Cisco Systems is expanding into quantum computing in a big way. The tech giant, on Tuesday showed a prototype chip for networking quantum computers together and said it is opening a new lab in Santa Monica, California, to further pursue quantum computing.
“There are a whole bunch of use cases,” Vijoy Pandey, senior vice president of Cisco’s Outshift innovation incubator, told Reuters. “You need to synchronize clocks and the timestamps on all of these snapshots that are taking place from across the globe.”
Quantum computing is a new type of computing that uses the principles of quantum physics to process information in fundamentally different ways from traditional computers. While classical computers use bits that represent either 0 or 1, quantum computers use qubits, which can represent 0, 1, or both at the same time through a property called superposition. Additionally, qubits can be linked through entanglement, allowing them to influence each other instantly, even over large distances.
READ: Microsoft unveils its first quantum computing chip (February 20, 2025)
These properties allow quantum computers to solve certain complex problems much faster than classical computers. For example, they could revolutionize fields like cryptography, materials science, drug discovery, and optimization problems. However, quantum computing is still in its early stages. Building stable, error-free quantum computers is extremely challenging due to sensitivity to noise and interference. Major tech companies and governments are investing heavily in research to make quantum computing practical and scalable in the future.
Alphabet’s Google, Microsoft and Amazon have all announced quantum computing chips in recent months, and Nvidia plans to open its own quantum computing lab.
Cisco Systems entering quantum computing signals a major step forward for the tech industry. Known for its leadership in networking, Cisco is now working on building secure quantum networks that can connect future quantum computers. This move supports the long-term goal of creating a quantum internet, which could enable faster, more secure communication. Cisco’s entry also shows that quantum technology is becoming more practical and not just experimental.
As more major companies invest in quantum, it encourages innovation, collaboration, and standards that can help the industry grow. Ultimately, Cisco’s involvement helps bring quantum computing closer to real-world use.