ORNL partners with IBM and AMD launching quantum computing platform

Poughkeepsie, New York, November 5, 2026 - IBM, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy-supported Quantum Science Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and AMD, has introduced a novel co-design platform for quantum error correction. This platform merges quantum and high-performance computing to enhance the field. Researchers have made considerable strides in quantum error correction, demonstrating protection against noise, achieving quantum advantage, and running industry-relevant problems on quantum-classical hybrid systems.

However, scaling these advancements remains a challenge. To tackle this, IBM has joined forces with the Quantum Science Center at ORNL and AMD, its first partners. The first deployment unites IBM's quantum computers, including the 120-qubit IBM Quantum Nighthawk, with ORNL's Umbra High-Performance Computing system, powered by AMD Instinct™ MI355X GPUs and 5th Gen AMD EPYC™ CPUs.

This integration allows researchers to assess the synergy between classical and quantum computing, fostering momentum in quantum error correction research. This endeavor is crucial for the Department of Energy's Quantum Genesis Mission, which aims to achieve 100 logical qubits running 100,000 hard operations by late 2028. IBM's Quantum System API enables real-time pulse control and mid-calculation qubit measurements, facilitating error correction research.

By combining quantum processors with error correction techniques that leverage high-performance classical computing, the co-design platform aims to accelerate progress toward a scientifically relevant quantum computer by 2028.