread engagement signifies how increasingly ambitious collaborations drive next-gen breakthroughs in quantum computing.
https://thequantuminsider.com/2025/04/12/wqd-25-12-events-for-world-quantum-day-2025/
New UK Quantum Hub launches to pioneer secure networks and advance the quantum internet
On 10 April 2025, the new Integrated Quantum Networks Hub launched in Edinburgh, led by Heriot-Watt University with over £42M from EPSRC and industry. This collaboration links 12 universities, two national labs (NPL, STFC RAL Space), and 40+ industrial partners to develop secure, scalable quantum communications. Secretary of State Peter Kyle hailed the research for “faster diagnoses for diseases, critical infrastructure safe from hostile threats and cleaner energy.” Andrew Lord (BT) called quantum networks “crucial” and “far beyond Quantum Key Distribution.” By targeting entanglement infrastructure and satellite-enabled links, this initiative positions the UK to accelerate secure communications, distributed quantum computing, and transformative sensor networks.