ORCA Computing to Supply Montana State University with Quantum Photonics Systems, Boosting Quantum Capabilities

Quantum computing company ORCA Computing will supply two PT-1 quantum photonics systems to Montana State University (MSU), funded by a U.S. Air Force grant. The systems will be located at the MSU Innovation Campus and support the university’s quantum technology applications in security, communications sensing, and computing. Prof. Yves Idzerda Prof. Krishna Rupavatharam of MSU and Richard Murray, CEO of ORCA Computing, expressed excitement about the partnership. ORCA has previously provided PT Series units to the UK Ministry of Defense and the Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center.

Quantum Computing Advancements at Montana State University

Montana State University (MSU) has recently acquired two PT-1 quantum photonics systems from ORCA Computing, a company specializing in quantum computing. This acquisition, funded by a new Applied Quantum CORE grant from the U.S. Air Force, is set to enhance the university’s quantum computing capabilities and contribute to the advancement of distributed quantum computing. The systems will be housed at the MSU Innovation Campus within the INDUSTRY Bozeman building, supporting MSU’s mission to transition advanced quantum technology applications from concept and testing to market.

The installation of these quantum computers is a significant development for MSU. Prof. Yves Idzerda, Dean of College of Letters and Science at MSU, views this as a milestone moment for the university. The access to photonic quantum computing technologies will expedite the university’s quantum efforts, streamline the development and characterization of sophisticated quantum systems, and hasten their real-world deployment, according to Prof. Krishna Rupavatharam, Director of Spectrum Lab at MSU.

ORCA Computing’s Role in Quantum Technology Advancement

ORCA Computing, a company with a strong presence in the quantum computing field, is the provider of the PT-1 systems. Richard Murray PhD, Co-founder and CEO of ORCA Computing, acknowledges MSU’s robust infrastructure and expertise, which he believes will facilitate significant progress in quantum technologies. The PT-1 systems are designed to support the university’s mission of accelerating quantum applications, and ORCA Computing is eager to contribute to MSU’s pioneering efforts.

ORCA’s recent system deployment at MSU underscores the company’s continued momentum in supplying PT Series units to high-profile customers, including the UK Ministry of Defence and the Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center. The company has also undertaken numerous initiatives for major government and enterprise clients in the energy, defense, and high-performance computing (HPC) sectors.

Montana State University’s Quantum Research Capabilities

MSU is a public land-grant research university located in Bozeman, Montana. It is the largest university in the state in terms of student enrollment. MSU is recognized for its high research activity, high undergraduate enrollment profile, and commitment to community engagement. It is among the top 3 percent of colleges and universities nationwide for research expenditures. The university’s acquisition of the PT-1 systems is expected to further enhance its research capabilities, particularly in the field of quantum technologies.

ORCA Computing, established in 2019 and originating from the University of Oxford, is a prominent developer and provider of full-stack photonic quantum computing systems. The company’s innovative approach to photonic quantum computing is anchored in a modular optical fiber-based architecture. ORCA’s proprietary methods of manipulating the time, frequency, and switching of single photons pave the way for quantum computing using significantly fewer components. The company has successfully delivered numerous on-premises quantum computers to leading customers, including the UK Ministry of Defense and the Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center.

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As the Official Quantum Dog (or hound) by role is to dig out the latest nuggets of quantum goodness. There is so much happening right now in the field of technology, whether AI or the march of robots. But Quantum occupies a special space. Quite literally a special space. A Hilbert space infact, haha! Here I try to provide some of the news that might be considered breaking news in the Quantum Computing space.

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