Zapata Quantum Granted Key Patent for Quantum Intermediate Representation (QIR) in Multiple Global Markets
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Zapata Quantum has secured exclusive global rights to its Quantum Intermediate Representation (QIR) technology, receiving key patent grants in Canada, Europe, Israel, and Australia – adding to its existing U.S. patent. This hardware-agnostic translation layer acts as a “universal translator” allowing quantum applications to run seamlessly across diverse hardware platforms, drastically reducing fragmentation and simplifying deployment. “QIR is the kind of broadly applicable infrastructure that helps make hybrid quantum-classical computing practical at scale,” explains Dr. Jonathan Olson, Zapata’s Strategic Advisor for Intellectual Property. As the only publicly traded, pure-play quantum software company with over 60 patents, Zapata is positioning itself as a foundational leader in the rapidly evolving quantum landscape, ensuring scalability and interoperability for future applications.
Zapata Quantum Secures Global QIR Patent Protection This hardware-agnostic translation layer is designed to resolve a critical challenge in the nascent field: the lack of interoperability between diverse quantum hardware and programming frameworks. The company, traded on the OTC market under the symbol ZPTA, now holds exclusive rights to QIR, a system that allows developers to write code once and deploy it across various quantum platforms. This isn’t simply about algorithms, but a broader strategy to protect the foundational elements of hybrid quantum-classical computing, evidenced by Zapata’s portfolio of over 60 granted and pending patents. The technology functions as a “universal translator,” streamlining application deployment by reducing the need for bespoke code for each hardware backend—and even easing the burden on hardware providers. The importance of QIR extends beyond individual company advantage, as it has spurred collaborative efforts such as the QIR Alliance, which includes major players like Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Quantinuum. This highlights the growing recognition of standardised frameworks as essential for quantum computing’s evolution. Sumit Kapur, Chief Executive Officer of Zapata Quantum, emphasized this long-term vision: “We’ve been pursuing a deliberate IP strategy for more than eight years, dating back to our origins in Harvard’s quantum computing lab.” Zapata’s early investment in software and foundational technologies like QIR is now positioned to deliver “durable, long-term value” as the industry matures and prioritizes scalable, interoperable quantum applications. QIR Functions as a Universal Quantum-Classical Translator Granted in Canada, Europe, Israel, Australia, and previously in the U.S., these patents solidify Zapata’s exclusive rights to QIR—a hardware-agnostic translation layer designed to bridge the gap between quantum software and the diverse range of emerging quantum hardware. This capability significantly reduces fragmentation and streamlines the application development process, a critical step toward practical quantum computation. The architecture mirrors established techniques in classical computing, drawing parallels to LLVM, a widely used intermediate representation. Importantly, QIR isn’t a one-way street; it also enables hardware providers to support multiple software tools with a single connection, lessening the burden of custom integrations. This bi-directional functionality minimizes translation efforts across the entire quantum ecosystem, accelerating the journey from initial development to real-world application. Zapata’s intellectual property strategy, encompassing over 60 granted and pending patents, focuses on these foundational layers, not just specific algorithms. Over 60 Granted & Pending Patents Drive Zapata’s IP Strategy Beyond specific algorithms, the company is focused on protecting the fundamental building blocks of the hybrid quantum-classical computing stack, recognizing that interoperability will be crucial for widespread adoption. The company, uniquely positioned as a publicly traded, hardware-agnostic pure-play quantum software firm, is actively shaping the landscape with this technology. This emphasis on foundational infrastructure is proving pivotal as the quantum computing industry matures, with multiple hardware approaches competing for dominance. QIR is the kind of broadly applicable infrastructure that helps make hybrid quantum-classical computing practical at scale so applications can move from one-off demonstrations to repeatable deployment across an evolving hardware landscape.Dr. Jonathan Olson, Zapata’s Strategic Advisor for Intellectual Property Source: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/02/03/3231005/0/en/Zapata-Secures-Foundational-Patent-for-Interoperable-Quantum-Software-Across-Key-Global-Markets.html Tags: Quantum News As the Official Quantum Dog (or hound) by role is to dig out the latest nuggets of quantum goodness. There is so much happening right now in the field of technology, whether AI or the march of robots. But Quantum occupies a special space. Quite literally a special space. A Hilbert space infact, haha! Here I try to provide some of the news that might be considered breaking news in the Quantum Computing space. Latest Posts by Quantum News: FormationQ Announces Joint Program with Cavendish Lab, Powered by IonQ’s Platform February 3, 2026 Infleqtion Advances Scalable Quantum Computing with Faster, More Reliable Qubit Measurements February 3, 2026 University of Miami Rosenstiel School AI Predicts Coral Bleaching Risk Up to 6 Weeks Out February 3, 2026