DARPA Selects memQ to Develop Quantum Compiler for Scalable Computing

Qubit-agnostic compiler aims to enable greater modularity, scale, and utility for quantum computing

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:39pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a complex quantum computing hardware system, with various interconnected components emitting neon cyan and magenta lights, conceptually representing the advanced technology powering the next generation of quantum computing.Quantum computing hardware designed for modularity and scale aims to unlock the full potential of this transformative technology.Chicago Today

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has selected memQ, a leader in quantum networking solutions, to develop a hardware- and network-aware quantum compiler as part of its Heterogeneous Architectures for Quantum (HARQ) program. The goal is to create a qubit-agnostic compiler that can optimize the mapping and partitioning of logical circuits across heterogeneous quantum processors connected by quantum networking links, enabling greater scale and performance beyond what's possible with monolithic and homogeneous quantum systems.

Why it matters

Current quantum computing roadmaps focus on homogeneous architectures built around a single qubit type, which limits the objectives of commercial scale, utility, and feasibility. The HARQ program aims to catalyze the modularity, scale, and resource optimization needed to realize the full potential of quantum computing by leveraging a multi-modality 'right qubit for the right task' approach.

The details

memQ will lead a multi-organization team to deliver a heterogeneous quantum compiler that provides optimized mapping and partitioning of logical circuits over heterogeneous quantum processors connected with quantum networking links. The compiler will develop logical and physical qubit-level interfaces between qubit modalities that are hardware- and network-aware, and will assign workloads in an optimized manner to leverage the hardware platform heterogeneity and enable scale and performance beyond monolithic and homogeneous quantum processors.

  • DARPA announced the HARQ program solicitation last year.
  • memQ was selected for the HARQ program in April 2026.

The players

memQ

An industry leader in quantum networking solutions for distributed quantum computing, founded in 2021 as a spin-out from the University of Chicago.

DARPA

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, a research and development agency of the United States Department of Defense responsible for the development of emerging technologies for use by the military.

Manish Singh

Chief Product Officer at memQ.

Kanav Setia

CEO of qBraid, a company founded to democratize quantum computing to drive innovation and adoption across government and industry.

Liang Jiang

Professor at the University of Chicago, who will bring expertise in quantum error correction to the HARQ program collaboration with memQ.

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What they’re saying

“The entire memQ team is honored to be selected for participation in this critical program. Much as DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative was key to ensuring a path to utility scale for quantum computers, the HARQ program will catalyze the modularity, scale, and resource optimization needed to realize the full potential of quantum computing.”

— Manish Singh, Chief Product Officer at memQ

“qBraid was founded to democratize quantum computing in order to drive both innovation and adoption across government and industry. Working with memQ – a leader in qubit-agnostic quantum networking – and leading researchers from MIT, University of Chicago, and Yale fits perfectly with our mission and our platform.”

— Kanav Setia, CEO of qBraid

“Heterogeneous quantum processors require careful design of logical-level interfaces that bridge differences between qubit platforms while preserving the computational advantages each modality offers. Quantum error correction is central to making these interfaces practical, and I look forward to bringing that perspective to the HARQ program through our collaboration with memQ.”

— Liang Jiang, Professor at the University of Chicago

What’s next

The HARQ program is expected to catalyze the development of heterogeneous quantum computing architectures and tools that can enable greater scale, modularity, and real-world utility for quantum computing.

The takeaway

By developing a hardware- and network-aware quantum compiler that can optimize the mapping of logical circuits across diverse qubit modalities, memQ and its partners aim to overcome the limitations of current homogeneous quantum computing architectures and accelerate the path to utility-scale quantum computing.