HPE will combine Cray supercomputers with quantum systems: a new phase of hybrid computing
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has announced the expansion of its partner ecosystem, including leading players in the quantum industry: Intel, IQM, Qblox, Quantinuum, QuEra Computing, Quantum Machines, Rigetti, and Riverlane. The goal is to create hybrid computing systems that combine classical HPE Cray supercomputers with quantum processors.
Integration at the hardware and software level
As part of the initiative, HPE plans to integrate the HPE Cray platform with quantum chips, qubit control systems, and error correction solutions. Partners will create specialized testbeds for collaborative algorithm development, software compatibility verification, and performance evaluation of hybrid architectures.
Special emphasis is placed on quantum error correction—a critically important component for scaling quantum computing. Riverlane, which specializes in this technology, will integrate its solutions directly into HPE's supercomputer infrastructure. This will improve the accuracy of computations on noisy quantum devices.
Why this matters for the market
The hybrid approach, where classical supercomputers work in tandem with quantum accelerators, is seen as the most realistic path to practical quantum supremacy. HPE, with its strong HPC (High Performance Computing) base, aims to take a leading position in this niche, competing with IBM and Google.
Expert opinion: Integrating quantum systems with Cray supercomputers is a logical step, but the key challenge remains creating reliable interfaces between classical and quantum modules. The success of this initiative will depend on how quickly partners can solve the decoherence problem and scale the number of logical qubits. If HPE can demonstrate a working prototype within the next 2-3 years, it could radically change the landscape of high-performance computing.