technology
innovative
impactful

IBM and Cisco team up to build a quantum computing internet

Nov 21, 2025, 10:13 AM10
(Update: Nov 21, 2025, 10:13 AM)
American multinational technology corporation
American multinational technology company

IBM and Cisco team up to build a quantum computing internet

  • IBM and Cisco are working together to develop a network of large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers.
  • The companies aim to achieve a proof-of-concept within the next five years, targeting a quantum computing internet by the late 2030s.
  • This collaboration could enable transformative applications in secure communications and monitoring systems.
Share opinion
Tip: Add insight, not just a reaction
1

Story

In a significant development for the field of quantum computing, IBM and Cisco announced a collaboration aimed at creating a network of fault-tolerant quantum computers. This partnership is focused on addressing the challenges of linking multiple quantum systems together effectively, allowing for a future quantum computing internet. While IBM is pioneering advancements in creating large-scale quantum computers, Cisco is contributing its expertise in quantum networking technologies. The companies have set an ambitious target, hoping to show proof-of-concept within five years, with the ultimate goal of a functional quantum computing internet by the late 2030s. The initiative is projected to explore vital technologies that will enable the transmission of qubits over longer distances, potentially revolutionizing how quantum computing resources are utilized across various locations, such as buildings or data centers. The collaboration aims to achieve groundbreaking outcomes by integrating hardware, software, and networking intelligence that can collaboratively function in a distributed quantum environment. Beyond their internal efforts, IBM and Cisco plan to extend their collaboration by working with academic institutions and national laboratories in the United States. This collective effort is essential as the technology needed to support a quantum computing internet is still in its infancy. Addressing the requirements for precise quantum communication will be critical for realizing the potential applications of such a network. The broader implications of this partnership extend beyond mere technological advancement. Establishing a reliable quantum computing internet could lead to enhanced capabilities in secure communications and advanced monitoring systems. These innovations could facilitate new solutions for challenges such as climate change, weather forecasting, and seismic activity assessments, which are crucial in today's rapidly changing environment. By striving for a connected quantum computing future, IBM and Cisco are not only pushing the boundaries of current technology but are also envisioning a transformative era of computation that could reshape numerous industries in the coming decades.

2026 All rights reserved