WASHINGTON, D.C. ā Nvidia has announced a new hardware system designed to connect quantum computers with its classical high-performance computing platforms. The initiative, revealed at the company's GTC event, positions the chipmaker as a critical infrastructure provider for the emerging quantum computing era.
The new system, named NVQLink, will allow quantum processing units (QPUs) to integrate directly with Nvidia's graphics processing units (GPUs). This development aims to create hybrid systems that leverage the strengths of both computing paradigms, potentially accelerating research and complex problem-solving.
Key Takeaways
- Nvidia announced NVQLink, a new system to connect quantum processors (QPUs) with its traditional GPUs.
- The move signals a strategic pivot for Nvidia, aiming to integrate its hardware into the future quantum ecosystem.
- The company collaborated with quantum firms like IonQ and Rigetti Computing on the project.
- Separately, Nvidia revealed it has $500 billion in orders for its AI data center GPUs for the next five quarters.
A Bridge Between Two Computing Worlds
The core function of NVQLink is to create a high-speed, coherent link between the distinct architectures of quantum and classical computers. While quantum computers excel at specific types of complex calculations, classical systems, like those powered by Nvidia's GPUs, are better suited for other tasks, including data management and processing results.
By enabling these two systems to work together seamlessly, Nvidia hopes to unlock new capabilities. This hybrid approach is seen by many in the industry as a necessary step to make quantum computing practical and useful for real-world applications, long before fully independent quantum machines become widespread.
This initiative ensures that as quantum technology matures, Nvidia's existing and future accelerated computing platforms will remain integral to the overall infrastructure, rather than being replaced by it. The company is effectively building a bridge to the next generation of computing, placing its hardware at the center of the connection.
A Strategic Shift on Quantum Timelines
The announcement represents a notable shift in the company's public stance on the immediate future of quantum computing. Earlier this year, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang suggested that practical, useful quantum computing was likely 15 to 30 years away.
From Skepticism to Integration
The rapid advancements demonstrated by several quantum computing companies in 2025 appear to have accelerated the timeline. Instead of waiting for the technology to mature independently, Nvidia is now actively building the hardware to integrate it with current systems, reflecting a more bullish outlook on the sector's progress.
This strategic pivot from a long-term view to active development underscores the growing momentum in the quantum field. By developing NVQLink, Nvidia is not just acknowledging the technology's potential but is also making a significant investment to shape its integration into the broader computing landscape.
Collaboration with Quantum Pioneers
To develop NVQLink, Nvidia did not work in isolation. The company confirmed it collaborated with several key players in the quantum space. These partners include national research laboratories and leading pure-play quantum computing firms.
Among the commercial partners mentioned are:
- IonQ
- Rigetti Computing
This collaboration is significant because it suggests a path toward standardization. Companies whose quantum systems are compatible with NVQLink will have a clear advantage in integrating with the vast existing infrastructure of classical accelerated computing. This could become a crucial factor in determining which quantum hardware platforms gain wider adoption in the years to come.
AI Business Continues Unprecedented Growth
While the quantum announcement focuses on the future, Nvidia's current business in artificial intelligence is experiencing massive demand. At the same GTC event, Jensen Huang provided an update on the company's order book for its advanced data center GPUs, which are the engine of the current AI boom.
Nvidia has secured $500 billion in orders for its data center GPUs over the next five quarters. For comparison, the company's total revenue over the past 12 months was $165 billion.
This enormous backlog highlights the relentless spending by AI hyperscalers and large enterprises to build out their computing infrastructure. While supply constraints may affect the conversion of all orders into sales, the figure points to a sustained period of intense growth that may not yet be fully reflected in the company's stock valuation.
Even before the potential long-term revenue from its quantum initiatives, Nvidia's core market continues to expand at a historic pace. Analysts note that the company's stock currently trades at 31 times projected earnings for next year, a figure that may not account for the scale of growth implied by the newly announced orders. The company is scheduled to report its Q3 earnings on November 19, which will be closely watched by investors.