Quantum computing will need a dedicated networking system—just as classical computers rely on the internet—and Project LYRA aims to build the first deployable prototype of that system. Today’s quantum networks exist only in tightly controlled lab experiments. They work well enough to set performance records, but they ignore the real-world conditions of a data centre: heat, vibration, cabling constraints, and the need for non-specialist staff to operate them. Without a practical networking layer, quantum computers cannot be linked together into clusters, which limits the number and quality of qubits available for commercial use. This project tackles that gap by focusing on packaging, usability, and resilience rather than chasing raw performance. If LYRA succeeds, it will deliver a world-first Quantum Networking Unit—a modular, industrialised device that can interconnect quantum computers inside a data centre. Cisco, the world’s leading supplier of classical networking, is underwriting the system requirements and will evaluate the final prototype. A Customer Requirements Council of five major quantum computing vendors and data-centre providers ensures the roadmap matches real market needs. The result could accelerate the timeline from laboratory demonstrations to commercially viable quantum computing clusters, unlocking an estimated $90–170 billion annual market.
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Credible sources estimate the Quantum Computing (QC) market will have a market value of $90-$170B annually in a Fault Tolerant era. It is increasingly accepted that to reach commercial viability, Quantum Networks (QNs), will be needed to scale QC - increasing the number and quality of qubits. The timely development of QNs will thus gate the widespread adoption of QC and the transformative benefits it can bring. Ultimately QNs will be as essential to QC as classical networking is to High Performance and Cloud computing. Currently, advancements in Quantum Networking are academically driven experiments in highly controlled laboratory environments. While essential to improving state-of-the-art performance metrics, they neglect crucial factors that will allow for real-world deployment in more industrial and IT-like environments, where they will ultimately need to operate _resiliently_ and at _large scale_. Project LYRA accelerates and de-risks the path to _deployable_ and _scalable_ quantum-networking specifically for the use-case of interconnecting Quantum Computing nodes in data-centres. The project concentrates on _pragmatic_ and _demonstrable_ improvements in the _packaging_ and _usability_ of quantum networking technologies, while still maintaining appropriately high levels of performance. We will deliver a world-first deployable Quantum Networking Unit prototype, the networking heart of a Quantum Computer Cluster. Cisco will be the End User for this project. As the world's leading supplier of classical networking, Cisco has unparalleled experience in delivering scalable, resilient and performant data-centre services. Cisco have committed to contribute to, and **underwrite, key system requirements** and **evaluate final deliverables**, potentially at a UK facility. Additionally, to demonstrate product-market fit and to ensure the construction of an extensible & relevant roadmap, Nu Quantum have assembled a Customer Requirements Council (CRC). The 5-party CRC represents leading QC vendors and global data-centre technology providers.
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