ORCA Computing: case study

Practical application of quantum 

Orca Computing is a UK-based innovative quantum computing company leading in its field through its full-stack photonic quantum computers designed to unlock new fields of applications, accelerate innovation and help transform industries. Its mission is to develop near-term industrial applications of quantum accelerated generative AI and optimisation. Its products, the ORCA PT Series quantum photonic systems, are built on the success of real-world applications and deployments in the field and promise to be a less costly and less fragile alternative to other industry quantum computing systems.  

Engagement with Digital Catapult 

Digital Catapult partnered with ORCA Computing to offer tailored support and access to quantum computing for participants across a range of critical industries. 

ORCA Computing has been a key partner in Digital Catapult’s Quantum Technology Access Programme since its launch in 2022, providing access to the ORCA PT Series quantum hardware for hands-on experimentation and technical expertise vital to the participant’s quantum skills and use case development during the first and second editions of the programme.  

Digital Catapult developed the Quantum Technology Access Programme as a unique way for participants to discover and experiment with relevant quantum technologies. It contributes to the UK’s national quantum capability and the creation of a more diverse UK quantum landscape by targeting current weaknesses, such as skills gaps and limited use case development. 

Impact and success 

The quantum innovation programme was extremely well-received and created an educational collaborative environment, enabling UK businesses to build innovative quantum use cases that would impact crucial industries. It improved the general understanding of a notoriously complicated and complex technology with direct impact on industry. Quantum experts from Digital Catapult and ORCA Computing supported participants to develop their quantum computing use cases.  Both participants and partners fed back that the Quantum Technology Access Programme enabled companies to leverage the future of quantum computing.  

Through the programme ORCA Computing were able to prove that businesses can transition from exploration to real-world use cases quickly, describing the programme as a fast-track for turning “near-term” photonic quantum hardware into practical industrial tools. 

Key participant feedback statistics  

• Average median rating of 4.2 out of 5 overall programme across two cohorts.
• Masterclasses led by ORCA Computing, the Digital Catapult team and the end of programme showcase, all scored a 5 out of 5 rating in survey feedback.

Overall, the programme demonstrated a viable route to upskilling in quantum computing and showed what a neutral ecosystem that connected industry partners, suppliers and end users could look like. It attracted attention from the outset, with a relatively high registration rate, and culminated in excellent attendance at the showcase, which attracted extensive media coverage. This programme’s significant level of interest and its positive reception significantly demonstrates a growing industry appetite for exploring quantum computing.