Rigetti Computing Selected to Participate in DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative

Core Insights - Rigetti Computing has been selected to participate in DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) to assess the feasibility of achieving utility-scale quantum computing by 2033 [1][4] - The company aims to develop a Utility-Scale Quantum Computer (USQC) using its proprietary multi-chip architecture and scalable quantum error correction (QEC) codes, in collaboration with Riverlane [2][3] Group 1: DARPA QBI Participation - The QBI will evaluate quantum computing concepts through a multi-stage approach, with Rigetti advancing to Stage A, which includes a 6-month performance period and potential funding of up to $1 million [1] - The initiative's goal is to determine if any quantum computing approach can achieve utility-scale operation by 2033 [1] Group 2: Technology and Collaboration - Rigetti's USQC concept will utilize Quantum Low Density Parity Check (qLDPC) codes, which are more efficient than traditional surface codes, allowing for better scalability and reduced physical qubit overhead [3] - Riverlane, a partner specializing in QEC technology, will assist in refining and validating Rigetti's USQC concept [2] Group 3: Company Expertise and Roadmap - Rigetti has spent a decade developing intellectual property and expertise in quantum computing, positioning itself to deliver on the QBI program [4] - The company has made significant advancements in superconducting qubit technology, including a novel chip fabrication technique called Alternating Bias Assisted Annealing (ABAA) [4][5] - Rigetti's current 84-qubit Ankaa-3 system demonstrates a 99.0% ISWAP gate fidelity, with plans to scale to over 100 qubits while reducing error rates by 50% [5]