Cisco Systems has taken a significant step into the quantum computing arena by unveiling a prototype chip designed to network quantum computers and announcing the launch of a dedicated quantum research lab in Santa Monica, California.
Developed in collaboration with the University of California, Santa Barbara, the chip facilitates quantum entanglement between photons, enabling instantaneous communication between quantum systems—an effect famously dubbed by Einstein as “spooky action at a distance.” This capability could ultimately allow smaller quantum computers to be networked into larger, more powerful systems.
Vijoy Pandey, Senior Vice President of Cisco’s Outshift innovation incubator, emphasized the potential near-term applications of the technology. Even before mainstream adoption of quantum computing, the chip could be used to precisely synchronize global trading systems or detect cosmic phenomena like meteorites by aligning time-sensitive scientific observations.
Unlike tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and startups such as PsiQuantum—which are racing to scale up quantum processors by increasing qubit counts—Cisco is focused on connecting these systems. “To build out that quantum network, the first building block that you need is an entanglement chip,” Pandey said. “Here’s the first building block of that.”
Though still in the prototype stage with no immediate revenue expectations, the announcement signals Cisco’s entry into a rapidly evolving field. The move also aligns with broader industry momentum: Nvidia is launching its own quantum lab, and major players are investing heavily in related hardware and research.
