The field of quantum computing continues to evolve rapidly, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is at the forefront of this technological revolution. On August 19, 2025, the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory announced that it has selected IQM Radiance as its first on-premises quantum computer, set to integrate seamlessly with ORNL’s high-performance computing (HPC) systems.
This move represents a significant milestone in quantum-HPC integration, promising to accelerate research in hybrid computing applications and bring early quantum advantage closer to reality.
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Understanding Quantum Computing and HPC Integration
Quantum computing represents a paradigm shift in computational power. Unlike classical computers that process bits as either 0 or 1, quantum computers utilize qubits, which can exist in superposition, representing both 0 and 1 simultaneously. This allows quantum computers to perform certain calculations exponentially faster than classical systems.
High-performance computing (HPC), on the other hand, relies on massively parallel classical processors to solve complex computational problems. Integrating quantum computing with HPC systems creates hybrid platforms that leverage the strengths of both technologies. Such integration allows researchers to tackle complex simulations, optimizations, and machine learning tasks more efficiently than ever before.
ORNL’s decision to bring an IQM Radiance quantum computer on-premises underscores its commitment to pioneering quantum-HPC integration. With decades of expertise in supercomputing, ORNL is uniquely positioned to explore practical applications of quantum computing in a high-performance environment.
About the IQM Radiance Quantum Computer
IQM Radiance is a 20-qubit quantum computer based on superconducting technology. Superconducting qubits are among the most promising approaches in quantum computing, offering high coherence times and scalable architectures. IQM Radiance is designed specifically for hybrid quantum-classical application development, enabling researchers to run experiments that combine the computational power of classical HPC systems with quantum acceleration.
One of the key advantages of IQM Radiance is its upgradeability. While ORNL will initially deploy a 20-qubit system, the platform is designed to scale to higher qubit counts in the future. This scalability ensures that ORNL can keep pace with rapid advancements in quantum hardware technology without replacing its infrastructure.
The Significance of On-Premises Quantum Computing
The choice to deploy an on-premises quantum computer rather than relying solely on cloud-based access has several strategic advantages:
- Direct Access for Researchers: Scientists at ORNL will have hands-on access to cutting-edge quantum technology, enabling more precise control over experiments and faster iteration cycles.
- Tight Integration with HPC Systems: On-premises deployment facilitates low-latency communication between quantum and classical systems, a critical factor for hybrid workflows.
- Enhanced Security: Sensitive research data remains within the laboratory’s controlled environment, reducing potential cybersecurity risks associated with cloud-based quantum computing.
- Long-Term Flexibility: On-site deployment allows ORNL to upgrade the system as needed, accommodating new qubit technologies and system architectures.
This on-premises approach complements ORNL’s ongoing efforts in quantum-HPC research, positioning the laboratory as a leader in developing practical hybrid quantum-classical applications.
ORNL’s Quantum Computing User Program (QCUP)
The acquisition of IQM Radiance aligns with ORNL’s broader strategy to democratize access to quantum computing through the Quantum Computing User Program (QCUP). QCUP provides researchers across the nation with the ability to leverage quantum computing resources, both on-premises and via the cloud.
Previously, QCUP utilized the IQM Resonance cloud platform to provide remote access to quantum systems for advanced research. The introduction of an on-site IQM Radiance quantum computer enhances the program by offering direct, high-performance integration with ORNL’s HPC systems. Researchers can now explore complex hybrid workflows that were previously difficult or impossible to implement on cloud-only systems.
Hybrid Quantum-Classical Applications
One of the main goals of quantum-HPC integration is the development of hybrid quantum-classical applications. These applications combine the strengths of classical HPC systems with quantum computing’s unique capabilities to solve complex problems faster and more efficiently.
Potential areas of impact include:
- Materials Science: Quantum computers can simulate molecular and atomic interactions with unprecedented accuracy, allowing scientists to design new materials with desirable properties.
- Drug Discovery: Hybrid quantum-classical workflows can accelerate the identification of potential drug candidates by efficiently modeling molecular interactions.
- Optimization Problems: Industries such as logistics, finance, and energy can benefit from quantum-enhanced optimization algorithms that outperform classical approaches.
- Machine Learning and AI: Quantum computing can enhance machine learning models by providing faster training times and improved data processing capabilities for large-scale datasets.
By integrating IQM Radiance with ORNL’s HPC systems, researchers will be able to explore these applications in a real-world high-performance computing environment.
Comments from ORNL Leadership
Travis Humble, advisor to QCUP and director of the Quantum Science Center at ORNL, emphasized the significance of this development:
“ORNL has a decades-long history in high-performance computing and is today one of the leading research institutions in the US for quantum computing. IQM’s on-premises installation will allow our researchers hands-on access to cutting-edge quantum computing technology as we explore how quantum computers will be integrated with HPC systems to tackle early quantum advantage.”
Humble’s statement underscores ORNL’s commitment to pioneering research in quantum-HPC integration and establishing practical, real-world applications for hybrid computing systems.
Strategic Importance for the United States
The integration of quantum computers with HPC infrastructure has strategic implications for the United States. Quantum computing represents a critical technology for national security, scientific research, and economic competitiveness. By deploying IQM Radiance on-site, ORNL strengthens its role as a national hub for quantum research, providing both the technological infrastructure and the expertise needed to advance the field.
Furthermore, ORNL’s work in hybrid quantum-classical computing contributes to the broader national goal of achieving “quantum advantage,” where quantum computers outperform classical systems in solving practical, real-world problems.
Timeline and Future Plans
The IQM Radiance quantum computer is scheduled for delivery by the third quarter of 2025. Once installed, ORNL researchers will begin integrating the system with existing HPC infrastructure to run hybrid applications and benchmark performance.
Looking ahead, ORNL plans to expand its quantum computing capabilities as hardware technology improves. The modular and upgradeable design of IQM Radiance ensures that the laboratory can scale its quantum computing resources to meet future research demands.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the IQM Radiance quantum computer?
IQM Radiance is a 20-qubit quantum computer based on superconducting technology. It is designed for hybrid quantum-classical applications, allowing researchers to run experiments that combine quantum computing with high-performance computing (HPC) systems. The system is also upgradeable to higher qubit counts in the future.
Why is ORNL integrating a quantum computer with HPC systems?
Integrating quantum computing with HPC enables hybrid workflows that leverage the strengths of both systems. HPC provides classical computational power for large-scale simulations, while quantum computing accelerates specific tasks such as optimization, molecular simulations, and machine learning, enabling researchers to explore new scientific applications.
What makes an on-premises quantum computer advantageous?
An on-premises system provides direct access to hardware, allowing low-latency integration with HPC systems, enhanced data security, and greater flexibility for upgrades. It also enables researchers to test and develop hybrid quantum-classical applications more effectively than using cloud-only systems.
When will the IQM Radiance system be installed at ORNL?
The IQM Radiance quantum computer is scheduled for delivery and installation at ORNL by the third quarter of 2025.
What research programs will use this system?
The IQM Radiance computer will support ORNL’s Quantum Computing User Program (QCUP), which provides access to quantum computing resources for researchers nationwide. It will also enable experiments in hybrid workflows, materials science, drug discovery, optimization, and AI applications.
How does this integration contribute to quantum advantage?
By tightly integrating quantum computing with HPC systems, ORNL aims to achieve early quantum advantage—where quantum systems outperform classical computers in solving specific, practical problems. This is a key step toward demonstrating real-world applications of quantum computing.
What is the long-term vision for quantum-HPC integration at ORNL?
ORNL plans to scale its quantum computing capabilities as technology advances, continuing to develop hybrid quantum-classical applications, accelerate research in multiple scientific fields, and maintain U.S. leadership in quantum computing and HPC innovation.
Conclusion
The deployment of IQM Radiance at Oak Ridge National Laboratory marks a major milestone in the integration of quantum computing with high-performance computing infrastructure. By combining ORNL’s decades of expertise in HPC with cutting-edge quantum technology, the laboratory is positioned to lead the development of hybrid quantum-classical applications that could transform industries ranging from materials science to artificial intelligence. As quantum computing technology continues to evolve, initiatives like ORNL’s on-premises IQM Radiance deployment are crucial for advancing research, achieving early quantum advantage, and maintaining the United States’ leadership in this critical field.
