Rigetti’s Modular Dragons
Four dragons... I mean chips... are better than one.
Rigetti announced a 99.5% median two-qubit gate fidelity on its modular 36-qubit system, which means I somehow missed the announcement of its modular 36-qubit system. Although that’s only four nine-qubit chiplets, it’s only the second realization of a modular approach that I’m aware of.
This week’s premium content:
In this edition:
- Funny Factorization
- 5 MORE SPEAKERS FOR QUANTUM+AI 2025
- Quantum Fiery Voices: Olivier Ezratty
- Plagiarizing Models
- The Future of Quantum Real Estate
- Zapata AI Job Seekers… only 1 left on this list!
- Quantum Noise Detector
This paper presents implementations that match and, where possible, exceed current quantum factorisation records using a VIC-20 8-bit home computer from 1981, an abacus, and a dog.
Funny Factorization
“Replication of Quantum Factorisation Records with an 8-bit Home Computer, an Abacus, and a Dog” is probably the funniest paper I’ve ever read. I haven’t fact-checked it and I’m not vouching for its assertions, but I appreciate this paper’s approach to criticizing the current state of quantum factorization.
5 MORE SPEAKERS FOR QUANTUM+AI 2025
Q+AI taking place in New York City October 19-21, 2025 has 5 more speaker announcements. Nadia Hader (QuTech); Ethan Krimins (Quantum Research Sciences); Cedric Leighton (Military Analyst CNN); Marcel Paini, (Rigetti Computing); Gina Scinta (Thales Trusted Cyber Technologies). Quantum + AI includes a separate conference track entitled Q+Crypto devoted to Cryptocurrency in the Age of Quantum Computers. The conference launches late afternoon of 19 October and dinner cruise of New York Harbor. A complete speaker roster and information relating sponsorships and schedule can be found at www.iqtevent.com.
Quantum Fiery Voices: Olivier Ezratty
For aiding and abetting his relentless assault, The Quantum Dragon recognizes Olivier Ezratty as one of his Quantum Fiery Voices.
Plagiarizing Models
Dr. Aggie Branczyk shared this 18-year-old Ricoh ad, in which Australian fashion models were able to discuss quantum mechanics by plagiarizing Prof. Scott Aaronson. This led to an AU$5,000 settlement, a donation split between 2 science outreach organizations. I’m including it because the donation to “BrisScience” is indeed funny.
The Future of Quantum Real Estate
The premise of this report concerns the implications of quantum computing for real estate. This makes sense considering that pure-play companies are setting up near universities, datacenters, and wherever. Unfortunately, the report spends a lot of time introducing quantum and it isn’t as insightful as the unique twist it teases.
Zapata AI Job Seekers… only 1 left on this list!
If you were laid off by Zapata AI and would like a free listing in this newsletter, please reach out and let me know. I’ll maintain a list in The Quantum Dragon until everyone on the list has been gainfully employed elsewhere or is otherwise no longer actively job seeking. I might extend this offer to all job seekers, but I’ll start with these layoffs.
- Shawn Gibford Industrial PHDc: Quantum Applications in the Life Sciences
Quantum Noise Detector
Alan Ho and Prof. Michael Biercuk inspired the Resuscitated Quantum Bullshit Detector, but the original(?) has resurfaced on Bluesky. It’s back to reposting a simple “bullshit” or “not bullshit,” so The Quantum Dragon will continue to monitor for challenges, controversies, and debates under this new name from Dr. Bob Sutor.
- It was a quiet week for news, and a quiet week for the noise detector.
