DARPA Selects Nearly 20 Quantum Computing Companies to Target Industrially Useful Fault-Tolerant Systems Within a Decade

DARPA has selected nearly 20 quantum computing companies to participate in the initial stage of its Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), aimed at determining whether fault-tolerant, industrially useful quantum computers can be developed within a decade. These companies, representing diverse technologies such as superconducting qubits, trapped ions, neutral atoms, and photonic systems, will undergo rigorous evaluation to assess the feasibility of their concepts achieving utility-scale operation by 2033. The initiative, which began in July 2024, seeks to identify commercial efforts that could lead to transformative quantum computing capabilities without slowing down innovation.

Fifteen companies have been selected for Stage A of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), representing diverse approaches to quantum computing. These organizations are tasked with providing detailed technical information during this six-month evaluation period, focusing on the feasibility and potential impact of their concepts.

The initiative includes nearly 20 companies, each representing distinct technological strategies in quantum computing. These include superconducting qubits, trapped ions, topological qubits, and other emerging methods. The diversity of these approaches underscores QBI’s comprehensive strategy to explore multiple pathways toward practical quantum systems.

Following Stage A, the process moves through Stages B and C. Stage B involves a thorough review of companies’ research and development plans, evaluating their potential for advancing quantum computing. Stage C focuses on rigorous verification and validation processes, ensuring that developed systems meet stringent requirements for industrial utility and scalability.

QBI is closely aligned with DARPA’s broader objectives in quantum computing, including its connection to the Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing (US2QC) program. This alignment demonstrates DARPA’s commitment to supporting cutting-edge research and fostering innovation in quantum technologies.

Independent Verification and Validation Team to Scrutinize Commercial Quantum Computing Efforts

The Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) is structured into three stages: A, B, and C. Stage A is a six-month period during which participating companies submit detailed technical information about their quantum computing approaches. This stage focuses on assessing the feasibility of these concepts and their potential impact on advancing fault-tolerant and scalable quantum systems.

The initiative includes nearly 20 companies, each representing distinct technological strategies in quantum computing. These include superconducting qubits, trapped ions, topological qubits, and other emerging methods. The diversity of these approaches underscores QBI’s comprehensive strategy to explore multiple pathways toward practical quantum systems.

Following Stage A, the process moves through Stages B and C. Stage B involves a thorough review of companies’ research and development plans, evaluating their potential for advancing quantum computing. Stage C focuses on rigorous verification and validation processes, ensuring that developed systems meet stringent requirements for industrial utility and scalability.

QBI closely aligns with DARPA’s broader objectives in quantum computing, including its connection to the Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing (US2QC) program. This alignment demonstrates DARPA’s commitment to supporting cutting-edge research and fostering innovation in quantum technologies.