Rigetti Sells Novera QPU to University of Saskatchewan

Rigetti Computing has sold a 9-qubit Novera QPU to the University of Saskatchewan, establishing the foundation for the university’s first quantum computing system. Shipped in March, the Novera QPU will be central to the work of USask’s Centre for Quantum Topology and its Applications (quanTA), an institute focused on advancing quantum science and technology. “By providing hands-on access to real quantum computing hardware, academic institutions like USask are enabling students and researchers to pursue advances in quantum science and technology,” says Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO. The fully assembled system, incorporating technologies from multiple partners, aims to position Western Canada as a competitive force in quantum research, with applications potentially spanning agriculture, health sciences, and defense technologies. Rigetti Sells 9-Qubit Novera QPU to University of Saskatchewan This is more than a hardware delivery; it’s a strategic investment in building a robust quantum ecosystem within Western Canada. Rigetti emphasizes the importance of hands-on access to quantum hardware for fostering the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO, explained this commitment. The Novera QPU’s integration into the USask system is being facilitated by a collaborative network of technology providers. The QPU will be housed within a Zero Point Cryogenics dilution refrigerator, utilizing Qblox control systems for qubit operation and QuantrolOx software for automated calibration and tuning. quanTA aims to establish Western Canada as a competitive hub for quantum innovation. “At quanTA, our goal is to make Western Canada a competitive force in quantum science and quantum technology development,” explains Dr. Steven Rayan, quanTA Executive Director and USask Mathematics and Statistics Professor. USask President Vince Bruni-Bossio highlighted the milestone, stating, “This milestone positions USask as a key player in quantum research on the world stage.” The system’s modular design, leveraging Rigetti’s Cepheus architecture, allows for future scalability, with options ranging from 36 to 108 qubits, and demonstrates a commitment to long-term quantum computing infrastructure development. quanTA Centre Integrates Novera QPU with Cryogenics & Control Systems The pursuit of practical quantum computing increasingly relies on integrating diverse technologies, moving beyond isolated qubit development toward fully functional systems. This isn’t merely about adding hardware, but about establishing a complete environment for quantum experimentation, combining a Rigetti Novera QPU with specialized cryogenic cooling and precise control mechanisms. The Novera QPU, delivered in March, is designed for compatibility within a broader ecosystem of quantum technologies. The fully assembled system at quanTA leverages equipment from multiple partners, demonstrating a move toward standardized interoperability. Specifically, the QPU will operate within a dilution refrigerator manufactured by Zero Point Cryogenics, a crucial component for maintaining the extremely low temperatures near absolute zero required for superconducting qubit operation. Complementing this are control systems from Qblox, responsible for the precise manipulation of the qubits, and software from QuantrolOx, automating the complex processes of qubit calibration and tuning. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO, also commented on this integration. This integrated approach allows researchers at USask to explore quantum algorithms, materials, and architectures with a tangible quantum resource. At quanTA, our goal is to make Western Canada a competitive force in quantum science and quantum technology development. The establishment of a quantum computing testbed is fundamental to providing the USask community with the resources needed to embark on innovative research in areas including quantum materials, quantum algorithms, and quantum computing architecture. Dr. Steven Rayan, quanTA Executive Director and USask Mathematics and Statistics Professor Cepheus Architecture Enables Scalable 36- to 108-Qubit Quantum Systems Rigetti Computing is extending its reach beyond smaller quantum processing units, focusing on scalable systems leveraging its Cepheus architecture. These larger systems are not simply scaled-up versions of the Novera; they are built upon a proprietary chiplet-based technology, allowing for modular expansion and increased computational power. This approach addresses a critical challenge in quantum computing: maintaining coherence and control as the number of qubits increases. The Cepheus architecture relies on tiling multiple 9-qubit chiplets together, a technique Rigetti successfully demonstrated in 2025 with Cepheus-1-36Q, which integrated four such chiplets. This modularity isn’t limited to the quantum processor itself; Rigetti offers complete systems including a dilution refrigerator, its own control systems, and QCS Outpost, a software environment for system administration and operation. “Rigetti can manage the entire delivery and installation process to ensure a fully operational quantum computing system,” indicating a commitment to providing a turnkey solution for potential clients. Manufacturing of these chips occurs in Rigetti’s Fab-1 facility, described as “the industry’s first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility,” highlighting their vertical integration strategy. Beyond hardware, Rigetti emphasizes the performance characteristics of its superconducting qubits, claiming gate speeds of 50-70ns, approximately 1,000 times faster than alternative qubit modalities like ion traps or neutral atoms. This speed is crucial for executing complex quantum algorithms efficiently. The company also notes that its 9-qubit Novera QPU is designed for compatibility with existing cryogenic and control systems, offering flexibility for researchers already invested in quantum infrastructure. However, for those seeking larger-scale systems, the Cepheus architecture provides a pathway to more powerful quantum computers, positioning Rigetti as a key player in the development of practical quantum computing solutions. By providing hands-on access to real quantum computing hardware, academic institutions like USask are enabling students and researchers to pursue groundbreaking advances in quantum science and technology. We are delighted that USask has selected a Rigetti Novera QPU for their quanTA Centre and congratulate them on this exciting new phase of quantum technology exploration and innovation. Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO Superconducting Qubits Achieve 50-70ns Gate Speeds for Fast Processing The pursuit of faster quantum processing speeds recently yielded a significant advancement as Rigetti Computing demonstrated gate speeds of 50-70 nanoseconds in its superconducting qubits, a performance benchmark that dramatically outpaces competing qubit modalities. This speed increase is not merely an incremental improvement; it represents a substantial leap forward in the practical application of quantum computers, potentially unlocking solutions to complex problems currently intractable for even the most powerful classical machines. Unlike ion traps or neutral atoms, which operate at considerably slower speeds, Rigetti’s superconducting qubits are proving to be a mature and scalable technology, offering a clear path toward more powerful quantum systems. The company’s focus on superconducting qubits, widely considered a leading modality, has allowed them to achieve these speeds, approximately 1,000 times faster than alternative approaches. “Rigetti quantum computers are based on superconducting qubits, which are widely believed to be the leading qubit modality given their maturity, clear path to scaling, and fast gate speeds,” the company stated. Beyond speed, Rigetti offers both smaller, research-focused 9-qubit Novera QPUs and larger, fully integrated systems ranging from 36 to 108 qubits, utilizing a modular Cepheus architecture. These larger systems incorporate not only Rigetti’s control systems but also components from partners within the Novera QPU Partner Program, creating a cohesive ecosystem of compatible hardware and software. The integration of equipment from companies like Zero Point Cryogenics, Qblox, and QuantrolOx demonstrates a commitment to interoperability and streamlined system deployment. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO, highlighted the importance of accessibility in fostering innovation. This remarkable milestone is a monumental achievement that positions USask as a key player in quantum research on the world stage. As we step into the future, USask is continuing to establish itself as a cutting-edge institution and a hub for national and international quantum-focused research that will propel work in agriculture, health sciences, defense technologies and more across the Prairies. Vince Bruni-Bossio, USask President and Vice-Chancellor Source: https://investors.rigetti.com/news-releases/news-release-details/rigetti-announces-novera-qpu-sale-university-saskatchewan Tags: