California-based full-stack quantum computing company Rigetti Computing says that it has developed the world’s first multi-chip quantum processor. The processor will be used to build an 80-qubit quantum system that is expected to be available on the company’s quantum cloud services platform later this year.

The multi-chip quantum processor is built on a modular approach where multiple chips with their own qubits are physically linked together into a single functional processor. This approach is expected to simplify manufacturing and accelerate the scalability of future systems.

In relation to this approach, the company is currently developing individual chips with more qubits, in its quantum foundry, along with more advanced technology required to connect the chips to the processors. 

Founded in 2013, Rigetti’s approach to developing computers is based on superconducting qubit technology, similar to Google and IBM. The company has built four quantum computers and its most recent hardware has 31 qubits, more than any other startup, but fewer than IBM’s and Google’s.