Nvidia is in advanced talks to take a stake in quantum computing start-up PsiQuantum, The Information reported on Sunday, marking a new step in the semiconductor giant's strategy towards emerging technologies.
According to revelations by Reuters in March, PsiQuantum is currently raising at least $750m from investors, including BlackRock, based on a pre-money valuation of $6bn.
This potential stake illustrates a shift in Nvidia's stance on quantum computing. Long skeptical about its commercial maturity, CEO Jensen Huang recently estimated that practical quantum computers were "20 years away," but in March the group announced the creation of a quantum research lab in Boston, in partnership with scientists from Harvard and MIT. In addition, the Santa Clara-based company forged a link in March with Pascal, a French start-up specializing in quantum computing.
Quantum computing is seen as a disruptive technology capable of solving problems that are inaccessible even to the most powerful artificial intelligence systems based on Nvidia chips. Its potential applications include cybersecurity, molecular modeling, and logistics optimization.
Unlike other start-ups in the sector, PsiQuantum stands out for its approach based on traditional semiconductor manufacturing techniques, thus avoiding the use of exotic materials.
The California-based company is currently working with the Australian and US governments to build two quantum computers in the next few years, one in Brisbane and the other in Chicago.
