3 Quantum Companies Quietly Catching Up
3 Lesser-Known Quantum Startups
Let’s skip the big guys: IBM, Microsoft, Intel and Google. I’m curious about companies that might not have a flashy name but are making serious waves.
QUANTINUUM:
Quantinuum is a strategic merger between Honeywell Quantum Solutions and Cambridge Quantum with a European headquarters in Cambridge, UK and a North American headquarters in Broomfield, Colorado.
Quantinum develops quantum technologies that will revolutionize materials science, drug discovery, financial modeling, and artificial intelligence and their valuation could reach $37 Billion by the end of decade.
A wide range of quantum-oriented services are offered by them.
Quantum Origin:
Quantum Origin is the key generation software to add quantum-computing proof cryptographic strength to existing systems, giving organizations a long-term edge in data security.
The keys generated by classical methods are not inherently random and prone to be predicted by quantum computers. However, the basic types of Quantum number generators exploit the property of quantum mechanics to generate an unpredictable sequences of numbers that can be utilized to make robust cryptographic keys.
I wrote a separate article on Randomness.
INQUANTO:
This platform assists in quantum computational chemistry to accelerate progress of drug discovery and material design.
“We modelled for the first time the Oxygen Reduction Reaction on a Pt and Pt/Co catalyst using a workflow developed on our “InQuanto” platform and implemented on our H1–1 trapped-ion quantum computer.” ~ From Quantinuum website
In simple words, this research used a quantum computer to simulate how different materials — including a combination of platinum and cobalt — would work as catalysts in fuel cell. A virtual model was developed to test different options since catalysts are often expensive materials to waste in trial-and-error.
T-KET:
TKET provides tools to write quantum computer programs more easily. TKET can translate a program to work on various quantum computers and help squeeze the most performance out of them.
It is open-source and can be used with Python; anyone can use and improve it.
H1+H2 HARDWARE:
The H1 system is Quantinuum’s first-generation quantum computer. Researchers from Quantinuum, Harvard and Caltech used H1 to calculate the ground state energy of the hydrogen molecule (H₂), using an algorithm called stochastic quantum phase estimation.
The H2 is the second-generation quantum computer from Quantinuum; H2 system can be overlaid on top of the H1 system, further boosting computing power.
H1+H2 are commercially available in the sense that organizations and research institutes can utilize Quantinuum’s powerful machines for research and development goals.
RIGGETI:
Rigetti Computing is another prominent player in full-stack quantum computing.
Their infrastructure integrates quantum and classical computing and have developed the industry’s first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing.
The company is headquartered in California, with offices in Washington, DC, Australia, and UK.
Novera QPU (9-Qubit Quantum Processing Unit):
The Novera QPU is a truly commercially available quantum processing unit. With 9-Qubit chip, it provides researchers unprecedented access to quantum computing technology.
Yes, it is actually ready to be shipped with a starting price of $900,000 and can be delivered in 4–6 weeks.
It is pertinent to clarify Novera are quantum hardware used in quantum computer infrastructure; therefore, most buyers are research and development institutes that own a quantum computer.
QCS Platform:
Rigetti’s Quantum Cloud Services (QCS) enables hybrid quantum-classical computing with ultra-low latency connectivity.
This contrasts with competitor approaches that introduce significant latency by connecting QPUs ( Quantum processing unit) over the internet and shared queues. Through QCS, their customers can access quantum computers — powered by Novera — through cloud.
Rigetti serves customers in finance, insurance, pharmaceuticals, defense, and energy with solutions focused on simulation, optimization, and machine learning applications utilizing quantum computing.
D-Wave Systems:
A Canadian company leading the development of quantum computing systems, software, and services.
They claim to be a unique quantum computing company, offering a full-stack solution encompassing both the hardware and software aspects.
D-Wave focuses on quantum annealing, a specific type of quantum computing suited for optimisation problems rather than the broader range of problems targeted by gate-model quantum computers (like those by Rigetti Computing).
Advantage System:
The Advantage Quantum Computer by D-Wave Systems is accessed through the cloud; businesses can utilise this powerful quantum computing system remotely via Leap cloud service.
Boasting over 5,000 Qubits and advanced connectivity, the Advantage system tackles complex optimisation problems faster, proving its value in logistics and finance.
Now, they are also expanding to life-science research.
Companies like Menten AI already have utilised the Advantage system for protein design.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus uses spike proteins to attach infect human cells. These spike proteins transition from a “closed” to “open” state for infection to occur. Menten AI used D-Wave’s quantum computing capabilities to design peptides (short chains of amino acids) that can block the spike protein’s transition, preventing infection.
While technically available for purchase, QPUs’ are unlikely to be found in homes anytime soon.
Currently, they are a primary target of specialized institutions.
Major running requirements:
- Quantum computers require near absolute zero temperatures (-273.15°C / -459.67°F) for their Qubits to function correctly.
- They need extensive shielding to reduce interference from external noise and vibrations that can disrupt delicate quantum states.
Which company has the most powerful quantum computer?
It’s difficult to definitively say which quantum computer — Quantinuum H2, Rigetti Novera or D-wave Advantage — system is powerful.
For commercial applications and ease of access, Quantinuum H1 might be better.
For research, NovNovera could an option, considering its limitations in accessibility.
If focus is on business applications and solving specific problems faster, D-Wave Advantage could be the choice.
The race for quantum supremacy is not solely about who builds the biggest quantum computer. As these lesser-known companies demonstrate, creative approaches can also play a role in unlocking its potential.
