Nu Quantum announced project LYRA, a collaboration with Cisco aimed at developing a deployable prototype of a data-center compatible rack-mount called a Quantum Networking Unit (QNU). CISCO is also a prospective end user.
The QNU will be a 19-inch rack-mount modules for control-plane and optical interfacing. It’s modular architecture allows in-field upgrades to support different quantum computer modalities and alternative wavelengths.
This new contract has a gross value of £2.3 million ($2.9mn) and is additional to other procurements contracts awarded directly from the UK Government in 2023.
Carmen Palacios, co-founder and CEO of Nu Quantum, said in a statement: “We are honored to be awarded the contract from UK SBRI to pilot the first prototype of a quantum data center in the world, and to have an amazing partner like Cisco. LYRA takes the cornerstone quantum networking units from optical-bench to a deployable, prototype-product, capable of supporting test-bed integration with trapped-ion qubits and software stacks. The LYRA QNU is designed for future support of different qubit modalities and is a huge step forward in bringing quantum out of the lab and into real-world use.”
Peter Shearman, head of Co-Innovation at Cisco UK & Ireland, said in a statement: “The potential of quantum computing is extremely exciting. However, it is increasingly accepted that to reach its potential quantum networking will be needed to scale quantum computing to a Fault Tolerant era. We are delighted to partner with Nu Quantum to accelerate this journey towards a modular, qubit-agnostic and data center-optimised future.”
Roger McKinlay, Challenge director of Quantum Technologies for UK Research and Innovation, said in a statement: “The award of this contract to Nu Quantum, working with Cisco, is a perfect example of what we were seeking when we launched this SBRI competition earlier this year. Partnerships are as important as products to accelerate the development and adoption of this transformative technology.”