Horizon Quantum and AQT to Advance Real-World Quantum Applications with Strategic Hardware–Software Collaboration

By integrating Horizon’s software infrastructure with AQT’s trapped-ion quantum computing systems, this collaboration helps accelerate progress towards real-world quantum applications. 


SINGAPORE & INNSBRUCK, Austria, April 16 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Horizon Quantum Computing Pte. Ltd., the wholly-owned subsidiary of Horizon Quantum Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq: HQ “Horizon Quantum”), a pioneer of software infrastructure for quantum applications, and AQT (Alpine Quantum Technologies), a leading European provider of trapped-ion quantum computers, today announced a strategic collaboration to advance the development of real-world quantum computing applications via increased hardware-software integration. By combining advanced hardware capabilities with scalable software infrastructure, the two companies aim to accelerate users’ ability to build real-world quantum applications.

The integration of Triple Alpha—Horizon Quantum's integrated development environment—with AQT's trapped-ion quantum processors—a leading modality known for high gate fidelity and low error rates—is intended to enable developers with and without specialised hardware expertise to harness the power of AQT’s systems at various levels of abstraction. Using Triple Alpha, developers can write, compile, and deploy quantum programs directly onto AQT’s processors, accessing the hardware via the cloud.

“AQT’s trapped ion systems provide low error rates and long coherence times, potentially increasing the scalability and reliability of quantum computing,” said Horizon Quantum CEO Dr Joe Fitzsimons. “Through this collaboration, Triple Alpha users will gain access to AQT’s processors, expanding their options for cutting-edge hardware designed to solve difficult computational problems.”

Horizon Quantum and AQT will engage customers as equals, working together to solve computational problems and achieve joint technical firsts in the fields of quantum computing and software development.

“The Triple Alpha software development environment navigates the diversity and complexity of today’s quantum stack, providing developers with access at multiple levels of abstraction to deliver both programming freedom and fine-grained precision,” said Dr Thomas Monz, CEO of AQT. “The collaboration with Horizon Quantum provides broad and easy access to AQT’s hardware and leverages synergies between the two companies, which share the common goal of advancing quantum computing in practice."

Horizon Quantum’s objective is to build the most capable hardware-agnostic software infrastructure. Horizon Quantum believes the collaboration with AQT is an important step towards further broadening the range of hardware architectures supported in Triple Alpha. To accelerate its research and development efforts and further advance Triple Alpha, Horizon Quantum recently listed on Nasdaq under the ticker HQ.

About Horizon Quantum

Horizon Quantum [NASDAQ: HQ] is on a mission to unlock broad quantum advantage by building the software infrastructure that empowers developers to use quantum computing to solve the world’s toughest computational problems.

Founded in 2018 by Dr Joe Fitzsimons, a leading researcher and former professor with more than two decades of experience in quantum computing, the company is bridging the gap between today’s hardware and tomorrow’s applications through the creation of advanced quantum software development tools. Its integrated development environment, Triple Alpha, enables developers to write sophisticated, hardware-agnostic quantum programs at different levels of abstraction. Learn more at www.horizonquantum.com.

About AQT

Building on decades of experience in experimental and theoretical quantum information processing in Innsbruck (Austria), AQT develops and builds quantum computers. The company offers ion trap-based quantum computers that fit seamlessly into conventional IT infrastructure and can be operated from any PC or laptop, regardless of location. AQT enables its customers to install quantum computers on site or to explore use-cases via a convenient cloud solution. Researchers and developers are supported by both quantum hardware components as well as complete systems that significantly accelerate the development of quantum solutions. Learn more at www.aqt.eu.

Note to Investors Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements. The expectations, estimates, and projections of the businesses of Horizon Quantum may differ from its actual results and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “potential,” “plan” “enable,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements and Horizon Quantum therefore cautions against placing undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are outside of the control of Horizon Quantum and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) statements regarding estimates and forecasts of other financial, performance and operational metrics and projections of market opportunity; (2) references with respect to the anticipated benefits of the strategic collaboration with AQT; (3) the outcome of any efforts to integrate Horizon Quantum and AQT’s trapped-ion processor technology with Horizon Quantum’s software infrastructure; (4) Horizon Quantum’s ability to scale and grow its business, and the advantages and expected growth of Horizon Quantum; (5) the cash position of Horizon Quantum; (6) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the recently completed business combination with dMY Squared Technology Group, Inc., which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of Horizon Quantum to grow and manage growth profitably and source and retain its key employees; (7) costs, if any, related to the strategic collaboration with AQT; (8) changes in applicable laws and regulations or political and economic developments; (9) the possibility that Horizon Quantum may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; (10) Horizon Quantum’s estimates of expenses and profitability; (11) difficulties operating Horizon Quantum’s quantum processors and the possibility that the quantum processors do not provide the advantages that Horizon Quantum expects; (12) the ability of Horizon Quantum to integrate access to its quantum computing test bed, including AQT’s technology, within its Triple Alpha platform; (13) the ability of Horizon Quantum’s coding languages to provide additional abstraction when compared to other quantum computing solutions; (14) the ability to maintain the listing of Horizon Quantum’s Class A ordinary shares and warrants on Nasdaq; and (15) other risks and uncertainties included in the “Risk Factors” sections of the Registration Statement on Form F-4 filed by Horizon Quantum in connection with the Business Combination, other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by Horizon Quantum. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. New risks emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all risks, nor can management assess the impact of all factors on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Horizon Quantum does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260415917591/en/

Contact

Media Contact
Horizon Quantum media contact
Yanina Blaclard
media@horizonquantum.com 

AQT media contact
Franz Domig
franz.domig@aqt.eu 

Investor Contact
Horizon Quantum investor contact
Katherine Bailon
investors@horizonquantum.com 

Source : Horizon Quantum Computing Pte. Ltd.

DENODO REPORT HIGHLIGHTS "TRUST GAP" IN AGENTIC AI ADOPTION

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- Denodo, a leader in data management, has released The AI Trust Gap Report, a global study revealing that the next phase of artificial intelligence (AI)—agentic AI—is facing significant trust challenges driven by data-related issues.

“AI is rapidly shifting from systems that merely answer questions to systems that take autonomous action, and this transition changes the data requirement entirely,” said Denodo vice president of Product Marketing, Dominic Sartorio, noting that real-time, governed and contextually relevant data is critical for scaling agentic AI with confidence.

The report finds that 63 per cent of organisations struggle to locate relevant, context-specific data, while 66 per cent say real-time data access is essential for AI to be considered trustworthy.

At the same time, 67 per cent face difficulties maintaining consistent security and access controls, adding to the complexity of deploying autonomous AI systems safely, according to a statement.

Data scale is also a growing concern, with enterprise AI initiatives drawing from an average of over 400 data sources and 20 per cent of organisations managing more than 1,000 sources.

Nearly 60 per cent of respondents report performance challenges in handling the intensive workloads required for large-scale AI.

The report concludes that the "trust gap" stems not from AI models themselves, but from fragmented and outdated data architectures. Bridging this gap will be essential for organisations seeking to transition from experimental AI use cases to fully automated, enterprise-scale deployments.

-- BERNAMA

MTDC UNVEILS SEMICONSTART MALAYSIA, A NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR INCUBATION PROGRAMME TO BUILD MALAYSIA’S IC DESIGN AND DEEP-TECH PIPELINE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is strengthening its position in the global semiconductor value chain through SemiconStart Malaysia, a national semiconductor incubation programme led by the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC). The programme was unveiled today at a pre-launch event attended by stakeholders from government, industry, research institutions and universities, and is designed to support the development of globally competitive companies in areas such as integrated circuit (IC) design, photonics, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and quantum technologies.

The initiative is developed and led by MTDC in collaboration with Silicon Catalyst UK, one of the world’s leading semiconductor incubators and accelerators, with a strong track record of supporting hundreds of chip companies in scaling and growth. The programme combines early-stage funding managed by MTDC with access to advanced design tools, global industry mentorship, strategic partners and international investor networks through Silicon Catalyst’s ecosystem.

“Malaysia’s global reputation in semiconductor manufacturing is firmly established. The next step is to build Malaysian companies that do not merely participate in the industry, but lead in innovation, technology development and value creation. SemiconStart Malaysia reflects MTDC’s role in building this pipeline, by translating technology into ventures, and ventures into globally competitive companies, while strengthening Malaysia’s long-term strategic position across semiconductor value chain,” said Ts. Hj. Mohammad Hazani Hj. Hassan, Group Chief Executive Officer of MTDC.

SemiconStart Malaysia is developed in alignment with Malaysia's National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) and Budget 2026 commitments, which earmarked RM7.9 billion to upskill the nation's electrical and electronics (E&E) workforce and build strategic depth in the sector. MTDC has been mandated to implement the SemiconStart Malaysia programme, including managing the selection process and disbursement of grants of up to RM1 million per company, as well as overseeing the programme in collaboration with Silicon Catalyst through a structured 260-day incubation track.

Apart from funding, companies will undergo rigorous technical and commercial assessments coordinated by Silicon Catalyst’s UK and US teams. Focus areas include IC design, sensor technologies, photonics, MEMS, quantum technologies and advanced semiconductor materials, all of which have been identified as strategic, highvalue segments under the NSS.

Companies will also be assessed based on their commitment to value creation in Malaysia, including the registration of intellectual property in Malaysia and the development of local technical talent. Foreign participation is allowed under the programme, subject to clear local capability-building and ecosystem contribution .

Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain realignment and intensifying competition for critical technologies, Malaysia must continue strengthening its own technology ecosystem to build greater resilience and reduce long-term dependence in strategic areas. This requires stronger domestic capabilities in semiconductor innovation, intellectual property, talent development and venture creation, enabling Malaysian companies to compete more effectively in higher-value segments of the industry. SemiconStart Malaysia is intended to support this shift and reinforce Malaysia’s long-term competitiveness in the global semiconductor value chain.

Silicon Catalyst brings to the partnership a global network of industry advisors, investors and technology partners, as well as experience from similar programmes such as ChipStart UK, a UK Government-backed semiconductor incubator programme. The initiative is led by Sean Redmond, a semiconductor veteran who previously held leadership roles at Cadence, ARM-affiliated Verisity Design, and ARC, together with Dr. Ross Addinall, who brings decades of IC design and EDA experience to Malaysia’s startup pipeline.

The full launch of SemiconStart Malaysia is expected to take place later this year, with applications opening in April. The programme represents a strategic step in strengthening Malaysia’s capabilities in semiconductor design and deep technology, and reflects the broader national effort to move Malaysia further up the global semiconductor value chain through innovation, talent development and technology commercialisation.

Prepared by:
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
15 April 2026

About Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC)

Established in March 1992, Malaysian Technology Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MTDC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad and an agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). MTDC plays a strategic role in strengthening Malaysia’s deep technology ecosystem by supporting the progression of technology companies from development to adoption and scale.

As a technology investor and ecosystem enabler, MTDC provides developmental and growth funding through initiatives such as the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS), Halal Technology Development Fund (HTDF), Dana Uji Beli MySTI, Dana Mudahcara MySTI, Business Start-up Fund (BSF), Business Growth Fund (BGF) and the MTDC–Tradeview Quantum Fund, a public–private investment initiative to accelerate the growth of high-potential Malaysian technology companies.

MTDC also strengthens companies through capability development and technology adoption platforms including the Centre of 9 Pillars® (Co9P®), Technopreneur Training Academy (TENTRA), and the MySTI ecosystem, facilitating market access and technology adoption across both public and private sectors.

Over more than three decades, MTDC has supported Malaysian technology companies across key sectors including Electrical & Electronics and Semiconductor, Industry 4.0, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Food Security, Green Economy, and Aerospace and Mobility.

Issued by MTDC Corporate Communications Department

SOURCE: Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Munirah Abdullah Sani
Vice President, Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +6019-2687887
Email: munirah@mtdc.com.my

--BERNAMA

ARLA FOODS INGREDIENTS TO SHOWCASE NUTRITION SOLUTIONS AT VITAFOODS EUROPE 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- Arla Foods Ingredients has announced it will showcase high-protein, nutrient-dense application concepts for users of GLP-1 anti-obesity medications at Vitafoods Europe, taking place in Barcelona from May 5 to 7.

Originally developed to treat diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists have reshaped the weight management market, the company said in a statement.

In 2025, 11 per cent of consumers globally and 18 per cent in the United States (US) who were actively trying to lose weight reported using them, with uptake expected to rise as availability expands, tablet formats emerge and prices fall.

However, GLP-1 use is associated with side effects. Lean muscle loss may account for up to 40 per cent of total weight lost, compared with around 25 per cent for traditional interventions, while up to 76 per cent of users report gastric discomfort and reduced appetite.

To help address these challenges, Arla Foods Ingredients has developed high-protein concepts using Nutrilac and Lacprodan BLG-100, delivering essential amino acids for muscle health in nutrient-dense formats, alongside probiotics and cultures from Novonesis to support digestive well-being.

Arla Foods Ingredients Chief Commercial Officer, Anne Widart said nutrition for GLP-1 users is a growing category, creating opportunities for dairy manufacturers.

“There is increasing demand for nutrient-dense, high-protein products in formats suited to smaller appetites. Our concepts are designed to help manufacturers respond to these evolving needs,” she added.

The company said the range includes formats tailored for reduced appetites, such as a fermented high-protein shot offering 10 grammes (g) of protein per 70 millilitres (ml) serving, which is low fat, lactose-reduced and contains no added sugar.

Other concepts include a fermented high-protein drinking yoghurt providing 20g of protein per 200ml serving, and a high-protein water-based shot for ambient storage delivering 21g of protein per 100ml serving.

Arla Foods Ingredients will also showcase two additional concepts at Vitafoods Europe, namely an aerated protein bar solution and ready-to-stir medical nutrition powder solutions.

-- BERNAMA

Bitget Launches New Pre-IPO Product With SpaceX as First Listing

VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 14 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has launched IPO Prime, introducing a new market structure that enables users to access and trade pre-IPO exposure to global unicorn companies such as SpaceX.

Powered by Republic, the launch marks an expansion beyond traditional secondary market trading, enabling participation in value creation before companies enter public markets, a phase historically limited to institutional investors and private capital networks. Through IPO Prime, Bitget extends its Universal Exchange framework into primary market access, bridging a long-standing gap between private and public market participation.

IPO Prime operates through a subscription-based model, where eligible users can apply for allocations in tokenized offerings tied to specific companies. Allocation limits are determined based on user tier, with higher participation thresholds available to elevated VIP levels. Following the subscription phase, these digital assets transition into an over-the-counter market on Bitget, enabling continuous pricing, trading and circulation within a structured environment.

The first offering under IPO Prime is preSPAX, a digital asset designed to mirror the economic performance of SpaceX following its potential public listing. As one of the most closely watched private companies globally, SpaceX represents the type of high-growth opportunity that has traditionally remained inaccessible to retail investors.

“Since the beginning of financial markets, access to pre-IPO opportunities has been defined by exclusivity,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “IPO Prime allows users to participate earlier in a company’s growth cycle, with the flexibility of continuous trading. This shifts how and when investors can engage with emerging companies, which gives retailers and new investors a chance to buy-in early. This is part of our greater shift towards building an UEX, democratizing access to financial equality.”

To mark the launch, Bitget will introduce two rounds of preSPAX token airdrops for eligible VIP users, on April 13, 2026 at 10:00 (UTC), providing early participants with additional exposure as the platform begins onboarding its first offering. The official preSPAX token launches on April 21, 2026 at 12:00 (UTC), with the commitment period starting April 18, 2026, 18:00 and ending April 21, 2026, 18:00 (UTC). Distribution period runs from April 21, 2026 18:00 till April 21, 2026, 22:00 (UTC).

The introduction of IPO Prime is a new route to traditional financial opportunities being structured and accessed. As boundaries between asset classes continue to blur, platforms are expanding beyond traditional and crypto trading to include early-stage market participation. Within Bitget’s Universal Exchange model, IPO Prime moves towards integrating diverse financial opportunities into a single, unified environment.

To find out more about IPO Prime and further details on preSPAX, visit here.

Disclaimer: This content is for reference only and does not constitute investment advice or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any assets. This product may not be suitable for your jurisdiction. This product represents only a mirrored economic interest in the potential upside of SpaceX upon a qualifying event, and does not constitute a direct investment in SpaceX. SpaceX has not endorsed, approved, or authorized this Product in any capacity. Digital asset trading involves significant risks and price fluctuations, and you may lose all investment principal without any guarantee of return. Please ensure compliance with local laws and regulations and seek independent professional advice before investing.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 100+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships with LALIGA and MotoGP™. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry’s lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe5569d2-32ba-4335-aa3b-ee2d9cdac48b 


SOURCE: Bitget Limited

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.

VEYDOOMAX PREVIEWS X6 RIDE SERIES MODEL AHEAD OF JULY LAUNCH

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- VeydooMax, an outdoor lifestyle brand under Shenzhen Weidu Electronics Co Ltd, has previewed the upcoming X6 from its VeydooMax Ride series, following its appearance at the Bangkok International Motor Show, with a launch planned for July.

The X6 will carry forward the brand’s “Smarter Ride, Tougher Build” philosophy while delivering refinements in areas riders prioritise, the company said in a statement.

Within VeydooMax’s broader outdoor positioning, the Ride series focuses on products designed for real riding use, including commuting, weekend rides, group travel, and longer journeys across varying road and weather conditions.

The new model is being developed with enhanced outdoor visibility, improved smart connectivity, practical ride-recording capabilities, and rider-assistance functions tailored for real-world use.

For daily commuters, the X6 is designed to offer a cleaner and more stable cockpit experience. For leisure and group riders, it aims to support better navigation, communication, ride capture, and overall riding confidence.

Compared with the previous generation, the X6 focuses on delivering a more integrated user experience by combining display, connectivity, imaging, alerts, and remote capabilities into a unified interface.

According to VeydooMax, the model is also designed to reduce rider distraction, improve access to key information, and provide added support in scenarios such as parking, remote monitoring, and unexpected situations.

Additional details about the X6 will be released closer to launch.

-- BERNAMA

HEZE PEONY FORUM PROMOTES CULTURAL EXCHANGE, GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- The 2026 Heze Peony International Communication Forum was held recently in Heze, east China's Shandong Province, bringing together diplomats, scholars and artists to explore how the city's iconic flower can serve as a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

Themed "Blooming Across the World, Cultivating Shared Beauty", this year’s forum focuses on the connotations and contemporary significance of peony culture. It forms part of the 2026 World Peony Conference, a month-long event that kicked off earlier.

The event was jointly organised by the Publicity Department of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee, China International Communications Group (CICG), and the Publicity Department of the CPC Heze Municipal Committee.

According to a statement, the forum featured a thematic short film tracing the peony’s millennia-old cultural journey, video greetings from participants worldwide, and a fusion performance blending guzheng and violin.

Participants also exchanged peony-themed cultural creations, promoted the "Five Continents in Bloom" Chinese Classical Garden, and launched initiatives such as "The Peony's Voice from Space", highlighting the flower's enduring appeal.

In Chinese culture, the peony symbolises prosperity, vitality and aspirations for a better life. Participants said these meanings can resonate across borders, offering a shared language of beauty and emotion.

During a roundtable discussion, experts explored how to reinterpret peony symbolism for global communication.

With a cultivation history spanning over 1,500 years, Heze — known as China’s "peony capital" with 1,308 varieties — attracted 9.92 million visitors during its peony festival last year, while related products are exported to more than 30 countries and regions.

-- BERNAMA