Kipu Quantum, a Karlsruhe, Germany-based provider of advanced quantum solutions, has expanded its collaboration with IBM Quantum to become one of the few organizations worldwide offering comprehensive support across the IBM Quantum ecosystem—build, sell, and service—as of November 13, 2025. Operating as a Qiskit Function provider, Kipu’s Iskay Quantum Optimizer augments the toolset available to IBM Quantum Premium Plan users. This expanded role enables Kipu to deliver end-to-end quantum services—from use-case engineering to solution prototyping—and provide enterprises with streamlined access to both IBM’s hardware and Kipu’s application-focused innovations, accelerating quantum technology adoption.
Expanded Role within the IBM Quantum Ecosystem
Kipu Quantum has significantly expanded its role within the IBM Quantum Ecosystem, establishing itself as a rare provider capable of supporting all three core pillars: build, sell, and service. Technically, this involves Kipu’s ‘Iskay Quantum Optimizer’ functioning as a Qiskit Function, directly enhancing the capabilities of IBM Quantum Premium Plan users. This positions Kipu not just as a vendor, but as an integral component expanding the functionality and accessibility of IBM’s quantum hardware and software stack for algorithm development and application building.
Kipu’s expanded partnership allows it to offer complete quantum solutions to enterprises, providing access to IBM Quantum resources alongside its own application-focused innovations. Crucially, this includes end-to-end services ranging from use-case engineering and prototyping to tailored workshops. With over 300 organizations already utilizing the Kipu Quantum Hub, this “one-stop-shop” approach aims to accelerate quantum adoption by simplifying access and integration of quantum solutions into existing workflows – moving beyond research to practical deployment.
A key differentiator for Kipu is its pioneering work in “Agentic Quantum Computing,” merging artificial intelligence with quantum workflows. This involves designing intelligent agents to optimize hardware and software interactions, achieving runtime quantum advantage – demonstrated through innovations like Digitized Counterdiabatic Quantum Sampling (DCQS). By focusing on both algorithmic advancement and intelligent workflow management, Kipu is positioning itself at the forefront of scalable, practical quantum computing applications.
Kipu Quantum’s Core Capabilities: Build, Sell, Service
Kipu Quantum distinguishes itself as a rare full-service provider within the IBM Quantum ecosystem, uniquely positioned to build, sell, and service quantum solutions. Specifically, Kipu functions as a Qiskit Function provider, offering its Iskay Quantum Optimizer to IBM Premium Plan users – expanding algorithmic capabilities. This “one-stop-shop” approach addresses a key market need, streamlining access to both hardware and specialized software for over 300 organizations currently utilizing the Kipu Quantum Hub platform.
Kipu Quantum’s “sell” capability now extends to providing enterprises direct access to IBM Quantum resources, facilitating both initiation and expansion of quantum computing adoption. This isn’t just about access; Kipu delivers end-to-end services, including use-case engineering and solution prototyping, alongside workshops and learning programs. Their focus on applied learning aims to accelerate the translation of quantum potential into tangible business value – a critical step for wider industry integration.
Notably, Kipu Quantum has achieved runtime quantum advantage and pioneered quantum products at that level since its 2021 founding. This technical prowess is coupled with innovative work in Agentic Quantum Computing – merging AI with quantum workflows. They’re actively developing smart agents to optimize hardware and software interactions, signifying a shift beyond simple computation toward intelligent, automated quantum solution design and deployment.
Advancing Quantum Solutions and Technological Innovation
Kipu Quantum is expanding its collaboration with IBM to function as a full-service provider within the IBM Quantum ecosystem – uniquely offering build, sell, and service capabilities. This positions Kipu as a “one-stop shop” for organizations seeking to adopt quantum computing. Technically, this includes providing access to IBM Quantum hardware via the Kipu Quantum Hub platform, currently serving over 300 organizations. Kipu’s Iskay Quantum Optimizer, a Qiskit function, enhances algorithmic capabilities on IBM systems, specifically addressing large-scale combinatorial optimization challenges.
Kipu Quantum distinguishes itself through advancements in “Agentic Quantum Computing” – merging artificial intelligence with quantum workflows. This innovative approach designs “smart agents” to manage quantum hardware and software, streamlining complex processes. Recent research highlights runtime quantum advantage achieved through techniques like Digitized Counterdiabatic Quantum Sampling (DCQS) and Quantum-Reasoning LLM (QR-LLM). These developments move beyond theoretical potential towards demonstrable performance gains in real-world applications.
This expanded partnership is significant because it accelerates the path to practical quantum adoption. Kipu’s ability to offer end-to-end services – from use-case engineering and prototyping to applied learning – lowers barriers for enterprises. By integrating quantum solutions into existing workflows, and providing access to both IBM’s hardware and Kipu’s application-focused innovations, the collaboration aims to deliver tangible business value and scale quantum deployments effectively.
