Montana State University has reached another major milestone in its quantum research and commercialization efforts with the successful deployment of two ORCA PT Series photonic quantum systems at QCORE, MSU’s Applied Quantum Collaborative Research and Education facility.
The systems were installed and brought fully online in record time—becoming operational within just two days—demonstrating the scalability and readiness of ORCA’s photonic quantum architecture for real-world research and applications.
Expanding Photonic Quantum Capabilities at QCORE
The ORCA PT Series systems are now actively in use as part of MSU’s QCORE program, a $26.7 million U.S. Air Force–supported initiative focused on transitioning quantum technologies from concept to market.
Their deployment represents a significant step forward for QCORE’s applied quantum mission, strengthening MSU’s ability to explore quantum-enabled solutions across computing, communications, and optimization problems.
By integrating photonic quantum systems into its research infrastructure, QCORE continues to expand the range of quantum modalities available to researchers—complementing ongoing work in quantum hardware, networking, and hybrid quantum–classical systems.
Grand Challenges in Quantum Systems Summit
The deployment of ORCA’s systems coincides with the “Grand Challenges in Quantum Systems” Summit, held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, which also serves as the grand opening celebration for the QCORE facility in the EngineWorks building on MSU’s Innovation Campus.
The summit showcases ORCA’s PT Series systems and provides a platform to demonstrate how quantum computing can accelerate the development of new therapeutic structures and other applied research outcomes.
As part of the program, ORCA Computing will participate in a panel discussion focused on the Grand Challenge of building confidence in quantum hardware integration within networked systems. The session also features a demonstration of a hybrid quantum–classical generative machine learning algorithm for peptide generation, highlighting the practical applications of photonic quantum technologies.
The panel is moderated by Dr. Krishna Rupavatharam, QCORE’s Chief Technology Officer.
Supporting Applied Quantum Research and Workforce Development
QCORE leadership emphasized the broader impact of bringing ORCA’s systems online—not only for research, but for education, commercialization, and workforce readiness.
According to Dr. Jayne Morrow, CEO of QCORE, the deployment opens the door to breakthroughs across multiple domains, including national defense and communications, as well as areas critical to Montana’s economy, such as agriculture, transportation, and supply chain optimization.
By connecting applied research with real-world industry challenges, QCORE aims to build a quantum ecosystem that drives both technological advancement and regional economic impact.
Dr. Krishna Rupavatharam, QCORE CTO, noted that these new capabilities will support new research and commercialization opportunities, strengthen education pathways, and prepare a quantum-ready workforce.
Momentum in the National Quantum Ecosystem
Industry leaders see the deployment as part of a broader shift toward expanding access to quantum technologies.
Bob Sorensen, Senior Vice President of Research and Chief Analyst for Quantum Computing at Hyperion Research, highlighted the importance of making quantum systems available to a broader range of institutions, noting that deployments like ORCA’s PT Series at MSU demonstrate how quantum is moving from theory into practice.
Richard Murray, PhD, Co-founder and CEO of ORCA Computing, echoed that sentiment, pointing to Montana State University’s growing reputation as a serious hub for applied quantum research and development. ORCA’s collaboration with QCORE reflects a shared commitment to turning quantum potential into practical outcomes.
Looking Ahead
With the ORCA PT Series systems now operational, QCORE continues to build a diverse and robust applied quantum research environment—one that connects photonic quantum technologies, industry collaboration, and workforce development.
As QCORE expands its capabilities and partnerships, Montana State University is strengthening its leadership in applied quantum research, innovation, and commercialization.
