Quantum computing

Scientists make progress in bridging quantum computers with optical networks

Researchers at Caltech have developed a groundbreaking silicon device that could help quantum computers communicate over long distances.

The innovation, created by a team led by Professor Mohammad Mirhosseini, successfully converts microwave photons into optical photons, overcoming a major challenge in quantum networking. Their findings were recently published in Nature Nanotechnology.

Quantum computers rely on microwave photons to store and process information, but these particles require near-zero temperatures and lose data when travelling through standard internet cables.

Optical photons, however, can move efficiently over long distances at room temperature. The new device acts as a bridge between the two, using a vibrating silicon beam to convert microwave signals into optical ones with remarkable efficiency.

Built from silicon to minimise noise, the transducer outperforms older systems by 100 times while maintaining the same level of signal clarity.

The breakthrough brings the concept of a quantum internet closer to reality, offering a scalable way to link quantum computers across vast networks in the future.

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US tightens controls on China’s tech sector amid security fears

The United States has added six subsidiaries of China’s leading cloud computing firm, Inspur Group, along with dozens of other Chinese entities, to its export restriction list.

Washington accuses the companies of aiding China’s military by developing supercomputers and advanced AI technologies. The move is part of a broader strategy to curb China’s progress in high-performance computing, quantum technology, and hypersonic weapons development.

Other companies from Taiwan, Iran, Pakistan, South Africa, and the UAE were also included in the latest restrictions. China has strongly condemned the US decision, calling it an attempt to ‘weaponise trade and technology.’

The Chinese foreign ministry has vowed to take necessary measures to protect its firms, while the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence, which was also targeted, called for the restrictions to be withdrawn.

Companies added to the US Entity List require special licences to access American technology, which are unlikely to be granted. The restrictions could impact major Chinese tech firms linked to AI and computing, such as Huawei and Sugon.

The United States Commerce Department argues that these measures are necessary to prevent China and other countries from using American technology for military applications. Officials insist they will not allow adversaries to strengthen their military capabilities with US-made components.

The latest crackdown follows a 2023 decision to blacklist Inspur Group, which led to scrutiny of its business ties with major US chipmakers such as Nvidia and AMD. Washington also aims to block Iran’s procurement of drone and missile technology as part of its broader national security efforts.

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PsiQuantum targets functional quantum machine by 2029

Quantum computing firm PsiQuantum is reportedly raising at least $750 million in a new funding round led by BlackRock, pushing the startup’s pre-money valuation to $6 billion.

The round remains ongoing, but it signals strong investor confidence in PsiQuantum’s ambitious timeline to deliver a fully functional quantum computer by 2029, or sooner.

The US, California-based company uses photonics and semiconductor techniques to produce quantum chips in partnership with GlobalFoundries at a facility in New York.

It has also secured collaborations with the governments of Australia and the US to build quantum computers in Brisbane and Chicago.

The Chicago project will anchor the new Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, marking a major milestone in the commercialisation of quantum technologies.

PsiQuantum faces stiff competition from tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Nvidia, all of whom are making significant strides in quantum research.

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MIT advances scalable quantum computing networks

MIT researchers have developed a breakthrough quantum interconnect device that could significantly advance quantum computing by enabling direct communication between multiple quantum processors.

Unlike point-to-point architectures, which suffer from compounded error rates, their new ‘all-to-all’ communication system allows superconducting quantum processors to exchange quantum information efficiently using microwave photons.

By successfully demonstrating remote entanglement between two quantum processors, the researchers have taken a crucial step toward building large-scale quantum computing networks.

Their method involves using superconducting wires to shuttle photons, allowing quantum processors to remain entangled even when physically separate. However, this advancement paves the way for scalable quantum computing with higher flexibility and reduced error rates.

To maximise efficiency, the team employed reinforcement learning algorithms to optimise photon absorption, achieving over 60% absorption efficiency—enough to confirm successful entanglement.

Future improvements may involve refining photon pathways and integrating modules in 3D to further enhance performance. The research, supported by multiple US agencies and AWS, brings quantum computing closer to practical, large-scale implementation.

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New HP printers designed to withstand quantum computing attacks

HP has introduced the 8000 Series printers, designed to protect against future cyber threats posed by quantum computing.

Announced at the Amplify 2025 event, the new models include the HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP 8801, Mono MFP 8601, and LaserJet Pro Mono SFP 8501. These printers are built to resist sophisticated attacks that could exploit vulnerabilities at the firmware level.

To enhance security, HP has integrated quantum-resistant cryptography within the printers’ ASIC chips. These chips provide digital signature verification, reducing the risk of unauthorised firmware modifications and potential data breaches.

HP emphasised that, without these safeguards, printers could be fully compromised by malicious firmware updates, allowing attackers to gain persistent control over the devices.

The new printers are also designed to integrate seamlessly with Zero Trust network architectures, reinforcing security within enterprise environments.

By incorporating advanced cryptographic measures, HP aims to future-proof its printing solutions against emerging cybersecurity threats.

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China claims quantum supremacy with Zuchongzhi 3.0 chip

Chinese researchers have developed the Zuchongzhi 3.0, a quantum processor 1 quadrillion times faster than the world’s best supercomputers. The 105-qubit chip, created at the University of Science and Technology of China, achieved impressive results, completing a quantum task in mere seconds—1 million times faster than Google’s Sycamore chip.

A breakthrough like this marks a major step forward in quantum computing, especially with its enhancements in coherence time and quantum error correction. The processor’s transmon qubits, made from materials like tantalum and niobium, also show significant improvements in gate fidelity, leading to more accurate computations.

Despite these advancements, experts note that classical computing methods could still close the gap, as seen in past quantum supremacy claims.

Zuchongzhi 3.0’s exceptional performance paves the way for more practical quantum computing applications, promising a new era of solving complex real-world challenges. The progress made in quantum gate fidelity and reduced noise sensitivity places China’s quantum processing technology at the forefront of global developments.

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HQC announced as safeguard against future quantum attacks

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has introduced HQC, a backup encryption algorithm designed to protect sensitive data from potential threats posed by future quantum computers.

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen cybersecurity, the agency selected HQC to complement the existing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standard, ML-KEM, in case quantum advancements compromise current encryption methods.

HQC relies on error-correcting codes, a mathematical approach used in data protection for decades, including in NASA missions.

The algorithm is larger than ML-KEM and requires more computing power, but experts determined it to be a secure and reliable alternative. A draft standard for HQC is expected within a year, with final approval anticipated by 2027.

NIST has been working to prepare for the so-called ‘Q day,’ when quantum computers could break conventional encryption. Three PQC algorithms were finalized in 2024, including ML-KEM and two digital signature standards.

In addition to announcing HQC, NIST is preparing to release a draft standard for the FALCON algorithm, further strengthening protections against future cyber threats.

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China to expand AI investment and boost tech innovation

China has announced plans to increase support for AI development and boost venture capital investment as part of its broader strategy to drive technological breakthroughs and self-reliance.

The initiative was outlined in a government report presented at the annual National People’s Congress, highlighting AI, biomanufacturing, quantum technology, and 6G as key areas for future growth.

Authorities plan to encourage the application of large-scale AI models and the advancement of next-generation intelligent terminals and smart manufacturing systems.

The report also emphasised the importance of creating an environment that supports innovation, allowing for exploration and tolerating failure. Young scientists and engineers will be given significant roles in national laboratories to accelerate progress in emerging industries.

China intends to improve its data infrastructure and facilitate cross-border data flows to strengthen its technological capabilities.

The inclusion of AI in the government’s work report for the first time comes amid growing interest in Chinese AI startups such as DeepSeek, signalling Beijing’s intent to remain at the forefront of AI development.

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Quantum chip manufacturing advances with PsiQuantum

PsiQuantum has developed a method to manufacture quantum computing chips at scale, solving a key challenge in the industry.

The company confirmed its chipset, Omega, is now ready for mass production through a partnership with GlobalFoundries, which is producing millions of the chips at its factory in Albany, New York.

The startup employs a photonics-based approach, leveraging widely used semiconductor manufacturing techniques. However, this method enables quantum calculations using particles of light while requiring less complex cooling mechanisms than other quantum technologies.

Manufacturing yields have matched those of standard semiconductors, according to company executives.

Findings on mass production were published in the journal Nature, highlighting the readiness of PsiQuantum’s technology. The company expects to complete a facility capable of performing commercial quantum applications by around 2027, aligning with recent industry predictions that quantum computing is now only years away from practical use.

PsiQuantum was valued at $3.15 billion in 2023, positioning it as a leading player in the race for commercially viable quantum computers. Other companies, including Microsoft and Google, have also made significant progress, with Google forecasting commercial applications within five years.

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Quantum machines secures $170 million for growth

Quantum Machines (QM), a leader in quantum computing technology, has raised $170 million in a mid-stage funding round, bringing its total funding to $280 million. The investment is seen as a significant step in accelerating QM’s role in the rapidly evolving quantum computing industry. With quantum technology on the verge of becoming a major disruptive force, this funding will help QM expand its hardware and software offerings to meet the demands of quantum system developers globally.

Quantum computing holds enormous promise for breakthroughs in fields such as medicine and chemistry, offering the ability to solve problems far beyond the capabilities of classical computers. While the technology is still developing, key milestones are being reached, including IBM and Google’s advancements in achieving over 1,000 qubits. These developments signal that practical quantum computers could soon become a reality.

QM’s growth is supported by strong backing from major investors, including PSG Equity and Intel Capital, reflecting the increasing confidence in the potential of quantum computing. As the technology matures, companies like Microsoft and Nvidia are also contributing to the ecosystem, highlighting that the quantum race is heating up. Despite regional challenges, Israeli tech startups, including QM, are continuing to attract investment, contributing to the country’s growing tech sector.

With this new funding, QM is well-positioned to drive forward its mission to innovate and lead in the quantum computing space, which many consider one of the most important technological developments of the current generation.

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