London-based quantum company Orca Computing has acquired the integrated photonics division of US firm GXC for an undisclosed sum.
Founded in 2019, ORCA develops quantum computers using modular optical fibre-based architecture. GXC is a wireless technology company specialising in 5G connectivity. Its photonics division has supplied quantum solutions in the US both commercially and in association with the government’s defence department.
ORCA closed a £12m Series A funding round in June 2022 and garnered further attention when the Ministry of Defence (MoD) ordered one of its computers to develop use cases for the technology.
ORCA is looking to expand its hybrid photonic development capabilities with the goal of a scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computer. The acquisition of GXC’s photonics intellectual property and existing technology is a move to support that aim.
The deal will see the Texas-based team merge with ORCA’s London staff.
“We are thrilled to welcome some of the best and brightest minds in integrated photonics to the ORCA family,” expressed Richard Murray, PhD, Co-founder, and CEO of ORCA Computing.
“With this acquisition, we continue our strong track record of success, pursuing and integrating cutting-edge components to deliver the very best technology to our customers.”
Quantum computers use subatomic particles that can exist in more than one state, which means they can carry out multiple calculations at once compared to the linear calculations of classical computers. This promises superior computing power that could revolutionise sectors such as finance and drug discovery.
In addition to the MoD, ORCA has supplied units to customers including Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center in Poland.
“ORCA Computing has enhanced our scientific research and development by providing on-premises access to quantum computing technologies and extending our advanced photonic and quantum communication lab facilities,” said Krzysztof Kurowski, technical director at Poznan Supercomputing.
“This strategic acquisition validates our choice of ORCA Computing, and we look forward to our collaboration as they evolve their forward-looking roadmap.”