Oxbridge advance in quantum error correction

Riverlane says that this is the first time dedicated QEC tech has been deployed in a UK commercial quantum setting, marking a significant step toward building scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computers.

Deltaflow 2 introduces a breakthrough capability called streaming quantum memory, which continuously protects quantum information during computation. While qubit quality remains essential, Deltaflow 2 delivers real-time error correction fast enough to preserve useful information across thousands of operations, supporting the next generation of systems where qubits are kept alive for millions of operations.

“With Deltaflow 2 now integrated into commercial infrastructure, we’re building real momentum across the quantum ecosystem,” said Steve Brierley, CEO and Founder of Riverlane.

“Quantum error correction is critical to making quantum computers useful, and Deltaflow 2 provides the infrastructure to deliver it across real hardware, today.”

Deltaflow 2 combines a custom quantum error correction chip (implemented on FPGA hardware) with Riverlane’s proprietary software stack. It supports all major qubit platforms, including superconducting, spin, trapped ion, and neutral atom, cementing its status as the only commercially deployed QEC technology designed for universal compatibility.

At the CentreSquare-operated facility, Deltaflow 2 has been integrated with high-performance classical computing systems and a digital twin that simulates and monitors noise in the quantum system.

The system includes control hardware from Qblox for the high-fidelity control and readout of the quantum processor and for creating the ultra-low-latency communication needed to support real-time quantum error correction.

This deployment focuses on validating quantum error correction routines and benchmarking system behaviour in a real-world environment. It establishes the foundation for future integration with OQC’s superconducting qubit hardware, where Riverlane and OQC plan to demonstrate real-time quantum error correction during live quantum operations.

The integration is part of the UK Government-funded DECIDE project, which aims to build national capability in quantum error correction and support the UK’s broader quantum infrastructure goals.

“This integration is an important step on our roadmap to providing commercially viable quantum computers,” said Gerald Mullally, CEO of OQC.

“Real-time quantum error correction is fundamental to scaling, and integrating Deltaflow into our commercial data centre helps accelerate our development of logical qubits.”

Quantum error correction is rapidly shifting from research to deployment. While only a few systems globally currently offer even partial QEC capabilities, Deltaflow 2 is already being integrated by multiple quantum hardware companies.

Riverlane is also working with partners such as Infleqtion and Rigetti Computing through collaborations supported by the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre – reflecting what the company calls a growing demand across the industry for dedicated QEC technology.