AI Compute News – Quantum Machines has announced a significant hardware performance milestone after successfully operating Rigetti Computing's Novera quantum processing unit (QPU) with a median two-qubit gate fidelity of 99.5%. The achievement demonstrates that the superconducting quantum processor can deliver high-performance results using Quantum Machines' independent control platform, highlighting growing interoperability within the quantum computing ecosystem.
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The milestone was reached using Quantum Machines' OPX1000 hybrid quantum control platform together with its QUAlibrate automated calibration software. According to the company, the system was able to calibrate the commercially available Novera QPU and achieve high-fidelity quantum operations across all available qubit couplings within approximately one week to ten days.
The results indicate that advanced calibration software and modern control hardware can efficiently optimize superconducting quantum processors without relying exclusively on the manufacturer's native control system.
Two-qubit gate fidelity is widely regarded as one of the most important performance metrics in quantum computing because it measures how accurately quantum operations are executed. Higher fidelity enables more reliable quantum circuits and reduces computational errors, making it a critical benchmark for both research and commercial quantum applications. Achieving a median fidelity of 99.5% represents a strong level of performance for a commercially available superconducting quantum processor.
The collaboration also demonstrates increasing compatibility between hardware and software developed by different companies. Historically, many quantum processors have been tightly integrated with proprietary control electronics and software, limiting flexibility for researchers and industrial users.
By validating Rigetti's Novera processor on Quantum Machines' control platform, the companies have shown that high-performance quantum hardware can operate effectively within a more open technology ecosystem.
Quantum Machines stated that this represents the highest full-system performance achieved on the Novera platform using an external control systems partner. The result could simplify adoption for research institutions and organizations seeking standardized quantum control infrastructure across different quantum hardware platforms. Such interoperability may help accelerate experimentation, reduce integration complexity, and provide users with greater flexibility when selecting quantum technologies.
The OPX1000 platform combines classical computing resources with low-latency quantum control capabilities, allowing users to perform real-time feedback, automated calibration, and precise pulse optimization.
Meanwhile, the QUAlibrate software streamlines calibration workflows that traditionally require extensive manual tuning by quantum engineers. Together, these tools are intended to improve operational efficiency while maintaining high hardware performance.
The announcement also highlights the growing commercial deployment of the Novera quantum processor. The system is already being used by organizations including Fermilab and Montana State University, where researchers are exploring quantum algorithms, hardware characterization, and other scientific applications.
Demonstrating consistent performance across multiple deployment environments strengthens confidence in the platform's suitability for academic and industrial research.
As the quantum computing industry continues to mature, interoperability between quantum processors and third-party control systems is becoming increasingly important. Open hardware ecosystems allow researchers to compare platforms more easily, integrate new technologies faster, and avoid dependence on proprietary infrastructure.
While the latest achievement does not represent fault-tolerant quantum computing or a demonstration of quantum advantage, it marks meaningful progress in improving the reliability and accessibility of superconducting quantum systems. Continued advances in calibration techniques, control electronics, and hardware compatibility are expected to play an important role in scaling quantum technologies toward practical commercial applications.
