Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues in Q3 2025 were $1.9 million, down from $2.4 million in Q3 2024, impacted by the expiration of the National Quantum Initiative [10] - Gross margins decreased to 21% in Q3 2025 from 51% in Q3 2024, attributed to the composition of revenue and pricing variability [10] - Total operating expenses increased to $21 million in Q3 2025 from $18.6 million in the same period of the prior year, due to salary increases, new hires, and higher stock-based compensation [11] - GAAP net loss for Q3 2025 was higher than in Q3 2024, primarily due to a non-cash change in the fair value of derivative warrant and earn-out liabilities [12] - As of September 30, 2025, the company had approximately $558.9 million in cash and equivalents, with no debt, and this increased to approximately $600 million by November 6, 2025 [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company announced purchase orders totaling approximately $5.7 million for two 9-qubit Novera quantum computing systems, which are upgradable [5] - A three-year, $5.8 million contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) was secured to advance superconducting quantum networking [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The expiration of the National Quantum Initiative and its pending reauthorization in the U.S. Congress impacted revenue, with future sales dependent on its renewal [10] - The company is engaged with various academic and government sectors to enhance quantum computing capabilities, including collaborations with Montana State University and the Center for Development of Advanced Computing [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to deliver a 150-plus qubit system by the end of 2026 and a 1,000-plus qubit system by the end of 2027, with anticipated gate fidelity improvements [4][5] - The strategy includes deepening support for quantum computing capabilities in academic and government sectors and integrating with NVIDIA's NVLink for AI supercomputer quantum integration [8] - The company plans to open an Italian subsidiary to accelerate business opportunities in the region [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future sales from recent contracts and collaborations, which are expected to benefit revenue in Q4 2025 and into 2026 [10] - The management acknowledged challenges in achieving long-range coupling and error correction, which are critical for future milestones [17] - The company is optimistic about being selected for phase B of the DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative project in the coming months [18] Other Important Information - The company is exploring options for potential M&A to accelerate its roadmap, although it believes it can execute its current plans organically [47][48] - The company is considering significant capital expenditures for upgrading its chip fabrication facility in the future [56][60] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about DARPA phase B and the feedback received? - Management noted that while they were not selected for phase B, constructive feedback was received regarding error correction and long-range coupling, which are important for future milestones [16][17] Question: What is the comfort level for achieving 99% fidelity by 2027? - Management expressed confidence in achieving 99.8% fidelity with 1,000 qubits by the end of 2027, emphasizing the importance of error correction [20][22] Question: Will the 150-qubit and 1,000-qubit systems use chiplet-based approaches? - The company plans to use 9-qubit chiplets for the 150-qubit system and 36-qubit chiplets for the 1,000-qubit system [27] Question: How will revenue recognition work for the Novera system sales? - Revenue for the two Novera systems will be recognized upon shipment, expected in Q1 and Q2 of 2026 [31] Question: What is the expected gross margin profile moving forward? - Management indicated that while gross margins were lower in Q3, future sales, particularly from Novera, are expected to have better margins [64] Question: How does the recent funding for the National Quantum Initiative affect the business? - Management noted that the reinstatement of funding to $625 million over five years is a positive step, although discussions for higher funding amounts are ongoing [81][82]