Rigetti Computing joins DARPA’s initiative to benchmark quantum computing

Published 03/04/2025, 20:32
© Reuters.

Investing.com -- Rigetti Computing, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGTI), a front-runner in full-stack quantum-classical computing, has announced its involvement in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI). The initiative aims to validate the utility-scale operation of quantum computing by 2033. Rigetti will be part of the initial stage of this multi-stage program, a six-month performance period focused on its utility-scale quantum computer concept. Successful completion of the program milestones could earn the company up to $1 million.

The QBI program aims to scrutinize various approaches to quantum computing to determine their potential for utility-scale operation. Rigetti’s proposal for a Utility-Scale Quantum Computer (USQC) involves a combination of the company’s proprietary multi-chip architecture and scalable quantum error correction (QEC) codes. Rigetti’s long-time collaborator, Riverlane, a leader in QEC technology, will be involved in the project to refine the proposed USQC concept and validate the technology.

A USQC, as defined by DARPA, is a system where the computational value outweighs the costs. The physical qubit architecture and QEC code are the primary factors determining the scalability and speed of a USQC. Rigetti’s concept plans to use Quantum Low Density Parity Check (qLDPC) codes, which require less physical qubit overhead, making them a more efficient QEC technique for scaling towards fault-tolerant systems.

Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO, stated that the company’s decade-long experience in developing high-performing quantum computers positions them well to deliver on DARPA’s QBI objective. Rigetti’s roadmap aligns closely with the QBI program, focusing on developing their QEC capabilities and fault-tolerant architectures.

Rigetti’s quantum computers are based on superconducting qubits, favored for their fast gate speeds and compatibility with established semiconductor manufacturing techniques. The company has made several breakthroughs in the superconducting qubit industry, including a novel chip fabrication technique, Alternating Bias Assisted Annealing (ABAA), and innovative multi-chip architecture technology. Rigetti has also deployed quantum systems that utilize vertical I/O, multiple layers of signal lines, and the ability to connect qubits on separate chips with high fidelity.

David Rivas, Rigetti CTO, expressed confidence in the company’s ability to meet DARPA’s 2033 target. The company’s strategy to achieve a USQC involves implementing an efficiently-scaling qLDPC code in hardware, combining speed and efficiency. Rigetti plans to manufacture quantum integrated circuits capable of natively running qLDPC codes, reaching the high qubit counts and performance metrics required for utility-scale applications.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.