Rigetti Computing Rgti Secures 5 8m Air Force Contract For Qu

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Jan 2, 2026, 1:13 PM

rigetti computing rgti secures 5 8m air force contract for qu

San Francisco, CA – September 24, 2025 – Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ: RGTI), a pioneer in quantum computing, has landed a significant three-year, $5.8 million contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This pivotal agreement is set to accelerate the development of superconducting quantum networking technology, a critical step toward realizing scalable quantum computers and a secure quantum internet. The news has sent a ripple of excitement through the quantum computing sector, particularly impacting Rigetti's stock, which saw a notable surge following the announcement. This contract not only provides substantial funding for Rigetti's cutting-edge research but also serves as a strong validation of its technological prowess and strategic direction. It underscores the increasing importance of quantum information science in national security and positions Rigetti as a key player in the race to unlock the full potential of quantum technology, with potential long-term implications... The $5.8 million AFRL contract is specifically dedicated to advancing superconducting quantum networking.

Rigetti will be collaborating with the Dutch quantum startup QphoX, a partnership designed to tackle one of quantum computing's most formidable challenges: converting the microwave signals used by superconducting qubits into optical photons capable... This microwave-to-optical conversion is fundamental for establishing entanglement between qubits across different quantum systems, a prerequisite for distributed quantum computing. The project builds upon prior successes by Rigetti and QphoX in demonstrating qubit-transducer systems with optical single-shot qubit readout. Key objectives under this contract include optimizing qubit-to-transducer interfaces, scaling multi-chip quantum processors, and achieving room-temperature, long-range quantum state transfer via optical fibers. For Rigetti, this contract represents a profound validation of its superconducting quantum computing technology and its leadership in quantum networking. It secures vital funding for R&D, mitigates commercialization risks, and strengthens strategic partnerships with QphoX and the AFRL.

Furthermore, aligning with national security priorities could open doors to future defense-related opportunities, enhancing Rigetti's market position and contributing to the U.S.'s goal of global leadership in quantum information science. The announcement of the Air Force contract had an immediate and tangible positive impact on Rigetti Computing's (NASDAQ: RGTI) stock. Following the news, Rigetti's shares experienced a significant surge, with reports indicating gains ranging from 15% to over 30%, and even a 48.46% increase over the preceding week. This momentum contributed to an approximate $250 million increase in Rigetti's market capitalization, reflecting bolstered investor confidence in the company's trajectory. Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:RGTI), in partnership with QphoX, has secured a $5.8 million, three-year contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The initiative aims to address a major hurdle in quantum technology—connecting superconducting quantum computers using optical networks for large-scale, distributed quantum processing.

The new contract will push the boundaries of quantum networking by leveraging Rigetti’s superconducting microwave qubit systems alongside QphoX’s advanced single-photon microwave-optical transducers. These transducers enable conversion of microwave signals (used in quantum processors) into optical photons—crucial for transmitting quantum information over long distances at room temperature. By achieving reliable entanglement between superconducting qubits and optical photons, Rigetti and QphoX seek to lay the technical foundation for robust, secure quantum networks. This milestone follows their prior demonstration of a qubit-transducer system capable of optical single-shot qubit readout—marking progress in quantum-classical system integration. Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, CEO of Rigetti, emphasizes the contract as validation of U.S.

commitment to global quantum leadership: "This is an exciting opportunity to advance superconducting quantum networking...important for the U.S. to maintain its global leadership in quantum information science." Dr. Simon Groeblacher, CEO of QphoX, echoes this sentiment, calling the project a critical milestone toward interconnected quantum systems for defense and research. Matt LaHaye, AFRL principal research physicist, adds, “Interconnects that link superconducting qubit processors with telecom quantum local area networks will be transformative for entanglement distribution and fundamental research in Air Force operations.” Rigetti Computing has secured a three-year, $5.8 million contract from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to collaborate with QphoX on developing superconducting quantum networking technologies.

News of the contract led Rigetti’s stock to rise almost 17% on Thursday. Rigetti Computing, Inc. operates as an integrated systems company. The company builds quantum computers and the superconducting quantum processors th… Written with AI assistance, verified and edited by our team. Questions?

Contact us. Receive our weekly market insights and tech news roundup. You've reached the free limit. Upgrade to premium for unlimited access. Shares of Rigetti Computing are rallying in premarket trading after the company announced that it won a three-year, $5.8 million contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) “to advance superconducting quantum networking.” The quantum computing company plans to collaborate with Dutch startup QphoX on this endeavor.

“This project aims to deliver systems providing entanglement between superconducting qubits and optical photons, the essential building block of quantum networking,” per Rigetti’s press release. This less than $6 million contract has seen Rigetti’s market cap swell by about $250 million. “We are very pleased that AFRL is supporting this technology, which is important for the US to maintain its global leadership in quantum information science,” Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, CEO of Rigetti, said. IonQ signed a finalized agreement with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) to deliver a 100-qubit trapped-ion quantum system to... Lausanne-based Enlightra has raised $15 million to develop chip-scale, multi-wavelength laser technology aimed at easing data-movement and power constraints in...

Telstra and Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC) reported results from a year-long collaboration that applied quantum-enhanced machine learning to predictive analytics... Rigetti Computing’s stock closed at $35.40 after jumping 18.59% during Thursday’s session. It added another 0.54% in after-hours, reaching $35.59. The rally followed news of a major $5.8 million contract with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. Rigetti secured a three-year government contract to advance superconducting quantum networking technology.

The company will work with QphoX, a Dutch startup, to develop microwave-to-optical transduction. This deal addresses one of quantum computing’s main limitations—connecting superconducting qubits over long distances. The project may enable distributed quantum systems and secure communication across fiber-optic networks. It also supports scaling Rigetti’s chiplet architecture for modular quantum computing. The success of this effort could redefine practical quantum computing infrastructure across military and commercial domains. The deal not only provides funding but also validates Rigetti’s technology pipeline.

Collaborating with QphoX enhances interoperability across cryogenic and telecom systems. This technological bridge increases the practical reach of Rigetti’s systems.

Rigetti Computing Rgti Secures 5 8m Air Force Contract For Qu

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