DARPA Announces Selection of 11 Firms for Quantum Benchmarking Initiative
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has advanced several technology companies in the quantum computing sector to the second phase of its Quantum Benchmarking Initiative. The program, launched earlier this year, seeks to provide a rigorous process for verifying and validating whether any quantum computing methodology can achieve utility-scale operations - in other words, deliver computational value that justifies its cost by 2033. This next phase aims to further evaluate the effectiveness of selected firms’ quantum technologies.
In Stage A, 15 participating companies were asked to outline their unique concepts for developing a functional, fault-tolerant quantum computer. DARPA selected 11 companies to proceed to Stage B, which spans one year. During this phase, government teams will assess whether each company’s utility-scale quantum computer can be built and operated as proposed.
At present, the following companies have been advanced to Stage B:
The selected companies will undergo comprehensive reviews of their research and development plans. “In Stage B, we intend to thoroughly examine every aspect of their R&D strategies to determine if they are capable not just of achieving next year’s goals, but also of delivering transformative technology within the program’s timeline,” DARPA said in a press release.
Those who successfully complete Stage B will be eligible to enter QBI’s final stage, where government verification and validation teams will assess whether the proposed utility-scale quantum computer can be constructed and operated according to its intended design. Stage C will involve real-time testing and evaluation of the hardware technologies used in the participants’ quantum computers. According to DARPA, these evaluations will not slow down the companies’ progress.
In addition to providing funding, QBI supports participants’ R&D activities by offering impartial third-party verification and validation of progress toward a utility-scale quantum computer. Furthermore, QBI will ensure effective communication of results to other stakeholders within the U.S. government.
DARPA expects additional teams to advance to Stages A, B, and C over time, as organizations enter the evaluation process on differing timelines, resulting in ongoing progression through the program. The organization is open to pursuing all approaches deemed viable - within available funding parameters.