Rigetti Computing and Montana State University Collaborate to Advance Quantum Research and Innovation
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.
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