ORCA Computing has unveiled a pioneering blueprint for integrating photonic quantum AI into operational data centers. By combining ORCA’s photonic quantum processors with NVIDIA accelerated computing and the NVIDIA CUDA-Q software platform, the initiative demonstrates how enterprises can deploy scalable hybrid quantum–classical systems to power next-generation AI and machine learning workloads. This development highlights the rapid shift of GPU–quantum integration from conceptual research to real-world applications.
The demonstration, conducted in partnership with Imperial College London and the Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center (PCSS), leverages top-tier academic and research expertise to validate hybrid quantum architectures in a live data center environment. This initiative builds upon ORCA’s ongoing hybrid quantum programs, including its work with the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), where NVIDIA GPUs are directly embedded inside a quantum computing system.
“Working together with Imperial and PCSS, we’ve delivered a working demonstration of a distributed photonic quantum neural network inside a real data center,” said Richard Murray PhD, Co-founder and CEO of ORCA Computing. “This approach offers a deployment-ready, upgradeable path for organizations to adopt quantum-accelerated architectures without large infrastructure overhauls.”
Central to the demonstration are two ORCA PT-1 photonic quantum processors installed at the PCSS data center alongside NVIDIA Hopper GPUs. These processors, housed in standard 19-inch rack cabinets and operating at room temperature, are fully integrated via the NVIDIA CUDA-Q platform and the Slurm workload manager. The system allows researchers to program classical and quantum resources within a single environment, marking the first instance of photonic quantum processors integrated through CUDA-Q—a key milestone in scalable hybrid machine learning and high-performance computing (HPC) applications.
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“Our collaboration with ORCA and Imperial College has allowed us to create a unique quantum classical hybrid system at PCSS,” stated Krzysztof Kurowski, Deputy Director & CTO of PCSS. “The open, easy integration of multiple QPUs and NVIDIA GPUs demonstrates that quantum accelerated supercomputing is not just tomorrow’s promise but today’s reality.”
This breakthrough builds on award-winning research from Imperial College, whose underlying paper received the Best Paper award in the photonic track at a leading quantum conference during IEEE Quantum Week. By deploying a distributed system in an operational data center, the collaboration provides both a proof of viability and a replicable framework for other HPC facilities aiming to adopt quantum-enhanced solutions.
“The integration of quantum into the fabric of HPC is a critical step towards developing the future of quantum accelerated supercomputing, combining multiple quantum accelerators with many classical accelerators,” said Sam Stanwyck, Group Product Manager for Quantum at NVIDIA. “This work shows how the CUDA-Q platform can accelerate progress towards this future with open, performant, and purpose-built software.”
The project demonstrates a practical path for transitioning quantum computing from theory to operational HPC environments. The team will continue advancing algorithmic capabilities, optimizing latency, and scaling toward next-generation quantum systems, driving progress toward large-scale, practical quantum computing solutions.
