ORCA Computing Appoints Chairman to Drive Quantum Scale-Up

ORCA Computing appointed Erik Langaker as Chairman, succeeding founding Chairman Ian Walmsley, effective immediately. The move follows a period of expansion for the quantum computing company, which has deployed systems at the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre and a US Air Force facility, and secured partnerships with Vodafone, NVIDIA, and Toyota Tsusho. Langaker’s experience scaling technology businesses is intended to capitalise on ORCA’s momentum and drive commercial applications of its photonic quantum systems, following a $30 million Series A funding round in 2022.

New Leadership at ORCA Computing

Erik Langaker has been appointed Chairman of the Board at ORCA Computing, succeeding co-founder Professor Ian Walmsley, who remains on the Board as an advisor. Langaker brings over three decades of experience in scaling innovative technology businesses, having held senior roles at companies including CMR Surgical and Pragmatic Semiconductor. This transition in leadership coincides with demonstrable progress at ORCA Computing, as the company actively deploys its quantum systems internationally.

The appointment is particularly significant given the increasing focus on practical applications of quantum technology and the associated influx of quantum computing investment. ORCA Computing recently installed the UK’s first photonic quantum system at the National Quantum Computing Centre and deployed two PT Series systems at a US Air Force-funded facility in Montana. These deployments, alongside strategic partnerships with entities such as Vodafone, PSNC, NVIDIA, Toyota Tsusho, and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, underscore the company’s growing presence in the nascent quantum computing landscape.

Langaker’s expertise encompasses applied technology, digital transformation, and operational excellence – attributes crucial for translating scientific breakthroughs into commercially viable products. Professor Walmsley’s decision to relinquish the chairmanship reflects a strategic move to bring in experienced leadership capable of navigating the challenges of scaling a deep technology venture, whilst maintaining his involvement as a key advisor.

Strategic Expansion and Key Partnerships

The strengthening of ORCA Computing’s leadership mirrors a deliberate expansion of its collaborative network. Recent partnerships are designed to facilitate both technological advancement and market penetration across diverse sectors. The collaboration with Vodafone focuses on modelling future telecommunications networks, exploring how quantum computing may optimise performance and security. Simultaneously, joint work with PSNC and NVIDIA aims to accelerate the development of hybrid quantum-classical applications, recognising that near-term quantum advantage is likely to emerge through integration with existing computational infrastructure.

This international outlook is further reinforced by the strategic alliance with Toyota Tsusho and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Japan. This partnership intends to explore applications of quantum technology within industrial settings, potentially encompassing materials science, logistics, and advanced manufacturing. Such collaborations are vital for attracting further quantum computing investment and validating the commercial potential of ORCA’s photonic quantum systems. The diversification of partnerships demonstrates a proactive approach to de-risking technological development and establishing a broad ecosystem around its core technology.

Transition for Founding Chairman

Professor Walmsley’s transition from Chairman to a continuing role as Board member and advisor signifies a deliberate restructuring of leadership responsibilities. This move allows him to focus his scientific expertise within the company’s ongoing research and development efforts, while simultaneously leveraging Langaker’s experience in scaling businesses and attracting quantum computing investment. The handover facilitates a division of labour aligned with the evolving needs of a company progressing from foundational research to commercial deployment.

The appointment of Langaker intends to provide strategic guidance as ORCA Computing seeks to capitalise on growing market traction and translate its technological advancements into tangible commercial outcomes. His background in operational excellence and digital transformation is considered particularly valuable in navigating the complexities of manufacturing, deploying, and supporting quantum systems at scale. This shift in leadership is anticipated to accelerate the company’s ability to secure further funding and expand its presence in the increasingly competitive quantum computing landscape.