This collab will develop detailed blueprint to pioneer quantum-centric supercomputing
IBM has announced a 10-year, $US100 million initiative in collaboration with the University of Tokyo and the University of Chicago to develop a quantum-centric supercomputer powered by 100,000 qubits. This quantum system aims to address complex problems that current advanced supercomputers may not be able to solve. The powerful quantum system could have applications in understanding chemical reactions, modeling climate change, developing sustainable energy solutions, and optimizing fertilizer production.
To realize this vision, IBM will work with its partners to advance the underlying technologies and design and build the necessary components at scale. The partnership will also involve collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory to leverage their capabilities and expertise in quantum computing.
The quantum-centric supercomputer will involve innovations at all levels of the computing stack, integrating quantum computing and quantum communication. The system will also enable seamless integration of quantum and classical workflows via the hybrid cloud.
IBM plans to achieve several milestones on its Quantum Development Roadmap, including the release of the new 133-qubit ‘IBM Heron’ processor by the end of 2023. This processor features a new two-qubit gate design for higher performance and compatibility with future extensions. IBM also aims to introduce the modular and flexible IBM Quantum System Two by the end of 2023 and develop middleware for quantum to enable efficient solutions at scale.
Over the next decade, IBM intends to collaborate with university partners and its quantum ecosystem to establish high-efficiency, high-fidelity inter-processor quantum operations and a reliable infrastructure to scale the system to 100,000 qubits.
The collaboration with the University of Chicago will leverage the region’s strengths in quantum research, while the partnership with the University of Tokyo will focus on topics such as noise analysis, quantum artificial intelligence, and quantum chemistry simulation.
This initiative represents IBM’s commitment to advancing quantum technology and establishing a new era of high-performance computing anchored by quantum capabilities.
