Ah, the buzzing world of quantum computing, a world where the possibilities are as vast as the universe itself. Enter the scene: Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center (PSNC), ORCA Computing, and NVIDIA. It’s a partnership that’s making waves, big ones, the kind that could stir up the very fabric of technological advancement.

Let me set the stage for you: imagine a space where quantum meets classical, It’s a hybrid model that the trio—PSNC, ORCA, and NVIDIA—are diligently knitting together. The promise? To usher in an era where computational boundaries blur, where solving complex biological puzzles, chemical conundrums, and material mysteries becomes the order of the day.

ORCA Computing and the Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Centre (PSNC), a globally acclaimed centre for research and supercomputing development, have recently declared a partnership with NVIDIA to propel the advancement of hybrid quantum-classical methodologies. Acknowledging the critical role of hybrid computing in realising the complete potential of quantum computing through practical, real-world applications, this collaboration marks a significant step towards transforming a variety of sectors, including biology, chemistry, and pivotal industry applications.

PSNC is an infrastructure provider in ICT and has built a high-performing computing center to drive growth for the future of technology while ORCA Computing is a provider of full-stack photonic quantum computing systems. They have successfully delivered numerous on-premises quantum computers to leading customers including the UK Ministry of Defence and the Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center

Together, this collaboration leverages the infrastructure of PSNC, the quantum computing system of ORCA Computing, and the GPU technologies of NVIDIA to push the boundaries of quantum-classical supercomputing. With unique capabilities in the field of quantum information science and technology from all parties involved, addressing difficult computational problems by developing the right algorithmic system on quantum infrastructure for high-performance delivery is the overarching goal of this collaboration.


“In response to the evolving computational landscape, PSNC has actively engaged in tackling quantum challenges within research and IT sectors,” said Krzysztof Kurowski, Deputy Director and CTO of PSNC. “This collaboration presents an exceptional opportunity to accelerate hybrid application development and unlocks new computational possibilities.” Kurowski continued, “the hybrid integration of quantum computing and GPU technologies holds the promise of unlocking even more efficient and effective AI-based approaches for knowledge discovery processes.”

Commercial Applications: A Quantum Leap into Practicality

The magic they’re working on isn’t just for the labs and the academics; it’s got street cred too. This isn’t just about potential; it’s about application—real, tangible, and commercially viable applications. Think drug discoveries made swifter than a magician’s trick, chemical simulations more precise than a watchmaker’s gears, and materials that are as innovative as they are indispensable. That’s the commercial promise waiting in the wings of this quantum-classical theatre.

“This collaboration heralds a new era of computational innovation in quantum computing,” said Richard Murray, PhD, Co-founder, and CEO of ORCA Computing. “Aligning ORCA with like-minded partners in quantum will unlock unprecedented capabilities in solving complex real-world problems across various disciplines, now and into the future.”

Timothy Costa, Director of High-Performance Computing and Quantum at NVIDIA, said that this is an important step in the full realisation of the potential of quantum-accelerated supercomputing. Timothy added, “This collaboration will accelerate developments in the most important use cases, fostering groundbreaking discoveries and driving technological advancements that help shape the future of computing.”

This first-of-a-kind collaboration between top technology organisations in realising the gains of hybrid systems in quantum-classical environments is a step in the right direction. By this, the three players involved can represent their individual interests while working together to actualise shared value given the opportunities and possibilities that lay ahead. The derived value from this collaboration could also be accelerated progress across multiple fields when they can create a system for quantum-classical interactions. 

A possible outcome could be the conversion of quantum qubits to classical bits and vice versa within feasible environments. The imagination of this alone is mind-boggling and its application could be the answer to the speed required to solve the heavy computational problems that supercomputers of today are struggling to solve in record time.

Challenges: Navigating the Quantum Quagmire

But, let’s not don our rose-tinted glasses just yet. The quantum road is fraught with bumps. Qubit coherence, error rates, and scalability—oh my! The melding of quantum prowess with the steadfastness of traditional high-performance computing is like trying to write a symphony where every musician speaks a different musical language. The need for specialised software and algorithms that can conduct this eclectic orchestra is nothing short of critical.

Innovations: The Dawn of a New Compute

Innovation, though, is the name of the game and this coalition is playing to win. Imagine leveraging not one, but multiple quantum computers, like ORCA’s PT-1 Series quantum photonic systems, coupled with NVIDIA’s GPU might within the walls of PSNC, thats a super-powerful trio. And with NVIDIA CUDA-Q stepping into the spotlight, the quantum computing stage is set not just to perform, but to dazzle.

Future Visions: Quantum and Beyond

Looking ahead, the horizon is lit with the glow of potential—weather predictions that can outpace the storm, financial models that could predict the next economic tempest, and AI systems so advanced they seem conjured from the future. This isn’t just about making faster computers; it’s about making smarter systems, systems that think, predict, and solve in ways we can barely begin to imagine.

So here we are, spectators at what could be the dawn of a new computational epoch. It’s a blend of classic and quantum, with a hint of GPU for smoothness—a cocktail of computational might where each ingredient enhances the others, creating something truly revolutionary. So, as we raise our glasses to this formidable trio, let’s not just say cheers; let’s say qubits up to a future where ‘hybrid’ is not merely a term, but the cornerstone of computational excellence.