AQT Arithmos kicks off live quantum hybrid test in DIFC

AQT Arithmos Quantum Technologies Ltd has announced the launch of a live, real-world quantum hybrid test at the Dubai International Financial Centre, signalling a critical step in the commercialisation of advanced quantum computing methods. The Dubai Financial Services Authority has clarified that AQT’s planned activities do not require additional authorisation because they fall outside regulated financial services, allowing the firm to proceed under its existing licence at the Dubai AI Campus Innovation Hub.

The test represents a departure from conventional laboratory simulations by applying AQT’s quantum hybrid methodologies within a live operational environment. The company says the initiative aims to generate robust performance data relating to scalability and resilience, essential for validating whether quantum hybrid approaches can transition from theoretical research to practical deployment. In an industry where proof of real-world applicability often lags behind academic progress, this move places AQT among a small cohort of firms pushing quantum computing toward tangible use cases.

Andrew John Wainwright, founder and chief executive of AQT, said the regulatory clarity provided by the DFSA allowed the company to press ahead with its plans without the need for further approvals. He described the effort as both a governance-driven and execution-focused milestone that reflects the company’s commitment to disciplined testing and the translation of research into deployable solutions.

Quantum hybrid computing blends elements of quantum and classical computing to tackle optimisation challenges that are currently intractable for purely classical systems. AQT’s work centres on integer optimisation and integer manipulation, fields with potential applications in complex decision-making systems such as financial modelling, logistics and risk analysis. The technology, while still nascent, has attracted interest from sectors seeking to harness quantum’s computational strength for dense optimisation problems.

In contrast to purely experimental setups, AQT’s live test in DIFC is designed to operate under real-world constraints, providing data on how quantum hybrid techniques perform outside controlled laboratory conditions. This includes metrics on operational reliability and integration with existing compute infrastructures. Third-party oversight has been incorporated into the programme, with an audit by a DFSA-regulated firm verifying the test framework and execution against predefined governance and compliance criteria.

The regulatory position taken by the DFSA underscores a broader trend in the UAE’s tech ecosystem towards clarifying how advanced computing initiatives fit within existing frameworks. Authorities have increasingly signalled support for frontier technologies, balancing innovation with oversight. By determining that AQT’s experiment sits outside traditional financial services regulation, the DFSA has provided a template for other firms exploring complex technologies within the DIFC zone.

Market observers note that quantum computing’s commercial promise remains long-term, with many firms still grappling with fundamental challenges such as qubit coherence, error correction and hardware scalability. Hybrid approaches seek to offset some of these issues by leveraging classical processors as part of the solution architecture. While pure quantum advantage — where quantum computers unequivocally outperform classical equivalents — is yet to be realised for most commercial tasks, hybrid models are seen as a pragmatic interim pathway.

AQT’s strategy reflects this broader industry pattern, focusing on practical milestones and proprietary development rather than open-ended research. Since its founding in 2025, the firm has carved a niche by developing quantum mechanics-based algorithms aimed at modelling and executing positions within tradable systems with high precision and reduced risk exposure. Its focus on integer manipulation and optimisation distinguishes it from companies prioritising hardware innovation or generic quantum computing platforms.

The live test is likely to attract attention from regional and global stakeholders monitoring the evolution of quantum technologies. Financial hubs such as DIFC are positioning themselves as attractive environments for technological experimentation, leveraging regulatory clarity and supportive infrastructure to draw emerging tech firms. Observers suggest that successful execution and transparent reporting from AQT’s test could encourage similar initiatives that address practical use cases and regulatory pathways.

Analysts caution that while the initiative marks progress, the broader industry remains in an early phase where measurable commercial impact is limited. The competitive landscape includes established technology companies, academic research groups and start-ups, all racing to demonstrate scalable quantum computing applications. AQT’s approach, emphasising hybrid models and proprietary testing, contributes to a mosaic of global efforts exploring alternative means to extract value from quantum research.