Quantum Computer Launched for Generative AI

Orca PT-2 could advance AI-intensive applications like vaccine development and biological imaging

Berenice Baker, Editor

November 1, 2024

2 Min Read
Orca PT-2 quantum computer
Orca

Orca Computing has released its latest photonic quantum computer, PT-2, designed to tackle practical applications such as pharmaceutical development and biological imaging by integrating with generative AI models.

PT-2 uses Nvidia’s CUDA-Q open-source platform for integrating and programming quantum processing units (QPUs), GPUs and CPUs in one system, offering quantum-enhanced machine learning capabilities.

This means organizations could effectively embed quantum computing into generative AI and optimization workflows offering a potential route toward industrial-scale quantum AI.

“Generative AI is poised to transform economies and societies, but it’s approaching a point of unsustainability,” said Hyperion Research senior vice president of research and chief analyst for quantum computing Bob Sorensen.

“Orca’s PT-2 offers a quantum-enhanced approach that addresses critical challenges like power consumption, model cost and quality. By delivering a richer distribution for model training, the PT-2 helps overcome these hurdles.”

Orca plans to deploy a quantum computing testbed for the newly opened National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) that would include integrated GPU processing to explore a wide range of quantum approaches and use cases.

Related:AI Tops List of Most Important Technologies of 2025

The testbed aims to support the development and testing of photonic quantum architectures, focusing on machine learning with hybrid quantum/classical neural networks and photonic quantum processors.

“Our focus is on unlocking new applications while driving industry transformation,” said Orca co-founder and CEO Richard Murray.

“The PT-2 not only opens the door to future innovations but allows users to adopt quantum technology without major additional investments. Our roadmap ensures that customers can upgrade their systems and continuously benefit from the latest quantum technologies.”

Researchers are using PT-2 in vaccine development to accelerate peptide design through quantum-enhanced generative AI, outperforming traditional methods.

Manufacturing, energy and pharmaceutical organizations are using Orca’s technology, including applying machine learning to generate new molecules.

"Harnessing the advanced technology of Orca Computing and the robust capabilities of Nvidia GPUs, we developed a hybrid quantum-classical infrastructure that demonstrates multi-QPU quantum-enhanced applications on the PT Series,” said Krzysztof Kurowski, from Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center.

“We are excited about Orca's roadmap as we leverage two Orca PT-1 systems to advance research in areas including biological imaging.”

Related:IBM Launches Security Suite to Defend Against AI, Quantum Threats

This article was first published in AI Business's sister publication Enter Quantum.

About the Author

Berenice Baker

Editor, Enter Quantum

Berenice is the editor of Enter Quantum and co-editor of AI Business. Berenice has a background in IT and 20 years of experience as a technology journalist.

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