QM Researchers Gain Access to Quantinuum’s Helios Quantum Computer

The initiative is part of the project “Implementing TQFTs and TQC on Quantinuum Hardware” and is supported by the Danish e‑Infrastructure Consortium (DeiC) in collaboration with Quantinuum.

Taking topological quantum computing to hardware

The project focuses on topological quantum computing, an approach that uses structures from topological quantum field theory to achieve greater robustness and error resistance in quantum computations. While these methods are well established theoretically at QM, access to Helios now makes it possible to test them on large‑scale, high‑fidelity quantum hardware.

“Our goal is not only to run algorithms, but to understand how topological methods perform under realistic conditions,” says Professor and Director of QM Jørgen Ellegaard Andersen: “This access lets us evaluate both algorithmic performance and hardware behaviour at scales that were previously out of reach.” 

Key research activities

Using Quantinuum’s trapped‑ion systems, QM researchers will:

• Run quantum algorithms for computing quantum invariants, including variants of the Aharonov–Jones–Landau algorithm, to probe open conjectures in quantum topology.
• Implement and test topological surface codes based on Turaev–Viro theories, aiming to demonstrate universal, error‑corrected quantum computation.
• Develop new benchmarking methods for quantum processors using topological invariance.
• Explore hybrid quantum–classical approaches, including machine‑learning methods assisted by quantum hardware.

These activities are closely integrated with QM’s ongoing research in quantum topology, quantum algorithms, and fault‑tolerant quantum computing.

Quantinuum Enables Large‑Scale Experimental Testing

Quantinuum’s Helios platform offers a combination of features essential for TQFT‑based implementations, including high gate fidelity, all‑to‑all qubit connectivity, mid‑circuit measurement, and pulse‑level control. These capabilities allow QM researchers to implement complex topological operations efficiently and with reduced overhead.

Strengthening Denmark’s quantum ecosystem

The initiative contributes to Denmark’s national quantum strategy by providing researchers with dedicated access to world‑class quantum infrastructure. DeiC played a central role in securing access and supporting the collaboration, helping build long‑term national capacity in quantum research and technology.

Looking ahead

By bringing advanced topological methods onto real quantum hardware, the project aims to set new benchmarks for how topological quantum computing is implemented and evaluated. Results including software, data, and research outcomes will be shared openly and integrated into QM’s broader research programme.

You can find the blogpost about the collaboration here.