Infleqtion and Cisco link quantum computers into early networks

Infleqtion and Cisco are collaborating to build early quantum networks, shifting the focus from increasing the size of quantum computers to connecting them. The companies will link Infleqtion’s neutral-atom quantum computers, systems where qubits interface naturally with photons, with Cisco’s networking technology, aiming to scale quantum capabilities beyond isolated machines. “The next major breakthrough in quantum will not come from building bigger isolated machines, but from networking systems together,” says Ramana Kompella, VP and Head of Cisco Research. This partnership explores architectures for distributed quantum systems, a critical step toward realizing a quantum internet. Infleqtion and Cisco Target Scalable, Distributed Quantum Computing Infleqtion’s 1,600-qubit neutral-atom lattice, boasting 99.73% gate fidelity, is now a central component in a collaboration with Cisco to build scalable, distributed quantum computing networks, announced on September 10, 2026 at 9:00am EDT. This partnership focuses on linking individual quantum devices into larger, more powerful systems, a critical step toward realizing practical distributed quantum applications beyond isolated laboratory experiments. The effort uses Infleqtion’s expertise in neutral-atom qubits and Cisco’s established networking infrastructure to overcome a key obstacle in quantum computing: scaling beyond the limitations of single, monolithic processors. Neutral atoms, uniquely suited for quantum networking due to their natural interface with photons, form the foundation of Infleqtion’s approach, enabling the transmission of quantum information across networks, the company says. This inherent compatibility simplifies the complex task of connecting quantum computers, a process that requires preserving the delicate quantum states of qubits during transmission. Cisco’s contribution centers on developing a complete quantum networking stack, including the Cisco Universal Quantum Switch, a research prototype designed to route quantum information between systems while maintaining its integrity through a novel conversion engine. The intention is to create a system where information can reliably move across interconnected quantum processors, memory, and sensors, establishing a truly interoperable quantum network. The collaboration will initially concentrate on three key research areas to accelerate the development of these networked quantum systems. Researchers will explore network architectures capable of orchestrating data transfer between distributed quantum sensors and computational nodes, potentially unlocking new applications in fields like materials science and drug discovery. They will also investigate methods to convert or transduce quantum states held in Infleqtion’s neutral-atom quantum memory and quantum processing units (QPUs) with optical channels, optimizing the transmission of quantum information. Finally, the teams will evaluate opportunities to coordinate multi-modal quantum workloads across connected neutral-atom systems, maximizing the efficiency and capabilities of the distributed network. “Achieving the broadest applications of quantum computing will require many quantum systems working together,” said Pranav Gokhale, Chief Technology Officer at Infleqtion. “The path forward is connecting these systems together the same way the internet emerged from connecting many classical computers.” This vision aligns with a broader industry shift, moving away from solely increasing the size of individual quantum computers and toward a networked architecture. Recent partnerships, including a subcontract with Eaton to apply quantum computing to U.S. grid resilience and a collaboration with Silicon Light Machines to integrate advanced photonics, demonstrate a commitment to real-world applications. The company’s technology also powers Shunkai, Japan’s first full-stack neutral-atom quantum computer, which starts at 50 qubits and was launched in August 2026, and is being utilized in a mineral mapping project in Colorado expected to yield results by 2027, according to Infleqtion. T-SQUARED is constructing a new Quantum Innovation Centre in Oxford to triple Infleqtion’s UK space, the firm reports. The company’s recent opening of a Quantum Innovation Center in Colorado, coupled with a non-binding letter of intent with the U.S. Department of Commerce CHIPS R&D Office for $100 million in contingent funding, underscores its commitment to advancing U.S. leadership in neutral-atom quantum computing. This investment, tied to specific development milestones, will further accelerate Infleqtion’s research and development efforts. Representatives from both Infleqtion and Cisco plan to present their collaborative work at industry gatherings, including the Quantum World Congress Park, Maryland, and the Cisco Quantum Summit, a virtual event scheduled for October 6-7. “That’s why this collaboration matters,” Gokhale added. “Together, Infleqtion and Cisco are exploring how to connect quantum computers and sensors together into larger, more powerful quantum networks, which is a critical step toward unlocking distributed quantum.” Achieving the broadest applications of quantum computing will require many quantum systems working together. Pranav Gokhale, Chief Technology Officer at Infleqtion Cisco Universal Quantum Switch Advances Entanglement Distribution The September 10, 2026 at 9:00am EDT announcement of a collaboration between Infleqtion and Cisco marks a tangible progression toward networked quantum technology, moving beyond theoretical discussions of quantum internet architectures. Infleqtion’s expertise in neutral-atom quantum computing is particularly well-suited to this networking challenge, as neutral atoms interface naturally with photons, the particles of light used for data transmission. This inherent compatibility simplifies the process of linking quantum computers and sensors with the photonic channels essential for quantum networking, a detail that distinguishes Infleqtion’s approach from systems relying on superconducting or trapped-ion qubits. The company’s systems combine quantum memory with multi-modal computing and sensing, providing the necessary hardware and optical interfaces for broader network integration, a capability Cisco intends to amplify with its network architecture. Cisco is actively developing an end-to-end quantum networking stack designed to dynamically distribute quantum entanglement across connected devices on demand, an important element for realizing distributed quantum systems. This stack includes specialized quantum hardware and software intended to manage connections between quantum processors, memory, and sensors, ensuring reliable information transfer between systems. Infleqtion, founded in 2007 and now publicly listed as INFQ on the NYSE, has demonstrated a 1,600-qubit lattice with 99.73% gate fidelity, showcasing its capabilities in building high-performance quantum hardware, the company states. The company’s recent work with NVIDIA, resulting in the world’s first demonstration of a materials science application using logical qubits, highlights its commitment to translating quantum research into practical applications. This partnership with Cisco builds upon existing collaborations with organizations like the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, and the U.K. government, further solidifying Infleqtion’s position as a key player in the rapidly evolving quantum landscape. The next major breakthrough in quantum will not come from building bigger isolated machines, but from networking systems together. Ramana Kompella, VP and Head of Cisco Research Source: https://ir.infleqtion.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/209/infleqtion-and-cisco-announce-collaboration-to-advance-networked-quantum-technology More like thisQuantum HardwareBoulder Opal offers pre-built workflows for quantum calibrationQuantum HardwareResearchers Find Improved Correlations in Models Containing up to 24 FermionsQuantum Research NewsTelecom photons stored for 180 microseconds in a new quantum memoryQuantum Computing Business NewsIQM sends its first quantum computer to Brazil’s Eldorado InstituteStay currentSee today’s quantum computing news on Quantum Zeitgeist for the latest breakthroughs in qubits, hardware, algorithms, and industry deals. Tags: