TLDR
- Cisco and Infleqtion have announced a collaboration to connect quantum computers and sensors into larger distributed networks
- The partnership combines Infleqtion’s neutral-atom quantum platforms with Cisco’s networking technology
- Three research areas are targeted: distributed sensing and computing, quantum memory and optical transduction, and network-aware quantum software
- Cisco recently unveiled its Universal Quantum Switch, a prototype designed to route quantum information between systems
- The goal is to move quantum computing beyond standalone machines into scalable, networked systems
Cisco and Infleqtion have announced a joint research and development collaboration focused on connecting quantum computers and sensors into distributed networks. The partnership brings together two different areas of expertise to tackle one of quantum computing’s biggest challenges: getting separate quantum devices to work together.
The path to large-scale quantum advantage runs through connected quantum systems.
Infleqtion is collaborating with @Cisco to explore how neutral-atom quantum computers and sensors can connect into scalable, distributed quantum networks.
Our neutral-atom technology computes,… pic.twitter.com/KJ4PUBY6hD
— Infleqtion (@infleqtion) September 10, 2026
Infleqtion, based in Louisville, Colorado, specializes in quantum computing and sensing using neutral-atom technology. Cisco brings its networking experience and quantum research arm, Cisco Quantum Labs, to the table.
Why Networking Matters for Quantum Computing
Right now, most quantum computers operate as standalone machines. The idea behind this collaboration is that connecting multiple quantum systems together could unlock more computing power, similar to how the internet connected individual computers into a global network.
“The next major breakthrough in quantum will not come from building bigger isolated machines, but from networking systems together,” said Ramana Kompella, VP and Head of Cisco Research.
Pranav Gokhale, Chief Technology Officer at Infleqtion, echoed that view. He said achieving the broadest applications of quantum computing will require many quantum systems working together.
Neutral atoms, which Infleqtion uses in its systems, naturally interface with photons. Photons are particles of light used to carry information across networks. This makes neutral-atom systems well suited for quantum networking.
Three Research Focus Areas
The companies plan to explore three specific areas. First, they will look at how to move data between distributed quantum sensors and computing nodes. Second, they will work on quantum memory and optical transduction, which involves converting quantum states into signals that can travel across optical networks. Third, they will develop network-aware software that can coordinate workloads across connected quantum systems.
Cisco recently introduced its Universal Quantum Switch, a working research prototype. The device is designed to route quantum information between systems while preserving it. Cisco says it includes a conversion engine that makes an interoperable quantum network possible.
The end goal is an end-to-end quantum networking stack that can distribute quantum entanglement across connected devices on demand. This would allow quantum computers, sensors, and other devices to share information reliably across a network.
Cisco is developing this architecture to work with different types of quantum hardware, not just neutral-atom systems. That flexibility is intended to make the network broadly compatible.
The collaboration was announced on Thursday, September 10, 2026. No financial terms were disclosed.
Both companies say the work represents an early but important step toward making distributed quantum computing practical.
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