Classiq, Quantinuum & Qatar – May 19th 2025
Issue #236
Quick Recap
This week, significant funding raised by software startup Classiq and innovations by Quantinuum have further boosted the promise of quantum computing. Classiq managed to secure $110 million in a Series C funding round, while Quantinuum achieved a new record for Quantum Volume. Quantinuum also tapped into the US economic commitment of $1.2 trillion from Qatar, which included a $1 billion investment in US quantum technologies. QuEra Computing projects have reached the final phase of the Quantum for Bio Challenge. Meanwhile, a study by Intelligent Computing suggests silicon spin qubits have great potential for quantum computing. MicroAlgo Inc is integrating quantum computing with conventional neural networks, an accomplishment that may revolutionize computer vision tasks. The Quantum Optimization Working Group launched the QOBLIB, a platform designed to test quantum and classical algorithms. Lastly, The Quantum Insider explored the strategic plans of key players like Google and IBM for quantum computing, raising questions about the feasibility of their ambitious timelines.
The Week in Quantum Computing
Classiq gets $110M to build the operating system for quantum computers
Quantum software startup Classiq has raised $110 million in a Series C funding round, bringing its total to $173 million. The firm's platform aids developers in writing algorithm apps for quantum computers without having to comprehend the complexities of quantum computing itself. Importantly, it allows customization of algorithms for various workloads like quantum optimization, finance, chemistry, and machine learning. Classiq's Nir Minerbi, echoing the profound implications of the funding, describes his company as the "Microsoft of quantum computing," delivering the essential software required for functional quantum applications. Collaborations with powerhouse names like Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and Nvidia reinforce Classiq's standing. This raises anticipation for quantum computing's impending impact on technology and numerous industries.
Quantinuum Dominates the Quantum Landscape: New World-Record in Quantum Volume
Quantinuum, the self-proclaimed world's largest quantum computing company, has achieved a new record in Quantum Volume (QV) with their System Model H2 achieving a QV of 2²³ = 8,388,608. This milestone fulfills the company's promise to exponentially increase its QV annually over a period of five years. For context, QV—conceived by IBM—evaluates a quantum computer's performance by considering factors like qubit count, qubit connectivity, coherence times, and error rates. Led by quantum hardware expert, Dr. Charlie Baldwin, Quantinuum continues to deliver industry-leading innovations with its ever-improving hardware. The company's ability to consistently meet ambitious goals underscores the rapid development and potential of quantum computing technology.
Two Projects Powered by QuEra Computing Contributions Move to Phase Three of Wellcome Leap's Quantum for Bio Challenge, Focused on Healthcare and Biology Applications
QuEra Computing announced that two of their collaborative research projects have advanced to the final phase of the prestigious Wellcome Leap's Quantum for Bio Challenge. As a leading provider of neutral-atom quantum computing, QuEra has proven to be an instrumental partner in driving breakthroughs in complex scientific sectors like healthcare and biology. One project, led by The University of Nottingham and in partnership with Phasecraft, aims to leverage quantum computing in the drug discovery of myotonic dystrophy treatments. The second project, a collaboration with Harvard University and MIT, seeks to accelerate drug discovery through programmable quantum simulation. Co-founder and Chief Technology Strategist of QuEra, Nathan Gemelke, emphasized the potential of quantum hardware in practical applications such as these.
Silicon spin qubits gain ground as a leading candidate for quantum computing
Recent developments in silicon spin qubits show promising indications as a strong choice for quantum computing. Key advancements in gate-defined and donor-based silicon quantum computing speak volumes to its practicality and potential. Released by Intelligent Computing (DOI: 10.34133/icomputing), the study propels silicon-based quantum computing further into consideration. The impact of these advancements is significant; issues in quantum computing like coherence times and qubit interconnectivity could be addressed with silicon-based solutions. Silicon's dominance in classical computing hardware might signify an easier transition and integration. Undeniably, this evolution marks one step closer to a revolution in quantum computing.
MicroAlgo Inc. Develops Quantum Convolutional Neural Network (QCNN) Architecture to Enhance the Performance of Traditional Computer Vision Tasks Using Quantum Mechanics Principles
MicroAlgo Inc. has announced its research on a Quantum Convolutional Neural Network (QCNN) architecture that integrates quantum computing with traditional convolutional neural networks. QCNN will enhance tasks of computer vision by allowing parallel processing of multiple computational tasks with the help of quantum superposition and entanglement. Simultaneously, QCNN uses the structure of classical convolutional neural networks to extract features, reduce dimensions, and classify image data, improving both computational speed and image recognition accuracy. This development in quantum computing is set to revolutionize the efficiency of computer vision tasks by blending classical and quantum computing techniques. The enhanced computational abilities of QCNN may potentially solve complex visual processing tasks, bringing us closer to practical quantum computing solutions.
New Quantum Optimization Benchmarking Library invites researchers to put algorithms to the test
The Quantum Optimization Working Group has launched the Quantum Optimization Benchmarking Library (QOBLIB), an open-source platform inviting researchers to test both quantum and classical algorithms. This move aims to push forward the search for quantum advantages in combinatorial optimization. The platform is model-, algorithm-, and hardware-agnostic, encouraging a wide range of research approaches. QOBLIB features ten problem classes meant to challenge current optimization methods. This effort, product of collaboration between IBM and a dozen institutions such as Technische Universität Berlin, Purdue University, and National University of Singapore, aims to leverage collective expertise in a concerted bid to develop quantum algorithms. Amidst the fast-evolving landscape of quantum computing, collective wisdom will accelerate and refine quantum advantage across diverse computational challenges.
Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures Historic $1.2 Trillion Economic Commitment in Qatar - Including Quantum
President Donald J. Trump has secured a $1.2 trillion economic commitment from Qatar, with economic deals amounting to more than $243.5 billion. Key in these agreements were Quantum and Al Rabban Capital's Joint Venture Agreement, seeing Qatar investing $1 billion in US quantum technologies, and significant defense investments from Raytheon and General Atomics. The deals aim to invigorate the US-Qatar commercial relationship, creating jobs, and generating trade and investment opportunities. Qatar's strategic goals outlined in their National Vision 2030 unlock avenues for US businesses across various sectors. As quantum computing progresses, the move epitomizes the increasing global interest in and commitment to this emerging technology and its potential applications.
Quantinuum and Al Rabban Capital Launch Joint Venture to Accelerate Quantum Computing Adoption in Qatar and the Region
Quantinuum, leader in quantum computing, is partnering with Qatari investment firm Al Rabban Capital to expedite quantum computing's adoption in Qatar and the Gulf region. This joint-venture roots in a $1 billion investment, aiming to access Quantinuum's state-of-the-art quantum technologies, develop quantum applications for regional needs, and train a local generation of quantum programmers. Abdulaziz Khalid Al Rabban, Chairman at Al Rabban Capital, declares this partnership as a significant step towards making Qatar a regional hub for advanced technologies. Meanwhile, Quantinuum's CEO, Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, envisions the collaboration as an accelerator for the commercial uptake of quantum computing in the region. This alliance showcases strategic activities by the US and Qatar to foster technological advancement and shared prosperity.
Quantum Computing Roadmaps and Predictions
The Quantum Insider scrutinized the quantum computing strategies of main market players, mapping the future of the field. Notably, Google and IBM stood out with ambitious plans, forecasting to reach Quantum Advantage by 2026 and Quantum Practicality by 2030 respectively. Moreover, IBM has intentions to dispense quantum technology through the cloud to expand accessibility. The advances indicated in these roadmaps, however, could be hampered by prevailing challenges such as maintaining quantum coherence. On a broader scale, these plans signify the accelerating quantum race to deliver practical quantum technology and suggest that, contrary to previous speculations, its mainstream onset might be closer than we thought. Yet, the question remains whether these quantum milestones are achievable in the purposed timelines.