Quantum Software Development Kit is a tool for developing quantum algorithms that can be used in quantum computers or simulators and emulators. See what quantum SDKs are in detail and what some examples of them are.
What is a quantum software development kit?
Some companies like Microsoft, IBM, Google and Rigetti, are developing open-source development kits. They provide the tools necessary for software developers to solve their own problems and enable them to access to simulators or quantum computers to implement their quantum algorithms through the cloud.
A quantum simulator is an implementation of quantum gates by using classical gates. For example, Intel provides a Quantum Simulator that can simulate general quantum gates in order to test their software in simulation.
These kits often allow the use of classic programming languages, such as Python, or quantum software languages, such as Q# developed by Microsoft.
What are some quantum development kits?
Here are some examples of quantum development kits:
- D-Wave-Ocean
- Rigetti – Forest
- IBM – Qiskit
- Google – Cirq
- Microsoft – Quantum Development Kit (QDK)
- Zapata – Orquestra
- 1QBit – 1QBit SDK
- Amazon – Braket SDK
- ETH Zurich – ProjectQ
- Xanadu – Strawberry Fields
- Riverlane – Anian
IBM Qiskit v2.2
IBM released Qiskit v2.2 in October 2025, delivering significant performance improvements. The latest benchmarks show that Qiskit SDK v2.2 is 83x faster in transpiling than Tket 2.6.0. This version also expands C language support, introducing a standalone transpiler function that enables developers to build end-to-end quantum workflows in C.1
NVIDIA cuQuantum v25.11
NVIDIA’s cuQuantum SDK v25.11 introduces components that for two new workloads: Pauli propagation and stabilizer simulations. These capabilities are critical for simulating large-scale quantum computers using GPU-accelerated supercomputers. The SDK helps developers validate quantum results and generate training data for AI models used in quantum error correction and calibration.2
D-Wave Ocean SDK
D-Wave’s Ocean SDK is a suite of open-source Python tools available on both the D-Wave GitHub repository and the Leap quantum cloud service. Ocean tools enable developers to experiment, rapidly develop, and harness the power of the Advantage2 quantum computer to solve complex optimization problems.3
Quantum-Safe SDKs
As quantum computing advances, a new category of SDKs focused on post-quantum cryptography has emerged:
- NetSfere: Launched an enterprise-ready platform featuring NIST-approved post-quantum encryption with AI-powered, quantum-resilient messaging.
- QuantZen Quantum-Safe SDK: QuantZen launched its Quantum-Safe SDK and Dual-Signature Layer for Web3 projects, with three blockchain projects already integrating the technology into live production. The SDK provides a chain-agnostic security layer that adds a post-quantum digital signature alongside existing signatures for every blockchain transaction.
These quantum-safe SDKs address growing concerns about quantum computers eventually breaking current encryption methods, particularly in sectors like finance, healthcare, and defense.
For more on quantum computing
If you are interested in learning more about quantum computing, read:
- Top 20+ Quantum Computing Applications & Use Cases
- Quantum Hardware: Components, Interactions, & Challenges
- Quantum Annealing: Practical Quantum Computing
Finally, if you are interested in learning more about QC hardware and software vendors, check out our list of quantum computing companies.
We will help you choose the best one for your needs:
Find the Right VendorsImage credit: MEDIUM
Reference Links
Cem's work has been cited by leading global publications including Business Insider, Forbes, Washington Post, global firms like Deloitte, HPE and NGOs like World Economic Forum and supranational organizations like European Commission. You can see more reputable companies and resources that referenced AIMultiple.
Throughout his career, Cem served as a tech consultant, tech buyer and tech entrepreneur. He advised enterprises on their technology decisions at McKinsey & Company and Altman Solon for more than a decade. He also published a McKinsey report on digitalization.
He led technology strategy and procurement of a telco while reporting to the CEO. He has also led commercial growth of deep tech company Hypatos that reached a 7 digit annual recurring revenue and a 9 digit valuation from 0 within 2 years. Cem's work in Hypatos was covered by leading technology publications like TechCrunch and Business Insider.
Cem regularly speaks at international technology conferences. He graduated from Bogazici University as a computer engineer and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.
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