
First open-source full stack ion trap quantum computer

Five organisations have teamed up to produce the world’s first full stack open source quantum computer with the software running on ion trap hardware.
Photonic quantum computer maker Xanadu is working with University of Waterloo, Unitary Foundation, and Haiqu in the US to found the non-profit Open Quantum Design.
The team at Open Quantum Design (OQD) believes the key to accelerating advancements in quantum computing – including developing top talent – is to democratize access and open up its intellectual property for anyone willing to collaborate. The foundational research to build the basis of their computer by the Institute for Quantum Computing, and the operational support Perimeter Institute has provided through its Quantum Intelligence Lab (PIQuIL).
An open source design for the hardware of a large scale quantum computer using ion traps was launched in May 2022.
Porsche backs Xanadu with $100m for fault-tolerant quantum computer
The team is opening up both the hardware and software intellectual property for its trapped-ion quantum computer—the first of its kind—to collaborators looking to participate in a global quantum sandbox.
Unitary Foundation is a non-profit working to create a robust quantum technology ecosystem through open-source community development. Haiqu is a start-up headquartered in San Francisco and is pushing the limits of modern quantum computing, enabling quantum applications using breakthroughs in quantum circuit execution.
Open source access to the OQD trapped-ion quantum computer repositories includes hardware specifications and fabrication standards, as well as design forums for quantum research and development. By removing traditional barriers and focusing on solutions to hard problems, OQD’s highly collaborative approach is well-positioned to speed-up innovation by pooling global quantum expertise.
“Our open-source approach means that everything in the quantum computer will be accessible to the user, from the bare metal technical design to application programming interfaces,” says Roger Melko, faculty member at the University of Waterloo, the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, and Co-founder of OQD.
“We have found a way to leverage the collective global quantum workforce to scale quantum computing,” said Greg Dick, OQD’s CEO. “By sharing resources, knowledge, and designs as a global community, we will accelerate the development of quantum technologies. There are researchers and companies all over the world racing towards the realization of a working quantum computer, and what we are providing is an open platform to scale progress rapidly where people work, build, and innovate together.”
“This is a pivotal moment for quantum in Waterloo, and in Canada. Open Quantum Design’s open-source quantum computer is positioned to be a catalyst for exponential advances in quantum research. By joining forces, we amplify our impact and collaboratively tackle global challenges,” said Charmaine Dean, Vice-President, Research and International at the University of Waterloo
“Open-source is more than simple access to a quantum computer- it is access to a global quantum community in a playground that is a rich environment for innovation. Collaboration in this type of quantum landscape will lead to the accelerated development of a quantum computer for everyone, and we’re thrilled to work with Open Quantum Design in this space,” said Christian Weedbrook, CEO & Founder, Xanadu.
