Insider Brief
- Atom Computing and Cisco signed an MOU to explore linking neutral-atom quantum computers through quantum networks for distributed architectures.
- The collaboration focuses on integrating Atom’s hardware with Cisco’s quantum networking stack, including compilers, protocols, and infrastructure.
- The effort targets key challenges such as hardware interconnects, transduction, and distributed workload execution to enable scalable quantum systems.
PRESS RELEASE — Atom Computing today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cisco to explore how neutral-atom quantum computers can be linked together through quantum networks to enable distributed quantum computing architectures.
Under the terms of the MOU, Atom Computing and Cisco will collaborate to address critical challenges in distributed quantum computing, including physically linking neutral-atom quantum computers via quantum networks. By combining Cisco’s quantum networking hardware, software, and expertise in networking protocols with Atom Computing’s cutting-edge neutral-atom quantum hardware, the collaboration aims to accelerate the development of scalable, distributed quantum systems.
“Neutral‑atom quantum computers are uniquely suited for modularity and scaling,” said Dr. Ben Bloom, CEO and Founder of Atom Computing. “By integrating them into advanced quantum networks, we can begin to realize architectures capable of supporting the next era of quantum applications.”
As part of the collaboration, Atom Computing and Cisco will evaluate opportunities to integrate Atom Computing’s hardware into Cisco’s quantum networking infrastructure and network-aware distributed quantum computing compiler, enabling more a tightly coupled full-stack distributed quantum platform.
Areas of collaboration under the MOU include:
- Software and Algorithms: Extending Cisco’s network-aware distributed quantum computing compiler to support distributed workloads across neutral-atom systems.
- Transduction and Hardware Integration: Jointly investigating technologies required to interface neutral-atom quantum processing units (QPUs) with Cisco’s quantum networking systems, aligned with Cisco’s broader quantum networking roadmap.
“Scaling quantum computing to its full potential is a challenge the entire industry must tackle together,” said Ramana Kompella, VP & Head of Cisco Research. “At Cisco, we believe the future of quantum lies in distributed systems that connect many smaller processors, instead of relying solely on a single massive machine. This collaboration with Atom Computing allows us to explore how advanced networking technologies can help turn that vision into reality.”
The MOU reflects the shared commitment of Cisco and Atom to advancing the global quantum ecosystem and driving progress toward utility‑scale quantum computing. Additional details about the collaboration will be announced as the partnership evolves.
