Quantum Leap: Sealsq unveils Quantum AI Framework at UN event

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

AI FOR ONE HUMANITY: Sealsq (LAES) introduced a Quantum AI Framework at the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations “AI for One Humanity” event in Geneva. The company said, “SEALSQ has been pioneering technologies that anticipate the imminent risks posed by quantum computers. These powerful machines, still in their early stages, hold the potential to render today’s encryption obsolete. SEALSQ’s vision is clear: ensure the security and integrity of digital infrastructure in a world where quantum capabilities and AI are rapidly converging. The QAI Framework introduced at the UNAOC gathering is a testament to that commitment. The QAI Framework is the result of SEALSQ’s multi-disciplinary efforts to combine the strength of post-quantum cryptography with the adaptability and intelligence of AI. This hybrid approach is designed to secure critical infrastructures, digital identities, and sensitive communications from future threats while enhancing system efficiency, responsiveness, and resilience. The integration of AI enables real-time decision-making, cryptographic optimization, and anomaly detection, improving the robustness of cybersecurity operations at all levels – from data centers to satellites.”

JAPAN DISTRIBUTION PACT: IonQ (IONQ) announced a distributor partnership with Toyota Tsusho (TM) to accelerate quantum computing in Japan. This milestone marks IonQ’s entrance into the Japanese market. Toyota Tsusho was established in 1948 as the trading and business development arm of the Toyota Group and has made significant progress in the field of quantum computing in recent years. Leveraging its extensive customer network, the company will introduce IonQ’s quantum computing and networking technologies to a broad range of Japanese enterprises.

ANNEALING QUANTUM SYSTEM: D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) and Davidson Technologies reported that the physical assembly of a D-Wave Advantage annealing quantum system is complete at Davidson’s headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama. With the assembly phase now finished, installation nears completion as the system undergoes final calibration and readiness testing. Progress with the system assembly and installation represents a milestone in the partnership between D-Wave and Davidson and positions Alabama as a contributor to quantum infrastructure in the U.S. The Advantage2 system will be the first annealing quantum computer hosted on-premises in the state, offering new pathways for the development of quantum optimization applications designed to support mission-critical challenges in areas including national defense. The system will eventually be housed in a secure facility developed to run sensitive applications using quantum computing technology. The milestone will be commemorated during a private ribbon-cutting event on April 23 at Davidson’s headquarters. This installation follows a multi-year agreement and technology collaboration between the two companies.

EMUCORE: Quantum Computing (QUBT) has secured the sale of one of its EmuCore reservoir computers to a major automotive manufacturer. The device has since been shipped to the customer and will be used for research and development purposes. QCi’s EmuCore reservoir computing device can be applied to solve a variety of problems related to serial data structures including time series prediction and image recognition. Dr. William McGann, Chief Executive Officer of QCi commented, “We’re excited to support one of the world’s leading automotive innovators with the delivery of our EmuCore reservoir computing device. This sale represents a meaningful validation of our technology in real-world environments and is yet another example of the increasing demand we’re seeing for our devices and offerings in diverse markets.”

QUANTUM MISSIONS: Rigetti UK Limited, a subsidiary of Rigetti Computing (RGTI), announced that it has been selected as one of the winners of Innovate UK’s Quantum Missions pilot competition to benchmark and enhance quantum error correction capabilities on superconducting quantum computers. Rigetti will lead a GBP 3.5 million consortium alongside Riverlane and the NQCC Superconducting Circuits Team to leverage Rigetti’s superconducting quantum computer hosted at the NQCC to conduct ambitious QEC tests that advance state-of-the-art metrics and demonstrate real-time QEC capabilities – a requirement for universal, fault-tolerant quantum computing.

CEO TRANSITION: Quantum Computing CEO and president, William McGann, has notified the board his intention to retire effective May 12. As part of the succession plan, the company’s board of directors named Yuping Huang as interim CEO and president. The board has formed a committee that will work with an executive search firm to select a new CEO. McGann first joined QCi as a member of the board of directors in September 2021 and transitioned to chief operating and technology officer in January 2022. Since February 2024, he served as CEO and president.