France’s Atomic Energy Commission, known as CEA, and quantum-computing startup Alice & Bob have agreed to develop software that links quantum processors with traditional supercomputers.
The partnership will focus on improving Qaptiva, an open-source software environment originally developed by Bull. Reuters reported that the participants want to broaden the tools available to quantum developers and avoid excessive dependence on a single software stack.
Hybrid computing is the near-term model
Useful quantum computers are not expected to replace classical machines outright. Instead, researchers are building systems in which a conventional supercomputer handles most of a workload and sends a narrow set of calculations to a quantum processor when that architecture offers an advantage.
CEA has already installed quantum systems from French companies Quandela and Pasqal alongside classical infrastructure. Alice & Bob is expected to add one of its machines in 2027.
The project is also an industrial-policy effort. France wants domestic quantum companies to gain early customers, access to national laboratories and interoperable software before the market consolidates around a small number of global platforms.
