Singapore Invests $24.5 Million in Quantum and Supercomputing Integration Initiative

Insider Brief:

• Singapore launched HQCC 1.0, a $24.5 million initiative to integrate quantum computing, high-performance computing, and AI, focusing on middleware development, hybrid algorithms, and workforce training.

• NSCC Singapore signed MoUs with AMD and CSC Finland to establish a Centre of Excellence, advance HPC-quantum integration, and collaborate on AI, digital twin technologies, and green data centers.

• New talent development programs, including the Young Investigator Seed Project and Compute Pilot Initiative, will support early-career researchers and provide HPC resources for SMEs and startups.

• NSCC Singapore plans to expand its supercomputing infrastructure, with a new national supercomputer expected to be operational by late 2025, complementing its existing HPC resources.

• Image Credit: Centre for Quantum Technologies Singapore

PRESS RELEASE — Singapore has announced a national initiative, Hybrid Quantum Classical Computing (HQCC 1.0), to integrate quantum computing, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence. The program, backed by $24.5 million from the National Research Foundation, will focus on talent development, middleware research, and algorithm design to support the pursuit of seamless interaction between classical and quantum systems.

According to a recent post from the Centre for Quantum Technologies, Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo, unveiled HQCC 1.0 at SupercomputingAsia 2025 on March 11, 2025. “We will take a further step forward today to seed capabilities in hybrid quantum-classical computing through the new HQCC 1.0 initiative,” Teo stated.

The program will be led by the National Quantum Office and will leverage resources from the National Quantum Computing Hub and National Supercomputing Centre Singapore. Middleware and software development efforts will be supported by A*STAR’s Institute of High Performance Computing and CQT.

Building Infrastructure for Hybrid Quantum-Classical Computing

As noted in a recent release from The Edge Singapore, HQCC 1.0 is designed to accelerate hybrid computing capabilities by supporting collaborations across academia, government, and industry. Specifically, the initiative will focus on developing middleware to facilitate seamless communication between quantum and classical systems. Researchers will also work on improving hybrid computing algorithms to enhance workflow efficiency. Additionally, HQCC 1.0 is hoped to attract and train specialists in quantum computing and high-performance computing to build a skilled workforce in this field.

According to the report from CQT, Ling Keok Tong, Executive Director of the NQO, stated “The HQCC 1.0 Initiative is a strategic step in advancing Singapore’s quantum computing capabilities through bridging quantum and classical systems. By developing a robust hybrid quantum-classical computing ecosystem, we aim to accelerate real-world applications in areas such as computational biology, finance, and logistics.”

Dr. Terence Hung, Chief Executive of NSCC Singapore, echoed this sentiment as reported in The Edge, stating, “Hybrid quantum-classical computing represents a new frontier for Singapore where the unique qualities of both technologies are being brought to bear to strengthen Singapore’s competitive edge on the global stage”

Partnerships and Workforce Development to Expand Hybrid Computing Capabilities

Additionally, at SCA2025, NSCC Singapore signed two Memorandums of Understanding to advance the supercomputing and quantum research.

• AMD Partnership: NSCC and AMD will establish a Centre of Excellence to drive HPC-driven solutions across key industries. The center will utilize AMD’s latest processors, accelerators, and development platforms to support applications in AI, quantum computing, and HPC.

• CSC Finland Partnership: NSCC signed an MoU with CSC Finland, which operates LUMI, one of Europe’s most powerful supercomputers. The partnership will focus on HPC-quantum integration, AI, digital twin technologies, and green data centers. The agreement also includes joint workshops, talent development initiatives, and knowledge-sharing programs.

Beyond hybrid computing, Singapore is investing in workforce development through two new initiatives:

• Young Investigator Seed Project: This program will support early-career researchers working in quantum computing, HPC, and AI.

• Compute Pilot Initiative: NSCC, in collaboration with Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), will offer HPC resources to SMEs and startups, along with training on on-premise supercomputing environments.

These programs align with NSCC’s broader strategy to streamline and optimize national supercomputing resources. According to Josephine Teo, “These initiatives, together with the enthusiasm of the commercial service providers, help to ensure that compute resources in Singapore fully support the breadth and depth of enterprise innovation and hopefully make an impact beyond our shores.”

Expansion of Singapore’s Supercomputing Infrastructure

As noted in The Edge Singapore’s release, NSCC Singapore is also preparing to procure a new national supercomputer to be operational by late 2025. This system will complement Aspire 2A+ and Aspire 2A, which were launched in 2024.

Dr. Terence Hung emphasized the broader impact of these developments: “HPC is more than just compute; it drives real-world impact. We’re exploring new ways to improve [HPC] accessibility with the private sector [and through international collaboration] so that researchers have [the compute] power to drive innovation.”

Progressing Hybrid Quantum-Classical Computing Capabilities in Singapore

Overall, HQCC 1.0 exemplifies a structured effort to integrate quantum computing with high-performance computing in Singapore, with a focus on middleware development, algorithm research, and workforce training. The initiative, supported by funding and resources, as well as NSCC’s formalized partnerships and focus on workforce development, speak to Singapore’s broader strategy to support research and industry applications in computational biology, finance, and logistics by improving access to hybrid quantum-classical computing resources.