Quantinuum and Singapore National Quantum Office to Build a Global Quantum Hub
Quantinuum and Singapore’s National Quantum Office to Build a Global Quantum Hub
Synopsis
- Quantinuum expands to Singapore under a strategic partnership with the National Quantum Office.
- The collaboration brings the advanced Helios quantum computer to Singapore, the first outside the United States.
- The initiative aims to boost research, industry collaboration, and talent development.
Estimated Read Time: 3minutes
Singapore’s decades-long investment in quantum research is beginning to deliver tangible results, as global technology leader Quantinuum establishes its presence in the city-state through a strategic partnership with the National Quantum Office (NQO). The move, reported by Channel News Asia and confirmed by the NQO, marks a milestone in Singapore’s ambition to become a leading global hub for quantum innovation.
Under the agreement, Quantinuum will set up research and development operations, launch new training programs, and collaborate with industry partners to accelerate adoption of quantum technologies. The partnership builds on Singapore’s early commitment to the field, with more than S$700 million invested in quantum research since 2002. Industry insiders say the country is now seeing a surge of interest from both investors and corporations seeking practical applications for quantum computing.
At the core of the collaboration is Helios, Quantinuum’s state-of-the-art quantum computer. Singapore will become the first country outside the United States to host the system, marking a significant leap for local research capabilities. The installation, slated for 2026, will provide scientists and enterprises direct access to Helios’ computational power while enabling real-time integration with existing high-performance GPU infrastructure. For Singapore’s quantum researchers, this is expected to unlock new frontiers in data analysis, drug discovery, and optimization problems across multiple industries.
“Quantum computing is still quite new. There’s a lot of hand-holding that’s required,” said Ling Keok Tong, Executive Director of the NQO. He noted that the partnership would bring companies and researchers closer to practical use cases, supported by workshops and onboarding sessions that introduce organizations to quantum computing’s potential. Quantinuum CEO Rajeeb Hazra echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that “success will be measured by the rise of quantum adoption across industries and the ability of Singapore to attract global innovators.”
A quantum computer operates on principles of quantum physics, allowing it to process vast combinations of possibilities simultaneously. While traditional computers rely on transistors that toggle between binary states, quantum systems use qubits, which can exist in multiple states at once. This unique capability enables them to solve highly complex problems in hours that would take classical systems millennia. The implications stretch across sectors including finance, life sciences, advanced materials, and supply chain optimization.
Hosting Helios locally provides both symbolic and practical advantages. “Owning the technology attracts companies that know for sure there will be access to the machine—they can explore drug discovery and optimization problems like never before,” said Professor Jose Ignacio Latorre, Director of the Centre for Quantum Technologies. He added that bringing a world-class system to Singapore strengthens the ecosystem and helps the nation transition from theoretical research to applied quantum solutions. Locating Helios close to GPU clusters will also mitigate latency issues that often hinder cloud-based experiments.
Local startups are also riding the wave of enthusiasm. Entropica Labs, based in Telok Ayer, is tackling one of quantum computing’s biggest technical challenges—tracking subatomic particles with high reliability. “The stack is becoming more modular,” said co-founder and CEO Tommaso Demarie, referring to the evolving quantum technology architecture. “We see more companies tackling specific problems, which is a good sign of a maturing ecosystem.”
The trend extends to venture capital. QAI Ventures, whose regional headquarters are in Singapore, reports a sharp increase in global investor interest. CEO Alexandra Beckstein said, “We see startups working across hardware, software, communication, and sensing technologies. Singapore is establishing itself as an enabler of the entire quantum value chain.”
Despite progress, a shortage of skilled professionals remains one of the industry’s biggest hurdles. Professor Angelakis Dimitrios, founder of AngelQ Quantum Computing, noted that while traditional engineers can be reskilled, “the slope is steeper in quantum—it takes more time, initiative, and structured programs.” Singapore’s national strategy aims to close that gap through training, fellowships, and international collaborations.
Quantinuum’s partnership directly addresses this challenge by including internships, workshops, and co-developed courses to build a robust pipeline of quantum talent. The company’s upcoming R&D and Operations Centre in Singapore will unite its engineers with local researchers to create middleware and applications that bridge classical and quantum computing systems. These initiatives are designed to accelerate commercialization and help industries adopt quantum-based solutions faster.
According to Channel News Asia, the partnership is part of Singapore’s broader National Quantum Strategy, led by NQO through the National Quantum Computing Hub (NQCH). Together, Quantinuum and NQCH will drive research in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and finance while deepening collaboration with both academia and industry.
“This partnership marks an important step in building Singapore as a leading quantum computing hub,” said Ling Keok Tong. “Working with Quantinuum will deepen local capabilities and position Singapore as a regional leader driving real-world outcomes.”
Quantinuum’s Hazra added, “Singapore has demonstrated remarkable foresight in recognizing the transformative power of quantum computing. Together, we’re strengthening a hub that will accelerate commercialization and turn breakthrough technology into practical solutions.”
Minister Josephine Teo, who oversees the Smart Nation Group, reinforced the government’s commitment: “Singapore continues to invest significantly in quantum to strengthen our digital growth and security. By collaborating with global partners, developing world-class talent, and uplifting local enterprises, we aim to shape a future where technology serves the public good.”
This partnership follows earlier agreements between Quantinuum, the A*STAR Bioinformatics Institute, and Duke-NUS Medical School, laying the groundwork for the deeper collaboration now underway. Both the National Quantum Office and Channel News Asia described it as a defining moment in Singapore’s two-decade pursuit of quantum excellence.
According to Channel News Asia and official statements from the National Quantum Office of Singapore.
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About Quantinuum
Quantinuum is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading quantum computing companies, formed through the 2021 merger of Honeywell Quantum Solutions and Cambridge Quantum. Headquartered in both the United States and the United Kingdom, the company develops full-stack quantum technologies that integrate hardware, software, and middleware solutions.
Its Helios quantum system represents one of the most advanced commercially available general-purpose quantum computers, designed with high-fidelity qubits and powerful error correction for enterprise and research applications. Quantinuum’s technology supports fields such as pharmaceuticals, materials science, cryptography, and finance, with a mission to accelerate the world’s transition to quantum advantage. Under the leadership of President and CEO Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, the company is expanding globally, including its new R&D and Operations Centre in Singapore, to collaborate with academic, industrial, and government partners in building sustainable quantum ecosystems and advancing real-world commercial applications.
About The National Quantum Office (NQO), Singapore
The National Quantum Office (NQO) serves as Singapore’s national platform for coordinating quantum research, development, and industry partnerships. Hosted by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), the NQO leads implementation of the country’s National Quantum Strategy, which aims to position Singapore as a global hub for quantum technologies.
It oversees major national programs, including the National Quantum Computing Hub (NQCH), National Quantum-Safe Network, and National Quantum Sensor Programme, fostering collaboration across academia, government, and the private sector. The office plays a central role in developing infrastructure, enabling talent pipelines, and facilitating partnerships with international leaders like Quantinuum. By investing strategically in hardware, software, and applied research, the NQO ensures Singapore remains competitive in emerging technologies. Executive Director Ling Keok Tong and his team are instrumental in aligning national initiatives with global quantum advancements to drive innovation and economic growth.
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