Rigetti Computing and Montana State University Collaborate to Advance Quantum Research and Innovation
Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:RGTI) has announced a strategic collaboration with Montana State University (MSU) to advance quantum computing research and innovation. The partnership marks a significant milestone with the opening of MSU's QCORE facility, making it the first academic institution to house an on-premises Rigetti quantum computer.
The facility features a 9-qubit Novera™ QPU, based on Rigetti's Ankaa™-class architecture. The collaboration encompasses research projects in quantum hardware, hybrid quantum systems, workforce development, and component testing. The partnership also aligns with Rigetti's existing work with the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), demonstrating the company's commitment to advancing quantum technologies through public-private partnerships.
Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:RGTI) ha annunciato una collaborazione strategica con la Montana State University (MSU) per promuovere la ricerca e l'innovazione nel campo del calcolo quantistico. La partnership segna una tappa importante con l'inaugurazione del centro QCORE della MSU, che diventa la prima istituzione accademica a ospitare in sede un computer quantistico Rigetti.
La struttura è dotata di una QPU Novera™ a 9 qubit, basata sull'architettura Ankaa™ di Rigetti. La collaborazione include progetti di ricerca su hardware quantistico, sistemi ibridi quantistico-classici, sviluppo della forza lavoro e test dei componenti. La partnership si allinea inoltre al lavoro già in corso di Rigetti con l'Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), a dimostrazione dell'impegno dell'azienda nel promuovere le tecnologie quantistiche attraverso partenariati pubblico-privati.
Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:RGTI) ha anunciado una colaboración estratégica con Montana State University (MSU) para impulsar la investigación y la innovación en computación cuántica. La asociación marca un hito importante con la apertura de la instalación QCORE de MSU, convirtiéndola en la primera institución académica en albergar en sus instalaciones una computadora cuántica de Rigetti.
La instalación cuenta con una QPU Novera™ de 9 qubits, basada en la arquitectura de la clase Ankaa™ de Rigetti. La colaboración abarca proyectos de investigación en hardware cuántico, sistemas híbridos cuántico-clásicos, desarrollo de talento y pruebas de componentes. La asociación también está en línea con el trabajo que Rigetti ya realiza con el Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), lo que demuestra el compromiso de la compañía con el avance de las tecnologías cuánticas mediante asociaciones público-privadas.
Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:RGTI)는 양자 컴퓨팅 연구와 혁신을 촉진하기 위해 몬태나 주립대학교(MSU)와 전략적 협력 관계를 발표했습니다. 이번 파트너십은 MSU의 QCORE 시설 개소로 중요한 이정표를 세웠으며, MSU는 온프레미스에서 Rigetti 양자 컴퓨터를 보유한 최초의 학술 기관이 되었습니다.
해당 시설에는 Rigetti의 Ankaa™급 아키텍처를 기반으로 한 9-큐비트 Novera™ QPU가 설치되어 있습니다. 협력 범위에는 양자 하드웨어, 하이브리드 양자 시스템, 인력 양성 및 부품 시험 관련 연구 프로젝트가 포함됩니다. 이 파트너십은 또한 공군 연구소(AFRL)와의 기존 협업과도 연계되어, 공공-민간 파트너십을 통해 양자 기술을 발전시키려는 회사의 의지를 보여줍니다.
Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:RGTI) a annoncé une collaboration stratégique avec la Montana State University (MSU) pour faire progresser la recherche et l'innovation en calcul quantique. Le partenariat marque une étape importante avec l'ouverture de l'installation QCORE de la MSU, en faisant la première institution académique à accueillir sur site un ordinateur quantique Rigetti.
Le centre est équipé d'une QPU Novera™ de 9 qubits, basée sur l'architecture de la gamme Ankaa™ de Rigetti. La collaboration couvre des projets de recherche sur le matériel quantique, les systèmes hybrides, le développement des compétences et les tests de composants. Le partenariat s'aligne également sur le travail déjà mené par Rigetti avec l'Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), démontrant l'engagement de l'entreprise à faire progresser les technologies quantiques via des partenariats public-privé.
Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:RGTI) hat eine strategische Zusammenarbeit mit der Montana State University (MSU) angekündigt, um Forschung und Innovation im Bereich des Quantencomputings voranzutreiben. Die Partnerschaft markiert einen wichtigen Meilenstein mit der Eröffnung der QCORE-Einrichtung der MSU, die damit die erste akademische Institution ist, die einen Rigetti-Quantencomputer vor Ort beherbergt.
Die Einrichtung verfügt über eine 9-Qubit Novera™ QPU, basierend auf Rigettis Ankaa™-Architekturklasse. Die Zusammenarbeit umfasst Forschungsprojekte zu Quantenhardware, hybriden Quantensystemen, Ausbildung von Fachkräften und Komponententests. Die Partnerschaft steht außerdem im Einklang mit Rigettis bestehender Arbeit mit dem Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) und zeigt das Engagement des Unternehmens, Quantentechnologien durch öffentlich-private Partnerschaften voranzubringen.
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Insights
Rigetti's strategic university partnership enhances market validation but lacks immediate revenue impact; represents incremental progress in commercialization journey.
This collaboration with Montana State University marks an important, albeit modest, milestone in Rigetti's commercialization strategy. The installation of a 9-qubit Novera QPU at MSU's new QCORE facility represents the first academic on-premises deployment of Rigetti's quantum hardware, creating a valuable reference customer in the academic sector.
The strategic value lies in establishing a research ecosystem around Rigetti's technology. By partnering with both MSU and the Air Force Research Lab (which also has an on-premises Novera QPU), Rigetti is building a network of institutions validating and advancing its quantum computing architecture. This public-private partnership model provides Rigetti with valuable R&D insights while minimizing direct development costs.
From a technology perspective, the 9-qubit system features Rigetti's Ankaa-class architecture with tunable couplers and a square lattice design. While modest in qubit count, this architecture prioritizes connectivity and operation speed over sheer qubit numbers. The vertical integration highlighted through their Fab-1 manufacturing facility represents a competitive advantage in controlling the full quantum hardware stack.
However, investors should note this deal likely has minimal near-term revenue impact. Academic deployments typically generate limited direct revenue but create valuable institutional relationships that can influence future procurement decisions and validate technology for commercial customers. The real value emerges in workforce development, creating a pipeline of researchers familiar with Rigetti's systems, and potential IP development that could benefit Rigetti's technology roadmap over time.
Rigetti and Montana State University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance quantum computing research and innovation. Today marks the opening of Montana State University’s QCORE, where a Rigetti Novera QPU is installed and will be available to researchers.
BERKELEY, Calif., Aug. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rigetti Computing, Inc. (Nasdaq: RGTI) (“Rigetti” or the “Company”), a pioneer in full-stack quantum-classical computing, has announced a new collaboration with Montana State University (“MSU”) to advance quantum computing research and innovation. Today marks the grand opening of QCORE, MSU’s new research and innovation center dedicated to quantum and photonic systems integration. MSU is the first academic institution with an on-premises Rigetti quantum computer. QCORE features a 9-qubit Novera™ QPU, which will be used by researchers to advance quantum computing R&D.
“We congratulate MSU on this exciting milestone and look forward to supporting Montana’s vibrant quantum computing ecosystem. Hands-on access to quantum computing technology is key for not only quantum computing research, but also for workforce development and education. Rigetti is proud to support QCORE, and we look forward to growing Montana’s quantum capabilities together,” says Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO.
“The creation of QCORE at Montana State University provides access to cutting edge quantum computing resources like this Rigetti system that will drive research and innovation benefiting Montanans and people around the world. Montana is producing the enabling technology and critical components of quantum systems. The Rigetti system gives us access to a new modality of quantum computing,” says Dr. Jayne Morrow, QCORE CEO.
Through the new collaboration, Rigetti and MSU intend to collaborate on a variety of initiatives, including research projects related to quantum hardware and hybrid quantum systems, workforce development activities, and co-development and testing of enabling technologies and quantum system components. Rigetti may also support QCORE by providing strategic and technical input on its research and program development, offering workforce training opportunities, and supporting regional talent development, among other efforts to bolster the center. Collectively, these initiatives underscore the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing next-generation quantum technologies.
“Rigetti's research collaborations with MSU's QCORE and also with the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), facilitated through an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract, will leverage industry fabrication and manufacturing capabilities to develop customized quantum systems for research and development in quantum networking hardware,” said Matthew D. LaHaye, Ph.D, Principal Research Physicist at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Information Directorate Quantum Information Sciences & Technology Branch. “The on-premises Novera QPU at AFRL acts as a testbed for quantum computing research and development.”
The Novera QPU is a 9-qubit quantum processing unit based on Rigetti’s Ankaa™-class architecture, featuring tunable couplers and a square lattice for dense connectivity and fast two-qubit operations. The Novera QPU is manufactured in Rigetti’s Fab-1, the industry’s first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility.
About Rigetti
Rigetti is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing. The Company has operated quantum computers over the cloud since 2017 and serves global enterprise, government, and research clients through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform. In 2021, Rigetti began selling on-premises quantum computing systems with qubit counts between 24 and 84 qubits, supporting national laboratories and quantum computing centers. Rigetti’s 9-qubit Novera QPU was introduced in 2023 supporting a broader R&D community with a high-performance, on-premises QPU designed to plug into a customer’s existing cryogenic and control systems. The Company’s proprietary quantum-classical infrastructure provides high-performance integration with public and private clouds for practical quantum computing. Rigetti has developed the industry’s first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems. The Company designs and manufactures its chips in-house at Fab-1, the industry’s first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility. Learn more at https://www.rigetti.com/.
Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this communication may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements with respect to the Company’s expectations with respect to its future success and performance, including the possibility and extent that the MOU may result in successful collaborations on a variety of initiatives. These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and its management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the Company’s ability to achieve milestones, technological advancements, including with respect to its technology roadmap; the ability of the Company to obtain government contracts successfully and in a timely manner and the availability of government funding; the potential of quantum computing; the success of the Company’s partnerships and collaborations, including the strategic collaboration with MSU; the Company’s ability to accelerate its development of multiple generations of quantum processors; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company or others; the ability to maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and attract and retain management and key employees; costs related to operating as a public company; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the possibility that the Company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, or competitive factors; the Company’s estimates of expenses and profitability; the evolution of the markets in which the Company competes; the ability of the Company to implement its strategic initiatives and expansion plans; the expected use of proceeds from the Company’s past and future financings or other capital; the sufficiency of the Company’s cash resources; unfavorable conditions in the Company’s industry, the global economy or global supply chain, including rising inflation and interest rates, deteriorating international trade relations, political turmoil, natural catastrophes, warfare and terrorist attacks; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements other than as required by applicable law. The Company does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations.
Rigetti Computing Media Contact:
press@rigetti.com
FAQ
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