SEEQC and IBM Collaborate to Advance Quantum Computing Under DARPA Initiative

SEEQC, a specialist in scalable quantum technologies, and IBM have announced a technical collaboration under the auspices of the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI). The partnership, centred in New York State, will investigate integrating SEEQC’s Single Flux Quantum (SFQ) chip-based control layer technologies – which aim to consolidate and miniaturise the substantial classical hardware currently required to operate quantum processors – with IBM’s existing quantum systems architecture. This collaboration seeks to address critical engineering challenges in scaling quantum computers and contribute to the development of robust performance metrics, aligning with DARPA’s broader mission to advance practical quantum computing capabilities.

Collaboration Under DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative

SEEQC and IBM are collaborating under the auspices of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) to integrate SEEQC’s Single Flux Quantum (SFQ) chip-based control layer technologies with IBM’s quantum systems architecture. SFQ technology, a superconducting logic family, offers the potential to significantly reduce the size and energy consumption of the classical control hardware currently required to operate quantum processors. This collaboration focuses on transferring elements of this control hardware onto a system-on-a-chip, positioning it adjacent to the quantum chip within the ultra-cold environment of a dilution refrigerator, thereby streamlining the overall system architecture and addressing critical engineering challenges associated with scaling quantum computing systems.

This partnership aims to address the complexity and power demands of controlling a large number of qubits, aligning with IBM’s goal of delivering a fault-tolerant quantum computer by 2029, as outlined in its Quantum Development Roadmap. By consolidating external classical hardware, SEEQC’s SFQ technology seeks to improve both the efficiency and functionality of future quantum computers, contributing to the entire quantum ‘commercialisation continuum’ from fundamental research to system deployment.

Both SEEQC and IBM benefit from a strong presence within New York State’s developing quantum ecosystem, with SEEQC’s chip design and testing occurring in Elmsford and IBM’s Quantum team based at the Thomas J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights. This geographical concentration facilitates close collaboration and knowledge sharing, strengthening the region’s contribution to national quantum computing leadership.

Advancing System Integration and Efficiency

The collaboration between SEEQC and IBM, facilitated by DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), focuses on system integration through the incorporation of SEEQC’s Single Flux Quantum (SFQ) technology with IBM’s existing quantum systems architecture. SFQ technology, a superconducting digital control method, aims to consolidate the substantial external classical hardware currently required to operate quantum processors. By transferring control functions onto a chip located directly adjacent to the quantum chip within the dilution refrigerator, the overall system footprint and energy consumption can be significantly reduced.

This integration strategy addresses a critical engineering challenge in scaling quantum computing systems, aligning with IBM’s ongoing development roadmap. SEEQC’s focus on low-power, high-speed digital logic complements IBM’s established quantum systems architecture, contributing to the entire quantum ‘commercialisation continuum’ from fundamental research and fabrication to system deployment.

The collaborative effort is deeply rooted within New York State’s burgeoning quantum ecosystem, leveraging the expertise and facilities of both companies. This geographical concentration facilitates close collaboration and accelerates the development process, contributing to the broader goal of advancing quantum computing capabilities.

Strengthening New York’s Quantum Ecosystem

The collaboration between SEEQC and IBM, undertaken as part of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), actively strengthens New York State’s developing quantum ecosystem. Both companies maintain significant operational bases within the state; SEEQC designs and tests its superconducting control chips in Elmsford, while IBM’s quantum computing team is primarily located at the Thomas J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, fostering a concentrated hub of expertise and innovation.

This partnership contributes to the entire quantum ‘commercialisation continuum’ within New York, encompassing fundamental research, chip fabrication, system integration, and eventual deployment. SEEQC’s Single Flux Quantum (SFQ) technology – a low-power, high-speed digital logic family utilising superconducting circuits – complements IBM’s established quantum systems architecture, improving energy efficiency and system functionality.

The collaboration is explicitly aligned with DARPA’s broader objectives for the QBI, which seeks to establish rigorous performance metrics and facilitate the development of practical, useful quantum computers. Westchester County’s Office of Economic Development recognises the significance of this partnership, highlighting the concentration of quantum information science expertise within the region. The combined efforts of SEEQC and IBM, therefore, not only advance individual technological capabilities but also reinforce New York State’s position as a key contributor to national quantum computing leadership.