IBM and Cisco Forge Alliance to Pioneer Networked Distributed Quantum Computing

On November 20, 2025, International Business Machines Corp (IBM) and Cisco announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at building a network of large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers. This collaboration is poised to transform the landscape of quantum computing by laying the groundwork for a distributed quantum computing network, expected to come to fruition by the early 2030s.

The partnership combines IBM's expertise in quantum computing with Cisco's innovations in quantum networking, aiming to address the significant challenges associated with scaling quantum computers beyond conventional limits.

IBM's ambitious roadmap includes the launch of large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers, with plans to deliver these machines by the end of the decade. Jay Gambetta, Director of IBM Research and IBM Fellow, emphasized the importance of collaboration with Cisco to explore the potential of linking multiple quantum computers into a cohesive network. This interconnected framework aims to significantly enhance computational power and push the boundaries of high-performance computing architectures.

Vijoy Pandey, GM/SVP at Outshift by Cisco, remarked on the necessity of connecting quantum machines, stating, "Getting quantum computing to useful scale is not just about building bigger individual machines; it is also about connecting them together." The collaboration seeks to develop a complete system that encompasses hardware, software, and networking intelligence, enabling quantum algorithms to execute across multiple quantum computers seamlessly.

The companies have set an ambitious timeline to demonstrate the first proof-of-concept for their networked quantum computing initiative within the next five years. The goal is to entangle qubits from multiple large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers, allowing them to work collectively on complex computations that require extensive qubit resources. This could enable solutions to massive optimization problems and the design of intricate materials and medications.

The partnership will delve into the development of quantum hardware and software that physically links numerous large-scale quantum computers to create a distributed quantum computing network. The initial proof-of-concept will seek to entangle qubits located in different cryogenic environments. This requires innovative technologies, including microwave-optical transducers and a comprehensive software stack.

Cisco's vision involves a quantum data center architecture that preserves fragile quantum states, facilitates entanglement distribution, and synchronizes operations with remarkable precision. Moreover, IBM's plan to create a quantum networking unit (QNU) will serve as a bridge between quantum processing units (QPUs), converting stationary quantum information into a format suitable for network transmission.

The collaboration envisions scaling beyond the interconnection of nearby quantum computers to encompass longer distances, potentially linking data centers across metropolitan areas. The exploration of optical-photon and microwave-optical transducer technologies will play a crucial role in this endeavor, facilitating the transfer of quantum information as required.

The companies also plan to create a network bridge using novel hardware and open-source software, linking multiple IBM QPUs within a data center, ultimately extending to inter-data center connections. This ambitious architecture could pave the way for a future quantum computing internet, where diverse quantum-based technologies share information on a global scale.

The establishment of a scalable, distributed quantum computing network could lead to an expansive computational framework and the eventual creation of a quantum computing internet by the late 2030s. This internet could revolutionize various domains, including ultra-secure communications and precise monitoring of climate, weather, and seismic activity.

As part of their collaboration, IBM and Cisco will also co-fund academic research and projects aimed at advancing the broader quantum ecosystem, continuing their historical commitment to fostering innovation in academic and national laboratories.

The strategic alliance between IBM and Cisco marks a significant milestone in the journey towards practical and expansive quantum computing solutions. By combining their respective strengths, the two companies aim to unlock the full potential of quantum technologies, setting the stage for transformative advancements that could reshape industries and society as a whole.