Orca launches PT-2 quantum-enhanced generative AI system

UK quantum computer startup Orca Computing has developed a quantum computer system with generative AI capabilities.

The PT-2 combines its photonic quantum computer GPUs running the Nvidia CUDA-Q development platform to provide the genAI.

This builds on the PT-1 quantum computer which is being used at seven sites based on a modular optical fibre architecture, along with proprietary methods for manipulating the time, frequency, and switching of single photons. A prototype was shown back in March 2024.

Orca plans to deploy the quantum computing testbed for the UK National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) which opened last week. This will include integrated GPU processing to explore a wide range of quantum approaches and use cases. This industry-first testbed accelerates the development and testing of photonic quantum architectures, focusing on machine learning with hybrid quantum/classical neural networks and photonic quantum processors.

“Generative AI is poised to transform economies and societies, but it’s approaching a point of unsustainability,” said Bob Sorensen, Senior Vice President of Research and Chief Analyst for Quantum Computing at Hyperion Research. “The PT-2 offers a quantum-enhanced approach that addresses critical challenges like power consumption, model cost, and quality. By delivering a richer distribution for model training, the PT-2 helps overcome these hurdles.”

“Harnessing the advanced technology of Orca Computing and the robust capabilities of Nvidia’s GPUs, we developed a hybrid quantum-classical infrastructure that demonstrates multi-QPU quantum-enhanced applications on the PT Series,” said Krzysztof Kurowski, from Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center (PSNC). “We use two PT-1 systems to advance research in areas including biological imaging.”

 “Our focus is on unlocking new applications while driving industry transformation,” said Richard Murray, Co-founder and CEO of Orca Computing. “The PT-2 not only opens the door to future innovations but allows users to adopt quantum technology without major additional investments. Our roadmap ensures that customers can upgrade their systems and continuously benefit from the latest quantum  technologies.”

orcacomputing.com