QCORE (Quantum Collaborative Research and Education)
The first on-campus QCORE facility is unveiled by Montana State University. Rigetti Novera Quantum Computer
The official opening of Montana State University’s (MSU) new QCORE (Quantum Collaborative Research and Education) facility marks a major advancement in quantum technology. Located on MSU’s Innovation Campus, this state-of-the-art, 12,600-square-foot interdisciplinary research center marks a turning point in quantum education, research, and economic growth. Installing a 9-qubit Rigetti Novera Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) from Rigetti Computing, is a key component of this launch, making MSU the first university in the world to have an on-campus Rigetti quantum computer. It is anticipated that this direct, practical access to cutting-edge quantum hardware will greatly speed up workforce development and research in the area.
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The QCORE facility’s construction is evidence of a great deal of cooperation and financial commitment. Approximately 60 organizations support it. The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) gave MSU $44.7 million in 2023 to buy specialized equipment for the institution, providing a significant financial boost. In addition to the Rigetti Novera, QCORE has one of only five global quantum network test beds and two ORCA PT Series photonic quantum systems.
An essential component of QCORE, MSU’s Spectrum Lab, further expanded its capabilities by receiving a $18 million AFRL award to develop a new multi-node network that seamlessly combines traditional and quantum networking. QCORE’s overarching goal is to train the workforce in quantum technologies, achieve academic excellence, and promote economic prosperity. Research translation, the creation of a startup business incubator, and the execution of comprehensive workforce education initiatives are just a few of the varied endeavors that fall within this aim.
Built on top of Rigetti’s Ankaa-class architecture, the Rigetti Novera QPU is a 9-qubit quantum processing unit that is currently a crucial component of QCORE. Dense connectivity and incredibly quick two-qubit operations are made possible by this architecture’s square lattice design and configurable couplers.
The QPU is notably produced at Rigetti’s Fab-1, which is acknowledged as the first integrated and dedicated quantum device manufacturing facility in the industry. Because such an advanced system is physically on-site, researchers have unmatched access to it for experimentation and creativity. Rigetti’s and MSU’s formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) demonstrates their dedication to a strategic alliance. The co-creation and rigorous testing of enabling technologies and quantum system components, extensive workforce development activities, and collaborative research projects pertaining to quantum hardware and hybrid quantum systems are some of the main initiatives that will be the focus of this collaboration.
Rigetti will also provide workforce training, promote regional talent development, and maybe provide strategic and technical advice on QCORE’s research and program development. These coordinated efforts show how important public-private collaborations are for quantum technology advancement. MSU and Rigetti leaders have been incredibly excited about our partnership. Direct access to the technology is essential, as stated by Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, CEO of Rigetti, who said, “Hands-on access to the technology is key for research and workforce development.” He added that Rigetti is proud to have backed QCORE and that he is looking forward to working with Montana to advance its quantum capabilities.
The Rigetti system is one of the facility’s transformative resources, which Dr. Jayne Morrow, CEO of QCORE, emphasized as having the ability to “drive research and innovation benefiting Montanans and people around the world.” She added that the Rigetti system provides “a new modality of quantum computing” and highlighted Montana’s previous contributions to quantum system components.
Dr. Matthew D. LaHaye, Principal Research Physicist at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Information Directorate Quantum Information Sciences & Technology Branch, added to these viewpoints by emphasizing that Rigetti Novera will “leverage industry fabrication and manufacturing capabilities to develop customized quantum systems for research and development in quantum networking hardware” as part of his research partnerships with the AFRL (through an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract) and MSU’s QCORE. A Novera QPU that is currently in place at the AFRL acts as a “testbed for quantum computing research and development,” he added.
One of the most important steps towards the larger objective of creating scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computers is the successful installation of the Rigetti Novera. Additionally, it makes a substantial contribution to the testbeds effort of the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC). Since 2017, Rigetti Computing, a leading full-stack quantum-classical computing company, has made its quantum computers available for cloud access. Since 2021, the business has increased the scope of its products by selling national labs and quantum computing centers on-premises quantum computing devices with 24–84 qubits.
Specifically aimed at the larger research and development community, the 9-qubit Novera QPU was announced in 2023 and provides a high-performance, on-premises QPU that can be seamlessly integrated with a customer’s current cryogenic and control systems.
With an eye towards useful quantum computing applications, Rigetti’s in-house quantum-classical infrastructure is designed for high-performance integration with both public and private clouds. By creating the first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems, the business has also accomplished a noteworthy milestone. It produces its chips internally at Fab-1.
Beginning on August 20, a three-day Grand Challenges in Quantum Systems Summit is being held to commemorate the QCORE facility’s grand debut. In addition to a number of panel discussions and presentations from over 35 businesses and organizations, this summit will feature esteemed keynote speakers from the AFRL and the University of Maryland.
In conclusion
The quantum landscape changed with the Rigetti Novera quantum computer and Montana State University’s QCORE facility. MSU can lead the development of viable quantum computing applications and train a highly trained workforce by providing direct, hands-on access to cutting-edge quantum hardware and fostering a strong research, education, and industrial ecosystem. This research could boost worldwide quantum technology development and aid Montanans.
