The partnership is aiming to deliver a quantum computer that can calibrate and run itself without the need for manual oversight.
Dublin-based quantum computing start-up Equal1 is to partner with Californian quantum infrastructure software maker Q-Ctrl for the deployment of rack-mounted quantum computers in enterprise data centres.
The companies said that together, their technologies will deliver “truly autonomous operation” for “peak performance without manual oversight” to address evolving challenges around performance and maintenance of enterprise quantum computing systems.
By combining Q-Ctrl’s infrastructure software, ‘Boulder Opal Scale Up’, with Equal1’s scalable hardware, a quantum computer will be able to calibrate and run itself without the need for manual oversight and implementation by expert teams, the companies said.
“Equal1 has already proven that quantum hardware can be compact, rack-mounted and data centre-ready,” said Jason Lynch, CEO of Equal1.
“Our partnership with Q-Ctrl further accelerates our mission by providing a fully autonomous software stack. With Boulder Opal Scale Up integrated into our Bell-series systems, our customers gain a self-optimising quantum accelerator that fits seamlessly into existing IT infrastructure.”
Claimed features offered to prospective data centre customers by the strategic partnership include autonomous operation and calibration of hardware; real-time system monitoring and maintenance for performance; secure local deployments for operation while disconnected from the internet; and “algorithmic enhancement” through compatibility with other Q-Ctrl software.
“To scale quantum computing, we must transition from manual hardware operation by expert teams of PhDs to autonomous functionality when fully deployed in data centres and HPC [high-performance computing] facilities,” said Aravind Ratnam, chief strategy officer at Q-Ctrl.
“Our partnership with Equal1 achieves this by integrating Q-Ctrl’s AI-driven autonomous calibration directly into their silicon spin qubit quantum systems. Together, these technologies provide HPC users with a seamless experience, enabling quantum processors to operate on equal footing with GPUs and CPUs.”
Equal1, which was founded in 2017 at University College Dublin, says quantum computing using standard silicon is the way to overcome challenges posed by AI to the power and cost thresholds of traditional computers.
In January, it raised $60m through 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.
Its flagship ‘Bell-1’ device was launched in March 2025 and was described as the “first-ever” Irish-made quantum computer as well as the world’s first silicon-based quantum server designed for data centres and high-performance computing.
Q-Ctrl, founded in 2017, operates partnerships with companies such as IBM, Nvidia and AWS with the goal of making machines “thousands of times more powerful” using “AI-driven control solutions” for the enhancement of quantum computer performance.
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