IBM and Cisco have outlined an ambitious plan to pioneer the foundations of networked distributed quantum computing, targeting early proofs of concept by the early 2030s. The collaboration brings together IBM’s progress in developing large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers and Cisco’s quantum networking research, with the shared goal of enabling quantum systems to operate together across networks.
If successful, the effort could form the technical basis of a future quantum computing Internet.
Under the current plan, the companies aim within five years to demonstrate a network capable of linking multiple large-scale quantum computers so they can jointly execute workloads across tens to hundreds of thousands of qubits. That capability would allow computations operating with trillions of quantum gates – far beyond the reach of any single system today. Such workloads are expected to be essential for problems like advanced materials modeling, large-scale optimization, and next-generation drug discovery.
IBM Research Director and Fellow Jay Gambetta said the initiative extends IBM’s roadmap for fault-tolerant quantum systems. He noted that the ability to interconnect machines will be pivotal for scaling the computational power needed for meaningful quantum advantage. Cisco’s Vijoy Pandey, GM/SVP at Outshift by Cisco, emphasized that achieving useful scale requires both scale-up and scale-out, and that networking intelligence will be as critical as the quantum hardware itself.
IBM and Cisco intend to co-develop hardware and software that can physically connect multiple quantum computers. An early demonstration, targeted for 2030, involves entangling qubits between machines in separate cryogenic environments. Achieving this will require microwave-optical transducers, new control systems, and a software stack capable of coordinating distributed quantum operations.
Quantum-Enabled Data Center Model
IBM plans to build a quantum networking unit, or QNU, which will sit between quantum processors and a broader quantum network. The QNU’s role is to convert stationary qubits inside a quantum processing unit into “flying” qubits that can travel across networking links. Cisco aims to supply the networking layer that distributes entanglement on demand, using dynamically reconfigurable paths to synchronize operations across machines with sub-nanosecond precision.
The companies are also investigating longer-distance connectivity – including building-to-building and data-center-to-data-center links – via optical-photon systems and next-generation transducers. Over time, these advances could extend into a quantum-enabled data center model in which many quantum processors are connected through quantum network nodes, and eventually across metro-scale or global networks.
IBM is simultaneously working with the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS) at Fermilab to study how many QNUs can operate efficiently in a quantum data-center environment. An initial demonstration of multiple connected quantum processors is planned within three years.
The longer-term outcome could be a distributed quantum computing fabric that forms the basis of a quantum computing internet in the late 2030s. Such a network could support ultra-secure communications, distributed quantum sensors, and scientific monitoring at unprecedented precision. IBM and Cisco also plan to co-fund research initiatives to accelerate quantum networking advancements.
This collaboration reflects a strategic bet by both companies: that the future of quantum advantage will require not just bigger quantum systems, but connected ones.
Executive Insights FAQ
Why does distributed quantum computing matter for businesses?
It enables far larger quantum workloads – spanning thousands of qubits or more – to tackle optimization, simulation, and analytics problems that exceed the capacity of single quantum processors.
What technical breakthroughs are needed to link quantum computers?
Key requirements include microwave-optical transducers, entanglement-distribution networks, ultra-precise synchronization, and new software frameworks designed for distributed quantum execution.
When could enterprises realistically access networked quantum resources?
IBM and Cisco target an initial demonstration by 2030. Commercial availability is expected sometime in the 2030s, depending on hardware maturation and ecosystem development.
How will the quantum networking unit (QNU) function?
The QNU converts stationary qubits inside quantum processors into “flying” qubits capable of traveling across optical or microwave links, allowing multiple systems to share quantum information.
What business use cases could benefit first?
High-value applications include materials science, logistics optimization, pharmaceutical modeling, and highly secure communications architectures.
How does this relate to existing high-performance computing (HPC)?
Distributed quantum systems will likely integrate with classical HPC to support hybrid workflows, forming quantum-centric supercomputing architectures.
What role does Cisco play compared to IBM?
IBM leads on quantum processors and fault-tolerant hardware while Cisco contributes quantum networking architectures, protocols, and systems for distributing entanglement at scale.
Will this lead to a true quantum Internet?
Both companies believe the work lays foundational elements for a future quantum Internet, enabling distributed quantum computing, sensing, and communication across metropolitan and eventually global distances.
