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The 2025 Tech Power Players in the quantum computing sector
At his prior startups, including networking gear company Acme Packet, which he
But at QuEra, researchers are working to advance quantum computing from the theoretical to the practical. In theory, a quantum computer, which replaces electronic transistors with atoms and subatomic particles, should plow through calculations more quickly. That could speed applications from the discovery of new drugs to the design of airplane parts to artificial intelligence.
Such a device was outlined in a paper by physicist Richard Feynman in 1982. But getting control of atomic particles so they can make computer calculations without adding errors has proven mind-bogglingly difficult.
QuEra is using lasers to trap rubidium atoms in a vacuum chamber at room temperature so the atoms can be carefully manipulated to make the computer's calculations. Other efforts include those of nearby Atlantic Quantum, which uses temperatures close to absolute zero to keep its particles under control.
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Ory says he almost turned the job down, but his wife reminded him of his deep and long-running interest in quantum computing. A Harvard grad, he advised the university for several years on commercializing its quantum breakthroughs, helping nurture a growing quantum ecosystem in the region. Twelve local startups working on quantum tech, including QuEra, have raised a total of more than $400 million in the past three years, according to research firm PitchBook.
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'With 40 years of building tech businesses and doing business globally, I added a missing ingredient [QuEra] didn't have,' Ory says. That ingredient: experience hiring, strategizing, and raising money.
Ory is focused on making sure QuEra has the financial backing to survive until the technical challenges of quantum computing are solved — and so far, so good. The company
The company will need workers, from cutting-edge researchers to hardware experts to salespeople. 'What's required to win, it's not solo,' Ory says. 'This isn't tennis, it's football.'
More tech power players to watch in the quantum computing sector:
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Aaron Pressman can be reached at
