The former quantum computing lead at IBM has joined the board of Cambridge startup Nu Quantum as it ramps up plans for expansion into the US.

Bob Sutor spent almost four decades at the American tech giant leading its quantum programme.

He has also held roles at the New York quantum group Infleqtion and the University of Buffalo as an adjunct associate professor.

“Bob is a true titan of quantum computing. Having his belief in us and for him to give us his time and connections is a huge step change for us,” said Nu Quantum CEO Carmen Palacios-Berraquero.

“It could not come at a better time as we look to expand further into the US market and grow as a company.”

He joins the board of Nu Quantum, which raised £7m last November, as it prepares to enter the US market through a new location in Los Angeles.

The company is developing a unit to combine quantum computers into a scaled-up fault-tolerant network.

“Nu Quantum represents the required next phase for quantum computing to unlock its true potential,” Sutor said.

“Without quantum networking, we will be limited to small systems that cannot help us achieve Practical Quantum Advantage for the use cases most important to society and industry.”