Quantum Brilliance has announced the sale of a room-temperature quantum accelerator in Europe to the German research institution Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics (Fraunhofer IAF).
The technology incorporates classical and quantum computing elements, enabling Fraunhofer IAF to explore artificial intelligence (AI) integration within quantum systems. Fraunhofer IAF, an institution recognised for its research on synthetic diamonds in quantum computing, has acquired Quantum Brilliance's second-generation Quantum Development Kit (QB-QDK2.0). This quantum accelerator, utilising nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond, operates at room temperature, differing from traditional quantum computers that require significant cooling resources.
"Our long-standing collaboration with Fraunhofer IAF highlights the development of room-temperature quantum accelerators and continues to push the boundaries of scalable, energy-efficient quantum computing solutions," stated Quantum Brilliance Chief Revenue Officer Mark Mattingley-Scott. "We look forward to delivering impactful quantum solutions to Fraunhofer IAF."
The QB-QDK2.0 is integrated into a 19-inch rack-mountable structure, which enhances Fraunhofer IAF's research tools by incorporating Quantum Brilliance's existing software suite. This includes the Qristal SDK, an open-source platform, and the Qristal Emulator, which simulates quantum computing backends with realistic noise models, all underpinned by NVIDIA's CUDA-Q technology.
Quantum Brilliance and Fraunhofer IAF have previously collaborated on several projects, including DE BRILL, which focuses on advancing quantum computing technologies using diamond-based qubits. The nitrogen-vacancy based system, along with the accompanying virtual emulation system, is set to advance Fraunhofer IAF's research infrastructure, contributing to its comprehensive quantum computing ecosystem.
Tim Costa, Senior Director of CAE, EDA & Quantum at NVIDIA, said, "Quantum Brilliance's work with Fraunhofer IAF points to a future where quantum hardware is collocated with AI supercomputers, unlocking new possibilities for hybrid quantum-classical computing. NVIDIA's CUDA-Q platform is supporting researchers in developing and scaling these hybrid systems, which lead the charge to useful quantum computing."
The hybrid architecture of the QB-QDK2.0 integrates classical co-processors, including NVIDIA GPUs and CPUs, alongside the quantum processing unit within a single enclosure.
This allows users to explore hybrid quantum-classical algorithms, such as quantum machine learning techniques, that merge quantum and classical neural networks.
Installation of the new system at Fraunhofer IAF will be supported by SVA System Vertrieb Alexander GmbH, a prominent German IT system integrator. SVA brings extensive expertise in integrating high-quality IT solutions, particularly for high-performance computing (HPC) applications. They provide sector-tailored solutions, catering to clients across areas such as healthcare, finance, public services, and manufacturing.
The QB-QDK2.0 has previously been procured by another prominent research centre, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in the United States, marking its global presence.
