Quantum Leap: Rigetti signs MOU with Indian government

Welcome to the latest edition of “Quantum Leap” where The Fly decodes news and activity in the quantum computing space.

INDIA R&D MOU: Rigetti Computing (RGTI) announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, C-DAC, India’s R&D organization of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Through this MOU, Rigetti and C-DAC will explore the co-development of hybrid quantum computing systems to support government laboratories and academics pursuing quantum computing R&D. “By joining C-DAC’s renowned leadership in high-performance computing solutions with Rigetti’s expertise in superconducting quantum computing systems, we have the opportunity to design and deliver powerful and practical hybrid computing systems,” says Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO. “We look forward to this collaboration and advancing the state-of-the-art in hybrid computing technology.”

POST-QUANTUM CRYPTOCURRENCY: Sealsq (LAES) announced a roadmap to protect cryptocurrencies against the looming threat posed by quantum computing. The company also revealed that its VaultIC 408 Secure Microcontroller has successfully passed NIST FIPS 140-3 testing at Security Level 3. Sealsq is advancing its post-quantum cryptocurrency protection roadmap which includes: integration of post-quantum algorithms into blockchain protocols; hardware-based protection for crypto wallets; quantum-resilient key management; secure mining and staking systems; partnerships and ecosystem expansion

CISO: D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) announced it is expanding its executive team with the appointment of security industry veteran Stan Black as chief information security officer. At D-Wave, Black will align the company’s security strategy with its corporate business goals, inform product development, and advance artificial intelligence and machine learning governance.

DRUG DEVELOPMENT ALGORITHM: Quantum computing company Norma has achieved over 73× faster performance in drug development by running its quantum AI algorithm on Nvidia (NVDA) GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips. Norma recently tested and validated the performance of its self-developed quantum AI algorithms on the Nvidia CUDA-Q platform. The project was launched as part of a joint research effort with Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, aimed at discovering novel drug candidates. Hyunchul Jung, CEO of Norma, stated, “This project is a meaningful example of collaboration between domestic and international quantum technology companies and hospitals, showcasing the practical potential of quantum technologies.” He added, “Through active technological cooperation with NVIDIA, we plan to continuously expand performance testing of quantum AI algorithms across a wide range of sectors, like healthcare.”

SHARE SALE: Arqit Quantum (ARQQ) filed to sell 11.51M shares of common stock for holders on Friday.

BOARD EXPANSION: Quantum (QMCO) announced the appointment of two executives, James Clancy and Tony Blevins, to its board of directors. With these appointments, the total number of directors will expand to seven members.

INES PKI PLATOFRM: Sealsq Corp announced a significant enhancement to its INeS PKI platform, which now includes secure code signing services designed to protect the integrity of firmware distributed across connected devices. The company said this new capability positions INeS as a future-proof trust infrastructure for manufacturers needing to secure over-the-air firmware updates in compliance with emerging global cybersecurity regulations.