Alphabet’s Quantum Tech Group Sandbox AQ Goes Solo

Google parent Alphabet has spun off Sandbox AQ, independently offering firms artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing software, the Palo Alto, California-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) vendor announced Tuesday (March 22).

Founded by CEO Jack Hidary, Sandbox originated at Alphabet in 2016. This year, Sandbox AQ formed an independent company to develop quantum AI solutions for financial services, healthcare, computer security, the U.S. government and other computer-intensive sectors.

AQ stands for AI and quantum, a pair of tools Sandbox said it uses to address pressing global challenges. Its nearly five dozen engineers, scientists and technologists collaborate on physics, chemistry, AI, neuroscience, cryptography, mathematics and other disciplines develop solutions for a range of uses.

Executives said the company is crafting and implementing hardware, apps and services that promise to leverage AI and machine learning infrastructures with quantum technologies. Until recently, that technology was limited to scientific papers and study at research facilities.

The firm raised an unspecified amount of cash for the launch, according to a press release from Breyer Capital, a global venture capital and private equity investor. In addition, Breyer Capital Founder and CEO Jim Breyer has joined the company’s board of advisors.

“At Breyer Capital, we believe that the convergence of AI and quantum technologies will transform industries in profound ways,” said Breyer in a statement. “Jack Hidary is one of the brightest minds in quantum … his approach to delivering quantum and AI solutions leveraging today’s high-performance computing is nothing short of revolutionary…”

As Sandbox AQ is jettisoned, Google has a $5.4 billion deal in place for the acquisition of cybersecurity firm Mandiant, a move intended to complement Google Cloud’s security strengths and better protect customers.

Read more: Google Plans $5.4B Acquisition of Cybersecurity Firm Mandiant

The $23 per share, all-cash deal included Mandiant’s net cash and is expected to close later this year. Upon closing, Mandiant will be folded into Google Cloud to create an end-to-end security operations suite.