Air Force Funds 2 Quantum Computers for Montana State University

Montana State University (MSU) has selected Orca Computing to supply two on-site PT-1 quantum photonic quantum computers.

Funded by the U.S. Air Force as part of MSU’s applied quantum capacity and operational resilience and regional equity (CORE) grant, the systems are paned to be used for research into distributed quantum computing and critical quantum capabilities.

“The installation of two on-premises quantum computers from Orca Computing is a milestone moment for Montana State University,” said MSU dean of college of letters and science professor Yves Idzerda.

The Orca systems is to be installed at the MSU Innovation Campus to support the university’s goal of advancing quantum technology applications in security, communications sensing and computing from concept to market.  

“Having hands-on access to photonic quantum computing technologies empowers us to advance our quantum efforts more rapidly, streamline the development and characterization of sophisticated quantum systems, and accelerate their real-world deployment,” said MSU director of spectrum lab professor Krishna Rupavatharam.

Orca has previously provided on-site PT Series units for the UK Ministry of Defense and the Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center. The company has also carried out several programs for government and enterprise clients in the energy, defense and high-performance computing sectors. 

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“Montana State University is renowned for its expertise and robust infrastructure, setting the stage for significant progress in quantum technologies,” said Orca co-founder and CEO Richard Murray.

“Our PT-1 systems are ideally suited to support the university’s bold mission of accelerating quantum applications. We are excited to partner with them and contribute to their pioneering efforts.”