UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre Opens with Rigetti QPU

The UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre has officially opened its doors, featuring a fully operational 24-qubit Ankaa-class Rigetti system. This state-of-the-art facility will support world-class quantum computing research and provide laboratories for designing, building, and testing quantum computers. The Rigetti system, located at the NQCC, boasts tunable couplers and a square lattice for fast gate times, enhanced connectivity, and high fidelity.

Researchers at the NQCC will have access to this system for testing, benchmarking, and exploratory applications development. Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, CEO of Rigetti, attended the official inauguration, celebrating the milestone. This achievement is a result of Rigetti’s Small Business Research Initiative grant from Innovate UK, awarded in February 2024. The company’s technology will be integrated with Riverlane’s to achieve large-scale error correction.

National Quantum Computing Centre Opens with Rigetti QPU

The UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) has officially opened its doors, marking a significant milestone in the country’s quantum computing research efforts. The state-of-the-art facility, located on Harwell Campus, features a fully operational 24-qubit Ankaa-class Rigetti system, which will be made available to NQCC researchers for testing, benchmarking, and exploratory applications development.

The Rigetti system is a key component of the NQCC’s research infrastructure, providing a cutting-edge platform for scientists to advance their understanding of quantum computing and its potential applications. The 24-qubit Ankaa-class system features tunable couplers and a square lattice design, enabling fast gate times, enhanced connectivity, and high fidelity. This architecture is designed to support the development of large-scale error correction, a critical component of practical quantum computing.

Rigetti’s involvement in the NQCC dates back to February 2024, when the company was awarded a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) grant delivered by Innovate UK and funded by the NQCC. The grant enabled Rigetti to deliver a quantum computing system based on its Ankaa-class architecture to the new facility. The company’s CEO, Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, and CTO, David Rivas, attended the official inauguration of the NQCC, celebrating the milestone achievement.

Rigetti’s Quantum Computing Technology

Rigetti is a pioneer in the development of quantum computing systems, with a focus on designing and manufacturing scalable, multi-chip quantum processors. The company’s technology roadmap is centered around its proprietary Ankaa-class architecture, which is designed to support the development of practical quantum computing applications.

Rigetti’s 24-qubit system operating at the NQCC represents a significant advancement in the field, providing researchers with a powerful tool to explore the potential of quantum computing. The company’s technology has been developed through a combination of innovative design, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and rigorous testing.

Quantum Computing Research and Applications

The opening of the NQCC marks an important step forward in the UK’s quantum computing research efforts. It will provide scientists with access to cutting-edge infrastructure and expertise. The centre is expected to advance our understanding of quantum computing and its potential applications, including cryptography, optimization, and simulation.

Researchers at the NQCC will have the opportunity to explore the capabilities of Rigetti’s 24-qubit system, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with quantum computing. This work has the potential to unlock new insights and innovations, driving progress in fields such as materials science, chemistry, and machine learning.