ORCA Computing is expanding access to its photonic quantum systems through a new collaboration with Digital Realty, showcasing the technology within the newly launched London Innovation Lab. The Digital Realty Innovation Lab (DRIL) is designed to allow customers to test emerging AI and quantum technologies before deployment, reducing risk and accelerating adoption. ORCA’s PT Series systems will operate without the need for specialized cooling or infrastructure, a departure from typical quantum computing requirements. “Having ORCA integrated within the DRIL helps customers explore practical pathways to hybrid quantum-classical computing,” said Seamus Dunne, Managing Director, Digital Realty UK and Ireland. This partnership extends access to advanced infrastructure testing for organizations building compute environments across EMEA, solidifying ORCA’s position in commercial quantum deployments.
Digital Realty Innovation Lab Enables Hybrid Quantum-Classical Testing
This deployment signifies a shift toward integrating quantum processing units directly into existing data center environments, rather than relying on isolated facilities. The collaboration between Digital Realty and ORCA Computing extends beyond demonstration; the DRIL is intended to reduce risk and accelerate the adoption of hybrid quantum-classical computing for enterprise clients across the EMEA region. This focus on practical application is supported by ORCA’s approach to photonic quantum computing, allowing for quicker and more effective deployment in commercial settings. The company has already delivered ten on-premises quantum computers to global customers, including the UK National Quantum Computing Centre and Montana State University, demonstrating a growing capacity for real-world implementation.
Richard Murray, PhD, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of ORCA Computing, explained that “ORCA was built around the idea that quantum computing should integrate directly into the infrastructure enterprises already rely on for AI and high-performance computing.” This partnership with Digital Realty, alongside existing strategic collaborations with NVIDIA, Toyota Tsusho, SiC Systems, and JIJ, is expanding the deployment of photonic quantum systems within enterprise data centers and accelerating the integration of quantum acceleration alongside established AI and HPC infrastructure. The DRIL represents a significant commercial milestone for ORCA, as businesses increasingly investigate the potential of quantum computing to enhance existing workflows.
ORCA’s PT Series: Data Center-Native Photonic Quantum Systems
The pursuit of practical quantum computing is increasingly focused on integration with existing infrastructure, a departure from the highly specialized environments traditionally associated with the technology. ORCA Computing’s recent collaboration with Digital Realty exemplifies this trend, showcasing its PT Series photonic quantum systems within a live data center environment. Unlike many quantum prototypes requiring cryogenic temperatures or bespoke facilities, ORCA’s approach aims for seamless coexistence with standard data center components. The DRIL is positioned as a testing ground for emerging technologies, allowing customers to evaluate both artificial intelligence and quantum solutions before committing to large-scale implementation. ORCA’s strategy centers on a direct approach, building photonic quantum systems intended for integration into existing enterprise infrastructure.
Working with ORCA gives customers direct access to one of the UK’s leading quantum innovators and demonstrates how quantum technologies can be integrated into real-world enterprise and AI infrastructure environments today.
Seamus Dunne, Managing Director, Digital Realty UK and Ireland
