Jensen Huang Says Future Quantum Computers Will Use Nvidia Technology

Jensen Huang, co-founder and CEO of Nvidia, during an event in Washington, D.C. in July. (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Hill & Valley Forum)

Key Points

• Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced NVQLink, a new high-speed interconnect to link quantum processors with GPUs and CPUs.
• Seventeen quantum computing companies, including Rigetti Computing and IonQ, have pledged to support Nvidia’s NVQLink technology.
• Nvidia partnered with Uber to deploy 100,000 autonomous robo-taxis powered by Nvidia technology, scheduled to launch in 2027.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said Tuesday that expects quantum computing will need traditional processors alongside the new technology—and his company will help make it happen.

“We now realize that it is essential for us to connect a quantum computer directly to a GPU supercomputer,” he said at Nvidia GTC Washington, D.C. conference on Tuesday. “This is the future quantum of computing.”

In Tuesday trading, Nvidia shares closed up 5% to $201.03, a new record close for the chip maker.

During Nvidia’s Washington, D.C., developer conference on Tuesday, Huang announced a new interconnect technology from Nvidia called NVQLink, a new high-speed interconnect linking quantum processors to GPUs and CPUs.

He said the technology would help with error correction while calibrating which AI algorithms should be used on GPUs and quantum processors. Huang said 17 different quantum computing companies have pledged to support NVQLink. Rigetti Computing and IonQ were among the quantum firms shown on the NVQLink partner slide.

“The industry support has been incredible” he said. “Quantum computing won’t replace classical systems. They will work together.”

Huang didn’t say when the new technology would be released.

Quantum-computing focused stocks have been on fire over the last year. Shares of Rigetti have soared 150% this year, while IonQ is up 40%. Both stocks were down on Tuesday.

He also announced a new partnership with Uber in which the two companies will build a fleet of 100,000 autonomous robotaxis powered by Nvidia technology. They’re scheduled to hit the road in 2027.

“Robotaxis mark the beginning of a global transformation in mobility, making transportation safer, cleaner, and more efficient,” Huang said in a news release. “Together with Uber, we’re creating a framework for the entire industry to deploy autonomous fleets at scale, powered by Nvidia AI infrastructure.”

Write to Tae Kim at tae.kim@barrons.com