The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) and Nu Quantum, a leading UK quantum networking company, today announced Project IDRA – the first phase in building an innovative optically connected, multi-node distributed quantum computing system, to be based at the NQCC’s facilities in Harwell, Oxfordshire. The project aims to overcome scientific roadblocks to scaling quantum computers, placing the UK in a world-leading position. IDRA is funded by the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF) and supported by NQCC through project co-location, access to specialist equipment and technical collaboration.
Project IDRA focuses on networking quantum processing units (QPUs) to achieve scalable quantum computing. The project aims to overcome key technical risks limiting distributed quantum processors by creating entanglement between qubits in different QPUs, thus enabling them to perform complex computations as a single, more powerful system.
Nu Quantum will develop a complete distributed quantum processor system, comprising high-efficiency qubit-photon interfaces and high-fidelity Quantum Networking Units (QNUs). These innovations will be tested at Harwell in collaboration with the NQCC.
“This project is an important step towards a quantum data centre of the future,” said Dr. Michael Cuthbert, Director of the NQCC. “We welcome Nu Quantum to our facility and look forward to our shared goal of making the UK a quantum-ready economy.”
Carmen Palacios, Co-founder and CEO of Nu Quantum said: “The UK continues to lead in the field of quantum computing, which is set to be truly transformational for our society and the planet. We’re proud to be building on that base by collaborating with the NQCC to accelerate the usability and commercialisation of quantum computers, and to work together to build pioneering companies for a better future.”
By advancing distributed quantum computing, Project IDRA is set to distinguish the UK among other leading global quantum efforts, and further establish Harwell as a thriving hub for quantum innovation.
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