The partnership will bring together Bull’s supercomputing infrastructure and Equal1’s ‘breakthrough’ silicon-spin quantum computers.

Bull, a Paris-based high-performance computing (HPC), artificial intelligence and quantum technology company, is to partner with Dublin start-up Equal1, a silicon-powered quantum computing technology provider. 

Equal1 and Bull stated that their deal will “advance the next generation of hybrid quantum-classical technologies with European solutions”, at a time when quantum computing is beginning to transition from promise to practical reality.

The pair said the partnership will combine Bull’s supercomputing infrastructure and quantum emulation expertise with Equal1’s breakthrough silicon-spin quantum computers, as agreed in a memorandum of understanding. 

The collaboration will focus on three core pillars – technical integration, joint research and development to advance innovation, and a focus on sovereign European projects whereby both companies will collaborate on EU-led quantum initiatives amid the global quantum race.

Commenting on the announcement, Bruno Lecointe, the senior vice-president and global head of HPC, AI and quantum at Bull, said: “The convergence of high-performance computing and quantum technologies is redefining how we address the world’s most complex challenges. 

“10 years after launching the first quantum emulator of the market, innovation has always been part of Bull’s DNA and we remain committed to designing hybrid architectures that help translate emerging technologies into operational capability.

“By integrating Equal1’s silicon-spin quantum servers into our Qaptiva ecosystem, we are enabling a seamless bridge between HPC, quantum emulation and quantum execution. This alliance ensures our customers can leverage quantum-centric supercomputing to achieve real-world outcomes with unprecedented efficiency and performance.”

Jason Lynch, the CEO of Equal1, added: “By building quantum processors on standard silicon, we are turning quantum from bespoke laboratory hardware into deployable infrastructure. This collaboration with Bull is a vital step in bridging the gap between breakthrough hardware innovation and industrial workloads. 

“Together, we are positioning our joint solutions as the standard for high-performance computing, enabling seamless integration into existing data centres and driving a more sustainable digital future.”

Earlier this year, Equal1 announced it had raised $60m in a funding round led by Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, with participation from Atlantic Bridge, the European Innovation Council Fund, Matterwave Ventures, Enterprise Ireland, Elkstone and TNO Ventures.

At the time, Equal1 said that the investment would enable deployment to HPC centres – including to the European Space Agency’s Phi-lab in Italy – advance the roadmap towards “millions” of on-chip qubits, scale manufacturing and grow its team.

Last week, the Dublin-based start-up said it would partner with Californian quantum infrastructure software maker Q-Ctrl for the deployment of rack-mounted quantum computers in enterprise data centres.

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