ORCA Computing launches PT-3 photonic quantum computer

ORCA Computing, a London-based developer spun out of the University of Oxford, has launched the PT-3, a photonic quantum computer designed to provide commercial quantum advantage. The system is currently operational at Digital Realty’s Innovation Lab in London, where it functions alongside NVIDIA accelerated computing.

The PT-3 is designed to work in a hybrid quantum-classical capacity to enhance AI models and industrial optimization. In scientific applications, the system was used to extend NVIDIA’s Proteína generative protein-design model. Using 32 NVIDIA Hopper GPUs alongside the PT-3, the model improved the ratio of useful proteins by 20% compared to classical baselines and generated novel proteins with diverse secondary structures.

For industrial use, the system has been applied to energy scheduling. In collaboration with the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre, the PT-3 completed a 25,755-variable unit commitment problem in approximately one hour, which is over 12 times faster than its predecessor. The PT-3 is described as a modular, room-temperature system that can be upgraded in the field.