TORONTO, Feb. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xanadu Quantum Technologies Inc., a leader in photonic quantum computing, has announced the publication of a pioneering quantum algorithm that optimises the simulation of photochemical reactions on a fault-tolerant quantum computer. This significant advancement is detailed in their pre-print research paper titled “Efficient Simulation of Pre-Born-Oppenheimer Dynamics on a Quantum Computer.” This research opens a scalable pathway for examining phenomena that are crucial for various applications, including photolithography, sustainable energy, and atmospheric chemistry.

Traditional algorithms for chemical simulations often depend on the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, which simplifies the treatment of nuclear and electronic motions as separate entities. Although this approach is effective for many systems, it falls short in scenarios where electronic states are closely coupled, particularly in photochemical reactions. These types of reactions play a vital role in several industries, including energy, aerospace, and semiconductors. The newly developed quantum algorithm by Xanadu simulates both nuclear and electronic motions beyond the limitations of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, achieving levels of accuracy that surpass those attainable through classical computing.

A key advantage of Xanadu’s quantum algorithm is its significantly reduced resource requirements compared to previous cutting-edge methodologies. For instance, when simulating a common acid-base reaction, such as the interaction between ammonia and boron trifluoride, Xanadu’s algorithm offers more than a tenfold reduction in computational cost relative to earlier state-of-the-art results.

Christian Weedbrook, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Xanadu, stated, “Accurately simulating nonadiabatic dynamics remains a formidable challenge for classical computation. By significantly lowering the resource requirements for simulation on a fault-tolerant quantum computer, we are positioning this technology as an essential tool for photochemical processes found in many important industries.”

The algorithm is particularly advantageous for reactions in organic and photo-organic systems, which are crucial for advancing numerous significant technologies. This research marks a foundational milestone in Xanadu’s mission to create quantum computers that are both useful and accessible to a global audience.

About Xanadu

Xanadu is a Canadian quantum computing company dedicated to developing quantum computers that are widely beneficial and accessible. Established in 2016, Xanadu has rapidly emerged as a leading entity in the quantum hardware and software domains. The company also spearheads the development of PennyLane, an open-source software library for quantum computing and application development. More information can be found at xanadu.ai or by following them on Twitter @XanaduAI.

Business Combination Announcement

Recently, Xanadu disclosed a business combination agreement with Crane Harbor Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: CHAC), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company. This merger will result in the formation of Xanadu Quantum Technologies Limited, expected to be capitalised with approximately US$500 million in gross proceeds. This includes about US$225 million from Crane Harbor’s trust account, assuming no redemptions by Crane Harbor’s public stockholders, as well as US$275 million from a consortium of strategic and institutional investors participating through a common equity committed private placement. The new entity is anticipated to be listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market and the Toronto Stock Exchange.

About Crane Harbor Acquisition Corp

Crane Harbor Acquisition Corp is a blank check company established to facilitate a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganisation, or similar business combination with one or more businesses.

Additional Information

The proposed business combination will be presented to the shareholders of both Crane Harbor and Xanadu for their approval. Both companies have jointly filed a registration statement on Form F-4 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This document will include a proxy statement/prospectus that will be distributed to Crane Harbor’s shareholders in preparation for the vote on the proposed transaction.

Shareholders are encouraged to review the relevant documentation once it becomes available, as it will contain critical information regarding the prospective merger and its implications for both companies.