Aliro Quantum secures USAF quantum tech contract

On July 21, Boston, MA-based Aliro Quantum announced it has secured several contracts through AFWERX, a program from the U.S. Air Force focused on expanding technology, talent, and transition partnerships for rapid and affordable commercial and military capability. Aliro is using the funding to advance the development of critical software needed to design and operate quantum networks.

Like classical networks, quantum networks require hardware independent control plane software to manage data exchange between layers, allocate resources, and control synchronization. Networked quantum computers are needed to run transformational quantum applications such as ‘physics-based’ secure communications and distributed quantum computing.

“A unified control plane is one of several foundational technologies that Aliro is focused on as the first networking company of the quantum era,” said Jim Ricotta, Aliro CEO. “Receiving Air Force contracts to advance this core technology validates our approach and helps accelerate the time to market for this and other technologies needed to realize the potential of quantum communication.”

Aliro is bringing classical networking know-how to quantum networking by delivering Quantum Entanglement as a Service (EaaS) to enable the distribution of entangled quantum states between nodes. Aliro’s software control plane and simulation technology provide the foundation for enabling EaaS on today’s quantum networks. EaaS is the key technology for the unhackable secure networks of today and the quantum internet of tomorrow, according to the company.

Source: Aliro