Latest news with #Equal1
Express Tribune
17-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Equal1 launches first silicon quantum computer for standard data centres
Listen to article Irish quantum computing firm Equal1 has launched what it calls the world's first silicon-based, rack-mountable quantum computer, bringing scalable quantum processing into standard high-performance computing (HPC) environments. Named Bell-1, the system can be deployed like a traditional server—no cleanrooms, complex infrastructure, or cryogenic labs required. It fits in standard 19-inch server racks, weighs roughly 200 kilograms, and draws only 1600 watts of power, comparable to an enterprise GPU server. At the core of Bell-1 is Equal1's UnityQ 6-qubit chip, based on silicon spin qubits manufactured using conventional semiconductor processes. The system integrates quantum, classical (Arm CPUs), and AI (NPUs) components into a single chip, eliminating latency issues typically found in hybrid quantum-classical systems. Bell-1 also features a closed-cycle cryo-cooling unit that cools the system to 0.3 Kelvin—colder than outer space—without relying on liquid helium or bulky dilution refrigerators. This self-contained design removes one of the major barriers to practical quantum deployment. Equal1 calls this new phase "Quantum Computing 2.0", aiming to shift the technology from isolated research labs into everyday commercial data centres. Industries such as finance, materials science, artificial intelligence, and pharmaceuticals are expected to benefit from real-time quantum acceleration on workloads like simulations and optimisation. 'Our vision with Bell-1 was to make quantum computing accessible, scalable, and practical,' said Equal1 CEO Jason Lynch. 'This is the first system designed for real-world use without compromising performance or ease of deployment.' The modular design allows for future upgrades as qubit counts rise. Rather than replacing full systems, users can swap in new chips as the UnityQ platform evolves, making Bell-1 a long-term investment for early adopters. The launch follows peer-reviewed research published by Equal1 in late 2024 that demonstrated industry-leading silicon qubit fidelity and gate speeds. The company says Bell-1 builds directly on this research, moving from laboratory prototype to production-ready quantum computing. With Bell-1, Equal1 eliminates the traditional trade-offs of quantum hardware: it is powerful, practical, scalable, and available now.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
World's first silicon-based quantum computer is small enough to plug into a regular power socket
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A startup has launched the first quantum device in the world that blends the potential of quantum computing with the convenience and integration of traditional high-performance computing (HPC). Equal1 representatives unveiled Bell-1 on March 16 — a new six-qubit machine that can fit seamlessly into existing HPC environments like data centers, company representatives said in a statement. The machine tips the scale at slightly more than 440 pounds (200 kilograms) but it's rack-mountable — meaning it can be mounted onto a physical rack in a data center — and it's roughly the same size as existing graphics processing unit (GPU) servers. Unlike other quantum computers, the Bell-1 doesn't require specialized infrastructure to deploy, and it doesn't need additional equipment to be cooled to near-absolute zero. Related: China achieves quantum supremacy claim with new chip 1 quadrillion times faster than the most powerful supercomputers That's because it boasts its own self-contained, closed-cycle cryo cooling unit, which enables the system to operate at a remarkable 0.3 kelvin, or minus 459.13 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 272.85 degrees Celsius). The machine makes use of the latest semiconductor fabrication techniques as well as purified silicon, which allows for a high level of control and long coherence times (a qubit's ability to exist in multiple states simultaneously, which is crucial for quantum algorithms and computations). The Bell-1's qubits are silicon-based, meaning they're smaller than conventional qubits, and the chip at the heart of the machine incorporates quantum processor units (QPUs) with Arm CPUs — traditional processors known for their small size and efficiency — and neural processing units (NPUs) — specialized processors for accelerating machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). Incorporating all these elements onto a single chip eliminates the complex orchestration that would otherwise be necessary between classical and quantum computing elements. As long as you've got the space in a rack, all it requires is a standard electrical outlet: plug it in and it's ready to work, Equal1 representatives said. The company's chip, called the UnityQ 6-Qubit Quantum Processing System, utilizes spin qubits, in contrast to many quantum computing platforms that rely on either trapped-ion or superconducting qubits. Silicon-based spin qubits are compact, leading to potentially higher qubit density, and could leverage existing semiconductor fabrication techniques, meaning more scalability. The chip fitted into the Bell-1 also incorporates error correction, control and readout, while taking advantage of existing semiconductor infrastructure for reliability and scalability. RELATED STORIES —World's 1st modular quantum computer that can operate at room temperature goes online —Quantum internet breakthrough after 'quantum data' transmitted through standard fiber optic cable for 1st time —What is quantum computing? Although this first generation of the chip includes six qubits, the company wants to make more powerful versions with a higher qubit count. The Bell-1 is also future-proof in that early adopters can upgrade existing systems as new models are rolled out, rather than replacing them with new machines, company representatives added. The Bell-1 builds on advances first published by the company in December 2024, which established new peak performance marks for silicon qubit arrays as well as quantum controller chips. These included the world's highest recorded single-qubit and two-qubit gate fidelity (meaning fewer errors) and gate speed (meaning faster operations). The platform also utilizes a specialized, AI-powered error correction system developed in partnership with Arm.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
World's first silicon-based quantum computer is small enough to plug into a regular power socket
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A startup has launched the first quantum device in the world that blends the potential of quantum computing with the convenience and integration of traditional high-performance computing (HPC). Equal1 representatives unveiled Bell-1 on March 16 — a new six-qubit machine that can fit seamlessly into existing HPC environments like data centers, company representatives said in a statement. The machine tips the scale at slightly more than 440 pounds (200 kilograms) but it's rack-mountable — meaning it can be mounted onto a physical rack in a data center — and it's roughly the same size as existing graphics processing unit (GPU) servers. Unlike other quantum computers, the Bell-1 doesn't require specialized infrastructure to deploy, and it doesn't need additional equipment to be cooled to near-absolute zero. Related: China achieves quantum supremacy claim with new chip 1 quadrillion times faster than the most powerful supercomputers That's because it boasts its own self-contained, closed-cycle cryo cooling unit, which enables the system to operate at a remarkable 0.3 kelvin, or minus 459.13 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 272.85 degrees Celsius). The machine makes use of the latest semiconductor fabrication techniques as well as purified silicon, which allows for a high level of control and long coherence times (a qubit's ability to exist in multiple states simultaneously, which is crucial for quantum algorithms and computations). The Bell-1's qubits are silicon-based, meaning they're smaller than conventional qubits, and the chip at the heart of the machine incorporates quantum processor units (QPUs) with Arm CPUs — traditional processors known for their small size and efficiency — and neural processing units (NPUs) — specialized processors for accelerating machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). Incorporating all these elements onto a single chip eliminates the complex orchestration that would otherwise be necessary between classical and quantum computing elements. As long as you've got the space in a rack, all it requires is a standard electrical outlet: plug it in and it's ready to work, Equal1 representatives said. The company's chip, called the UnityQ 6-Qubit Quantum Processing System, utilizes spin qubits, in contrast to many quantum computing platforms that rely on either trapped-ion or superconducting qubits. Silicon-based spin qubits are compact, leading to potentially higher qubit density, and could leverage existing semiconductor fabrication techniques, meaning more scalability. The chip fitted into the Bell-1 also incorporates error correction, control and readout, while taking advantage of existing semiconductor infrastructure for reliability and scalability. RELATED STORIES —World's 1st modular quantum computer that can operate at room temperature goes online —Quantum internet breakthrough after 'quantum data' transmitted through standard fiber optic cable for 1st time —What is quantum computing? Although this first generation of the chip includes six qubits, the company wants to make more powerful versions with a higher qubit count. The Bell-1 is also future-proof in that early adopters can upgrade existing systems as new models are rolled out, rather than replacing them with new machines, company representatives added. The Bell-1 builds on advances first published by the company in December 2024, which established new peak performance marks for silicon qubit arrays as well as quantum controller chips. These included the world's highest recorded single-qubit and two-qubit gate fidelity (meaning fewer errors) and gate speed (meaning faster operations). The platform also utilizes a specialized, AI-powered error correction system developed in partnership with Arm.
Business Mayor
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
World's first silicon-based quantum computer is small enough to plug into a regular power socket
A startup has launched the first quantum device in the world that blends the potential of quantum computing with the convenience and integration of traditional high-performance computing (HPC). Equal1 representatives unveiled Bell-1 on March 16 — a new six- qubit machine that can fit seamlessly into existing HPC environments like data centers, company representatives said in a statement . The machine tips the scale at slightly more than 440 pounds (200 kilograms) but it's rack-mountable — meaning it can be mounted onto a physical rack in a data center — and it's roughly the same size as existing graphics processing unit (GPU) servers. Unlike other quantum computers, the Bell-1 doesn't require specialized infrastructure to deploy, and it doesn't need additional equipment to be cooled to near-absolute zero. Related: China achieves quantum supremacy claim with new chip 1 quadrillion times faster than the most powerful supercomputers That's because it boasts its own self-contained, closed-cycle cryo cooling unit, which enables the system to operate at a remarkable 0.3 kelvin, or minus 459.13 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 272.85 degrees Celsius). The machine makes use of the latest semiconductor fabrication techniques as well as purified silicon , which allows for a high level of control and long coherence times (a qubit's ability to exist in multiple states simultaneously, which is crucial for quantum algorithms and computations). Get the world's most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox. Rack-mountable quantum computing The Bell-1's qubits are silicon-based, meaning they're smaller than conventional qubits, and the chip at the heart of the machine incorporates quantum processor units (QPUs) with Arm CPUs — traditional processors known for their small size and efficiency — and neural processing units (NPUs) — specialized processors for accelerating machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). Incorporating all these elements onto a single chip eliminates the complex orchestration that would otherwise be necessary between classical and quantum computing elements. As long as you've got the space in a rack, all it requires is a standard electrical outlet: plug it in and it's ready to work, Equal1 representatives said. (Image credit: Fergal Phillips) The company's chip, called the UnityQ 6-Qubit Quantum Processing System, utilizes spin qubits, in contrast to many quantum computing platforms that rely on either trapped-ion or superconducting qubits. Silicon-based spin qubits are compact, leading to potentially higher qubit density, and could leverage existing semiconductor fabrication techniques, meaning more scalability. The chip fitted into the Bell-1 also incorporates error correction, control and readout, while taking advantage of existing semiconductor infrastructure for reliability and scalability. Although this first generation of the chip includes six qubits, the company wants to make more powerful versions with a higher qubit count. The Bell-1 is also future-proof in that early adopters can upgrade existing systems as new models are rolled out, rather than replacing them with new machines, company representatives added. The Bell-1 builds on advances first published by the company in December 2024, which established new peak performance marks for silicon qubit arrays as well as quantum controller chips. These included the world's highest recorded single-qubit and two-qubit gate fidelity (meaning fewer errors) and gate speed (meaning faster operations). The platform also utilizes a specialized, AI-powered error correction system developed in partnership with Arm.
Irish Independent
05-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
The week ahead in business: Bank of England rate cuts, Start-Up Day at the Aviva Stadium and National Development Plan roundtable
The Bank of England, whose governor is Andrew Bailey, is predicted to cut rates by a quarter of a percentage point on Thursday, in what could be the first in a series. There are predictions that UK interest rates could fall by as much as a full percentage point over the next six months. This would bring the cost of borrowing to below 3pc for the first time since 2022. The current headline rate is 4.5pc, and this is expected to be cut to 4.25pc. On Wednesday, Enterprise Minister Peter Burke will open Start-Up Day at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, addressing over 500 representatives of the Irish and European start-up eco-system. The event is a big annual gathering for start-ups and innovators, and provides an opportunity for them to network with potential investors. The event will also be addressed by Kevin Sherry, the interim CEO of Enterprise Ireland, and by Jason Lynch, chief executive of Equal1. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) will announce the Consumer Price Index for April on Thursday, while Eurostat will release figures for retail trade in the EU for the month of March on Wednesday. The Cosmetics Association, the owner/managers of Irish indigenous distribution companies, are staging their trade fair in the RDS next weekend. This will bring products from pharmacy, beauty and department store sectors under one roof. Also on Thursday, the National Infrastructure Summit will be staged at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin. On Friday, Dublin Chamber will host a roundtable discussion with businesses to hear their perspectives on the National Development Plan (NDP). There are results today from CRH, reporting on Q1, and next Friday we will hear from IAG, the parent company of Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia and Vueling.
