The Rigetti Novera offers a 9-qubit superconducting quantum processing unit designed for hands-on, dedicated research and development environments.
From a data analyst's perspective, the Rigetti Novera represents a distinct and strategically important offering in the quantum computing landscape. Unlike the prevalent cloud-based quantum systems that abstract away much of the hardware layer, the Novera is an on-premise solution. This fundamental difference dictates its primary use cases, target audience, and the analytical considerations required for its evaluation. As a dedicated hardware system, it is explicitly designed for research institutions, universities, and corporate R&D labs that require direct, unfettered access to a quantum processing unit (QPU) for deep experimental work, algorithm development, and the establishment of quantum testbeds.
The Novera's 9 physical superconducting transmon qubits, while modest in number compared to some larger cloud systems, are presented as a compact and controllable environment for exploring the nuances of quantum phenomena. For a data analyst, this means shifting focus from raw qubit count as the sole metric to a more holistic evaluation of control, experimental flexibility, and the ability to iterate rapidly without the constraints of shared cloud resources or queuing. The 'unlimited depth' and 'no queue' characteristics are particularly compelling for researchers who need to run complex, long-duration experiments or perform extensive characterization of quantum states and gates, which might be cost-prohibitive or technically challenging on a multi-tenant cloud platform.
The strategic value of an on-premise system like Novera lies in its capacity to foster a deeper understanding of quantum hardware-software co-design. Data analysts working with such systems are not merely users of a black-box service; they are integral to optimizing the interaction between quantum algorithms and the underlying physical hardware. This involves analyzing raw measurement data, characterizing noise profiles, and developing error mitigation strategies tailored to the specific characteristics of the Novera's Ankaa-class architecture. The ability to directly manage the experimental environment, including cryogenics compatibility, provides an unparalleled level of control that is crucial for pushing the boundaries of quantum research.
Furthermore, the Novera's positioning as an R&D tool implies a different set of performance metrics and success criteria. While cloud providers often emphasize benchmark results on specific algorithms, the Novera's utility is measured more by its flexibility, stability, and the insights it enables for fundamental quantum science and engineering. Data analysts evaluating Novera would therefore look beyond simple 'qubit count' to factors such as qubit coherence times (T1 21us, T2 24us), gate fidelities, connectivity, and the robustness of the control software (PyQuil). The system's role as a 'testbed' means it's a platform for learning, experimenting, and validating theoretical concepts, rather than immediately solving large-scale computational problems. This distinction is critical for setting appropriate expectations and designing relevant analytical frameworks for its assessment.
In essence, the Rigetti Novera is not just a quantum computer; it's a quantum laboratory instrument. Its on-premise nature transforms the user experience from a service consumption model to a direct hardware ownership and operational model. This shift brings with it both significant advantages in terms of control and experimental freedom, as well as the responsibilities of hardware maintenance and operational expertise. For data analysts, this means a richer, more granular dataset to work with, but also the need for a deeper understanding of quantum physics and engineering principles to effectively interpret and leverage the system's capabilities. The investment in such a system is an investment in building internal quantum expertise and infrastructure, positioning the acquiring institution at the forefront of quantum hardware research and development.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| System ID | Rigetti_Novera |
| Vendor | Rigetti |
| Technology | Superconducting |
| Status | On-premise available |
| Primary metric | Physical qubits |
| Metric meaning | Transmon qubits |
| Qubit mode | Ankaa-class for R&D |
| Connectivity | Square lattice |
| Native gates | Tunable couplers, ISWAP |
| Error rates & fidelities | Single-qubit: 99.9% (2025) | Two-qubit: 99.3% (2024) |
| Benchmarks | Not specified |
| How to access | Purchase and install |
| Platforms | Novera QPU |
| SDKs | PyQuil | Partners |
| Regions | Any (user site) |
| Account requirements | User setup |
| Pricing model | Purchase price |
| Example prices | $5.7M for two systems (2025) |
| Free tier / credits | None |
| First announced | 2023-12-01 |
| First available | 2024-04-01 |
| Major revisions | Updates to Ankaa-class (2025) |
| Retired / roadmap | Active |
| Notes | Purchase, not cloud pricing |
The Rigetti Novera system, an on-premise quantum processing unit (QPU), presents a unique profile for data analysts accustomed to evaluating cloud-based quantum resources. Its specifications are tailored for dedicated research and development, emphasizing control and experimental flexibility over raw qubit scale for general-purpose computation.
Qubit Architecture and Count:The Novera features 9 physical qubits, specifically transmon qubits, which are a type of superconducting qubit. These are based on Rigetti's Ankaa-class architecture, designed for advanced R&D. For a data analyst, understanding 'physical qubits' is crucial; these are the fundamental computational units, distinct from 'logical qubits' which require many physical qubits for error correction. The modest qubit count suggests that Novera is optimized for exploring fundamental quantum phenomena, developing novel control techniques, and testing small-scale algorithms, rather than tackling large-scale, fault-tolerant computations immediately. The Ankaa-class designation implies a specific design philosophy aimed at improving qubit performance and connectivity, which is a key area for ongoing research.
Connectivity and Topology:The qubits are arranged in a square lattice connectivity topology. This geometric arrangement dictates which qubits can directly interact with each other, which in turn influences the efficiency and complexity of quantum circuit design. For data analysts, understanding the connectivity is vital for optimizing qubit mapping in algorithms, minimizing SWAP operations (which consume coherence time and introduce errors), and assessing the system's suitability for specific quantum algorithms that might require particular interaction patterns. A square lattice offers a balance between dense connectivity and ease of fabrication, often allowing for relatively straightforward mapping of 2D-grid-like problems.
Native Gates:The system supports tunable couplers and ISWAP gates as its native gate set. Tunable couplers are a significant hardware feature, allowing for dynamic control over the interaction strength between qubits. This can be leveraged to reduce idle errors, perform faster gates, or implement more complex multi-qubit interactions. The ISWAP gate is a fundamental two-qubit entangling gate, crucial for building universal quantum circuits. Data analysts will need to understand how these native gates translate into higher-level quantum operations and how their performance (fidelity, duration) impacts overall algorithm success. The ability to tune couplers offers an additional layer of experimental control that can be exploited for advanced quantum experiments and error mitigation studies.
Error Rates and Fidelities:Performance metrics are critical for any quantum system evaluation. The Novera's reported error rates and fidelities are: Single-qubit fidelity: 99.9% (projected for 2025) and Two-qubit fidelity: 99.3% (projected for 2024). It's important for analysts to note the distinction between current and projected performance. The 2025 projection for single-qubit fidelity is particularly ambitious, indicating Rigetti's roadmap for improvement. These fidelities are crucial for determining the depth and complexity of quantum circuits that can be reliably executed before errors accumulate. Higher fidelities directly translate to more reliable computation and a greater potential for observing quantum advantage. The coherence times, T1 of 21us and T2 of 24us, further quantify the duration over which qubits can maintain their quantum state, directly impacting the maximum circuit depth achievable.
Operational Limits:As an on-premise system, the Novera offers significant operational advantages: unlimited depth and no queue. This contrasts sharply with cloud-based systems which often impose limits on circuit depth, execution duration, or queue times. For R&D, 'unlimited depth' means researchers can design and execute arbitrarily long quantum circuits, essential for exploring complex algorithms, error correction codes, or multi-shot experiments without artificial constraints. The absence of a queue ensures immediate access to the hardware, enabling rapid iteration and experimentation, which is invaluable for accelerating research cycles. The 'not applicable (on-premise)' for shots limits further underscores the dedicated nature of the system, allowing users to run as many shots as needed for statistical analysis or characterization.
Software Development Kit (SDK) and Access:Access to the Novera is facilitated through PyQuil, Rigetti's open-source quantum programming framework. PyQuil allows users to construct quantum programs, simulate them, and execute them on Rigetti hardware. The availability of partner integrations further extends its ecosystem. For data analysts, familiarity with PyQuil is essential for programming the QPU, managing experimental data, and integrating with other analytical tools. The on-premise nature means users are responsible for their own setup and account requirements, offering full control over the software stack and data management.
Comparability and Context:Directly comparing the Novera to larger cloud-based systems solely on qubit count can be misleading. The Novera's value proposition lies in its role as a dedicated, highly controllable testbed. For data analysts, this means evaluating its suitability based on specific research objectives: Is the goal to develop new quantum control techniques? To characterize noise in a real quantum system? To build and test small-scale quantum algorithms with direct hardware access? In these contexts, the Novera's features like unlimited depth, no queue, and direct hardware interaction become paramount, offering capabilities that are often constrained in shared cloud environments. Its compact size and cryogenics compatibility also make it suitable for integration into existing research facilities, enabling hands-on quantum experimentation that is otherwise difficult to achieve.
| System | Status | Primary metric |
|---|---|---|
| Rigetti Ankaa-2 | Retired | Physical qubits: 84 |
| Rigetti Ankaa-3 | Active | Physical qubits: 84 |
| Rigetti Aspen-M-1 | Retired | Physical qubits: 80 |
| Rigetti Aspen-M-2 | Retired | Physical qubits: 80 |
| Rigetti Aspen-M-3 | Retired | Physical qubits: 80 |
| Rigetti Aspen-11 | Retired | Physical qubits: 40 |
The Rigetti Novera system represents a significant strategic pivot for Rigetti, focusing on dedicated on-premise quantum hardware for research and development. Understanding its timeline helps contextualize its market position and evolution.
Rigetti officially announced the Novera QPU. This announcement marked a clear intention to cater to the growing demand from research institutions and government labs for direct, hands-on access to quantum hardware. For data analysts, this signaled a new category of quantum offering, distinct from the prevailing cloud-based models, requiring different evaluation criteria focused on control and dedicated research capabilities.
The Novera system became available for purchase and installation. This milestone was crucial as it transitioned the Novera from a concept to a deployable product. The initial availability meant that institutions could begin acquiring and integrating these systems into their existing research infrastructure, enabling the establishment of new quantum computing testbeds. This also provided the first opportunities for data analysts to begin evaluating real-world performance and integration challenges of an on-premise quantum computer.
Rigetti has indicated plans for updates to the Ankaa-class architecture, which forms the basis of the Novera. These revisions are expected to bring performance enhancements, particularly in qubit fidelities. For instance, the projected single-qubit fidelity is expected to reach 99.9% by 2025, and two-qubit fidelity 99.3% by 2024. These planned improvements are critical for data analysts, as they directly impact the achievable circuit depth and the reliability of experimental results. The year 2025 also saw significant commercial traction, with Rigetti announcing purchase orders for two Novera systems totaling $5.7 million. One notable deployment was at Montana State University's Q-CORE facility, highlighting the system's adoption by academic research centers. These deployments provide valuable case studies for understanding the practical implications of owning and operating an on-premise quantum computer, including installation, integration with existing cryogenics, and the types of research it facilitates. The ongoing active roadmap for Novera suggests continuous development and support, reinforcing its role as a long-term research platform.
The timeline illustrates a deliberate strategy by Rigetti to establish a foothold in the dedicated quantum hardware market. From its initial announcement to its first availability and subsequent deployments, the Novera has consistently been positioned as a tool for advanced quantum research, emphasizing direct control and experimental freedom. The continuous updates to the underlying Ankaa-class architecture demonstrate a commitment to improving the system's performance, which is vital for its long-term utility in a rapidly evolving field. For data analysts, tracking this timeline helps in assessing the maturity of the platform, the vendor's commitment, and the potential for future enhancements that could impact research outcomes.
Verification confidence: High. Specs can vary by revision and access tier. Always cite the exact device name + date-stamped metrics.
The Rigetti Novera is primarily designed for advanced quantum research and development, serving as an on-premise testbed for universities, government labs, and corporate R&D. Its purpose is to enable hands-on experimentation, algorithm development, and deep characterization of quantum hardware.
Novera differs significantly by being an on-premise system. This means users have dedicated, direct access, unlimited circuit depth, and no queue times, offering unparalleled experimental control. In contrast, cloud systems are shared resources, often with usage limits and potential queueing, but typically offer a broader range of qubit counts and architectures from various vendors.
The Novera utilizes 9 physical superconducting transmon qubits. These are a common type of qubit in the superconducting quantum computing paradigm, known for their relatively long coherence times and ease of control.
Key performance metrics include its 9 physical qubits, square lattice connectivity, native tunable couplers and ISWAP gates, and projected fidelities of 99.9% for single-qubit operations (2025) and 99.3% for two-qubit operations (2024). Coherence times (T1 21us, T2 24us) are also crucial.
The Novera is based on Rigetti's Ankaa-class architecture, which has an active roadmap for updates and improvements. While specific upgrade paths for existing Novera units would need to be confirmed with Rigetti, the underlying architecture is subject to ongoing development, suggesting potential for future enhancements.
The Novera is programmed using Rigetti's open-source quantum programming framework, PyQuil. This SDK allows users to construct, simulate, and execute quantum programs on the Novera QPU, providing a flexible interface for quantum algorithm development.
The Rigetti Novera is sold as a direct hardware purchase, not a service. While specific pricing can vary, Rigetti announced purchase orders totaling $5.7 million for two systems in 2025, indicating a multi-million dollar investment per unit. This cost covers the hardware and installation, with additional operational expenses for the buyer.