Pose: phase I: bridging the quantum computing divide through qbraid cross-platform open source software (OSS) runtime framework

Qbraid CO received a $299,965 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships program (CFDA 47.084) for Phase I of the POSE (Pathways to Enable Open-Source Ecosystems) initiative. The award period extends from September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026, with performance conducted in Chicago, Illinois. The project centers on the development and formalization of the qBraid-SDK, a hardware-agnostic, open-source runtime and middleware framework designed to standardize how developers interface with quantum computing platforms.

The qBraid-SDK addresses critical interoperability challenges in the fragmented quantum computing landscape by providing a unifying middleware layer that simplifies cross-platform integration across multiple quantum hardware vendors. The deliverables include formalization of governance structures, community practices, and technical roadmaps for the open-source initiative, along with development of a graph-based transpiler enabling seamless conversion between quantum program types. Currently supporting 25 quantum backends, the framework establishes a unified runtime interface that reduces technical barriers and promotes vendor independence. This initiative aims to accelerate innovation in the U.S. quantum computing ecosystem by enabling sustainable, collaborative infrastructure that facilitates faster development cycles and more agile responses to quantum hardware advances, with particular emphasis on democratizing access for academic institutions, startups, and community contributors.

Abstract

This pathways to enable open-source ecosystems (POSE) project centers on opening access to quantum computing through the development and formalization of the qbraid-SDK?a hardware-agnostic, open-source runtime and middleware framework. In an industry fragmented by proprietary software and siloed development stacks, the qbraid-SDK introduces a unifying layer that simplifies and standardizes how developers interface with quantum devices. By reducing technical barriers and promoting interoperability across vendor platforms, the project addresses a critical GAP in the quantum software ecosystem, providing the foundation for experimentation, reproducibility, and accelerated innovation. The open-source model promotes transparency and community ownership, empowering its contributors?particularly from academic, startup and others, to participate in shaping the field?S trajectory. Rather than aligning with any single hardware standard, the SDK is designed to adapt alongside a heterogeneous quantum landscape. This project positions the U.S. To maintain leadership in quantum technologies by enabling sustainable, collaborative infrastructure. This initiative will not only support a quantum ecosystem but also accelerate the development of robust software infrastructure, enabling faster innovation cycles, and more agile responses to advances in quantum hardware. This POSE project will formalize the governance, community practices, and technical roadmap for the qbraid-SDK, positioning IT as a scalable open-source initiative in quantum computing. The project addresses a core challenge ? Interoperability ? By developing a graph-based transpiler that enables seamless conversion between quantum program types, supporting a unified runtime interface that standardizes integration across varied hardware platforms. The SDK currently supports 25 quantum backends ? Including gate-based, annealing, and neutral-atom systems ? And integrates with more than 10 major frameworks such as qiskit, cirq, and pyquil, as well as low-level representations like openqasm and QIR. While compatibility with these formats ensures broad hardware support, a key goal is to expand capabilities at the application layer?supporting quantum algorithms that leverage parameterized circuits, batch execution, and hybrid jobs using classical high performance computing (HPC) resources. These enhancements aim to improve usability and accelerate development of useful applications. Additional objectives include reinforcing client-side infrastructure, enhancing continuous integration and continuous delivery/deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, streamlining contributor onboarding, and promoting adoption across the ecosystem. As quantum computing advances toward practical deployment, the need for an open-source model that unifies software and hardware ecosystems becomes essential. This project lays the foundation for that integration, enabling a more cohesive and scalable quantum future. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.