8-K: Rigetti Partners with India's C-DAC for Hybrid Quantum Systems

Rigetti Computing signed an MOU with India's C-DAC to co-develop hybrid quantum computing systems and advance quantum R&D.

Summary

• Rigetti Computing, Inc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), India's premier research and development organization.
• The MOU aims to explore the co-development of hybrid quantum computing systems to support government laboratories and academics pursuing quantum computing research and development.
• Collaboration will focus on the design and development of hybrid quantum computing systems and related technologies, with an intent to bring them to market.
• The partnership also includes exploring use case and application workflow development leveraging hybrid computing infrastructure and participating in workforce development activities.
• Rigetti's superconducting qubits are highlighted for their fast gate speeds, stated to be over 1,000 times faster than other qubit modalities like ion traps and pure atoms.
• Rigetti demonstrated the industry's largest multi-chip quantum computer, Cepheus-1-36Q, in July 2025, with scalability to 100+ qubit chiplet-based systems anticipated by the end of 2025.

Sentiment

Score: 8

Explanation: The announcement of a strategic MOU with a significant government-backed entity like C-DAC in a rapidly growing market (India) for a cutting-edge technology (quantum computing) is a strong positive. It indicates market expansion, potential for new revenue streams, and validation of Rigetti's technology. While it's an MOU and not a definitive contract, the intent for co-development and market entry is highly favorable.

Positives

• Establishes a strategic partnership with C-DAC, a leading Indian government-backed R&D organization, expanding global reach.
• Leverages C-DAC's renowned leadership in high-performance computing (HPC) with Rigetti's expertise in superconducting quantum computing systems to design and deliver powerful hybrid computing solutions.
• Potential for co-development of indigenous cryogenic electronics, superconducting quantum hardware, and securing access to advanced processor fabrication in India.
• Supports India's ChipIN initiative, reinforcing the nation's position in next-generation technologies and semiconductor design capabilities.
• Addresses the growing trend of government funding in quantum computing, with global investments reaching $1.8 billion in 2024 and exceeding $10 billion in early 2025.
• Rigetti's proprietary multi-chip architecture and fast superconducting qubits are well-suited for hybrid systems and scaling to high qubit counts.
• Demonstrated the industry's largest multi-chip quantum computer, Cepheus-1-36Q, in July 2025, with plans for a 100+ qubit system by the end of 2025.

Negatives

• NA

Risks

• Ability to achieve milestones and technological advancements, including with respect to the technology roadmap.
• Ability to obtain government contracts successfully and in a timely manner, and the availability of government funding.
• The potential of quantum computing may not materialize as expected.
• Success of partnerships and collaborations, including the strategic collaboration with C-DAC.
• Ability to accelerate development of multiple generations of quantum processors.
• Outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the company or others.
• Ability to maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and attract and retain management and key employees.
• Costs related to operating as a public company.
• Changes in applicable laws or regulations.
• Adverse effects from other economic, business, or competitive factors.
• Estimates of expenses and profitability may be inaccurate.
• Evolution of the markets in which the company competes.
• Ability to implement strategic initiatives and expansion plans.
• Expected use of proceeds from past and future financings or other capital.
• Sufficiency of cash resources.
• Unfavorable conditions in the industry, global economy, or global supply chain, including rising inflation and interest rates, deteriorating international trade relations, political turmoil, natural catastrophes, warfare, and terrorist attacks.

Future Outlook

Rigetti and C-DAC intend to collaborate on the design, development, and market introduction of hybrid quantum computing systems and related technologies. They also expect to explore use case and application workflow development leveraging hybrid computing infrastructure and participate in workforce development activities. Rigetti anticipates its 100+ qubit chiplet-based system will become its flagship platform by the end of 2025.

Management Comments

• "By joining C-DACs renowned leadership in high-performance computing (HPC) solutions with Rigettis expertise in superconducting quantum computing systems, we have the opportunity to design and deliver powerful and practical hybrid computing systems." Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO.
• "We look forward to this collaboration and advancing the state-of-the-art in hybrid computing technology." Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti CEO.
• "Our partnership with Rigetti is a strategic step toward developing indigenous cryogenic electronics, superconducting quantum hardware, and securing access to advanced processor fabrication. This partnership is poised to drive impactful advancements in electronics and IT, reinforcing India's position in next-generation technologies." Shri. E. Magesh, Director General, C-DAC.
• "Partnering with Rigetti, a global leader in superconducting quantum computing systems, presents a good opportunity for us to co-develop advanced cryogenic electronics under the ChipIN program. This collaboration will drive innovation in electronics and information technology—particularly in quantum and hybrid computing—contributing meaningfully to the nation's technological progress." Dr. S D Sudarsan, Executive Director, C-DAC Bangalore.

Industry Context

The quantum computing market is heavily influenced by government initiatives, with global investments reaching $1.8 billion in 2024 and exceeding $10 billion in early 2025. This partnership aligns with India's strategic focus on advanced computing and semiconductor design through initiatives like ChipIN, positioning Rigetti to capitalize on significant government funding and R&D efforts in a key emerging market.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Rigetti's superconducting qubits are stated to be over 1,000 times faster than other qubit modalities, such as ion traps and pure atoms.
• Rigetti demonstrated the industry's largest multi-chip quantum computer, Cepheus-1-36Q, in July 2025.
• The company's proprietary multi-chip architecture utilizes well-established manufacturing techniques from the semiconductor industry, defining a path to scaling to extremely high qubit count systems required for error correction, differentiating its approach.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Potential for increased revenue, market expansion, and long-term growth through strategic partnership and technology development.
• Employees: Opportunities for collaboration, research and development, and workforce development in a new market.
• Customers (Government/Academia): Access to advanced hybrid quantum computing systems and R&D support.
• Suppliers: Potential for increased demand for components and services related to quantum hardware development.

Next Steps

• Explore co-development of hybrid quantum computing systems.
• Collaborate on the design and development of hybrid quantum computing systems and related technologies.
• Bring co-developed systems and technologies to market.
• Explore use case and application workflow development leveraging hybrid computing infrastructure.
• Participate in workforce development activities.
• Advance towards broader adoption of Rigetti's 100+ qubit chiplet-based system as its flagship platform by the end of 2025.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This strategic partnership with C-DAC, a key government R&D organization in India, represents a significant market expansion opportunity for Rigetti in the rapidly growing quantum computing sector, heavily supported by government funding. The collaboration on co-development of hybrid systems and indigenous hardware aligns with Rigetti's technological strengths and roadmap, potentially accelerating its market penetration and validating its technology. Given the early stage of quantum computing, securing such a partnership in a major emerging economy is a strong positive indicator for future growth and competitive positioning, making it a compelling 'strong buy' for long-term investors.

Keywords

Quantum computing, hybrid quantum systems, C-DAC, India, R&D, superconducting qubits, ChipIN, advanced computing, quantum hardware, Rigetti Computing, government funding, technology collaboration