Utility-Scale Quantum Program Advances Toward Prototyping

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DARPA’s Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing (US2QC) program seeks to determine whether an underexplored approach to quantum computing can achieve utility-scale operation – meaning its computational value exceeds its cost – faster than conventional predictions.

In the initial phase, each company presented a design concept describing their plans to create a utility-scale quantum computer. In the follow-on phase, selected performers aim to take their concepts to the next level. Now, US2QC’s key goal centers on developing and defending a system design for a fault-tolerant prototype, a smaller-scale quantum computer demonstrating that a utility-scale quantum computer can be constructed as designed and operated as intended.

This prototype system design will identify all required components and sub-systems and establish their minimum performance requirements. A DARPA-led government test and evaluation team consisting of technical experts will evaluate design viability.

“We are very excited that multiple performers’ designs showed plausible paths to truly utility-scale systems,” said Dr. Joe Altepeter, US2QC program manager in DARPA’s Microsystems Technology Office.

To that end, DARPA has selected Microsoft Corporation and PsiQuantum to move to the next phase of US2QC, which recently kicked off and is expected to run through March 2025.

“These researchers are working extraordinarily hard, presenting solid technology descriptions and detailed research plans,” Altepeter said. “We will continue exploring with them whether these technologies can make the significant leap needed to create quantum computers with true scientific and industrial utility.”