RSA will break earlier, Q-Ctrl, Nvidia, IonQ - The Week in Quantum Computing – May 19th 2025
Issue #237
Quick Recap
RSA is broken!! (well, not yet, read on) - NVIDIA has expanded its quantum computation ecosystem with Taiwanese manufacturers and has also shown interest in investing in PsiQuantum. Quantum Machines' open-source framework QUAlibrate that reduces quantum computer calibration time, NIST's 2025 campaign to make quantum science accessible to the public, and D-Waves announcement of Advantage2 Quantum Computer's availability were key strides in the industry, yet uncertainty prevails over D-Wave Systems' stock consistency taken from its future revenue projection in the absence of quantum advantage over classical computers. IonQ declares to be the “quantum Nvidia” also with growing stock prices. (be careful with what you buy!) Lockheed Martin, PNNL, and Nagoya University created an automated conversational agent for quantum chemistry workflows, with 98% accuracy. Q-CTRL demonstrated a near path to quantum advantage in complex logistical planning in collaboration with Network Rail and the UK Department for Transport. A great report has been published in quantum for health sciences, although. advantage remains elusive.
A group of researchers at Google published a paper claiming theoretical evidence of being able to break RSA encryption using Shor’s algorithm with just 1M noisy qubits. This will reduce drastically the time required to get a cryptographically relevant quantum computer.
The Week in Quantum Computing
NVIDIA Grows Quantum Computing Ecosystem With Taiwan Manufacturers and Supercomputing
NVIDIA is extending its quantum computing ecosystem with Taiwanese manufacturers and supercomputing, alongside international partners such as Compal, Quanta, and Taiwan's National Center for High-Performance Computing (NCHC). The integration of quantum hardware with AI supercomputers aims to accelerate the scaling of quantum processors. Hardware developers, like Compal and Quanta, are utilizing NVIDIA's CUDA-Q platform for quantum optimization simulation and physical quantum hardware experimentation respectively. Taiwan's NCHC announced its new ASUS-built AI supercomputer for quantum research featuring multiple NVIDIA HGX and GB200 systems, alongside NVIDIA Quantum InfiniBand networking. It will serve over 20 companies operating in quantum computing under the National Quantum Team. This cross-industrial collaboration signifies growing efforts towards the integration and advancement of AI and quantum computing.
Nvidia in advanced talks to invest in PsiQuantum, The Information reports
Tech giant Nvidia is reportedly in advanced talks to invest in PsiQuantum, as per a Reuters report. This potential investment marks a significant move in quantum computing, indicating growing investor confidence in this transformative technology. PsiQuantum, a notable name in the quantum computing landscape, has been making strides in this nascent field, aiming to build a viable quantum computer. For Nvidia, famous for GPUs, a foray into quantum computing indicates diversification and opening up of new revenue streams. The move comes amidst widespread anticipation of the potential of quantum computing to revolutionize diverse industries, from pharmaceuticals to finance. Thus, such strategic alliances hint towards an invigorated push to speed up quantum advancement, fostering both competition and innovation.
Quantum Machines Launches QUAlibrate, an Open-Source Framework that Cuts Quantum Computer Calibration from Hours to Minutes
Quantum Machines has developed QUAlibrate, a game-changing, open-source framework that significantly reduces quantum computer calibration time from hours to minutes. Promising to streamline quantum operations, QUAlibrate marks an exponential increase in operational speed and efficiency within the quantum computing industry. This development could yield rapid advancements in quantum technology's problem-solving capabilities and real-world practicality. Quantum Machines' latest innovation serves as a reminder that while quantum computing is still maturing, each technological leap brings us closer to fully harnessing its immense potential.
NIST works to bring more everyday understanding to quantum science
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has launched a campaign in 2025, which has been designated as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, to demystify quantum science and computing for the general public. NIST aims to make the quantum world more accessible through programs and papers illustrating how quantum science functions in everyday life. This effort underscores the fact that, despite appearing novel, NIST's work in quantum science spans over a century. The campaign also illustrates the centrality of quantum science in modern devices and technologies. As quantum technology advances, barriers to understanding and harnessing quantum science are gradually being eradicated, with groundbreaking quantum-based technologies steadily integrating into our daily life.
D-Wave Announces General Availability of Advantage2 Quantum Computer, Its Most Advanced and Performant System
D-Wave has announced the general availability of its Advantage2 Quantum Computer, a sixth-generation, energy-efficient annealing quantum computer built for real-world applications in fields such as optimization, materials simulation, and artificial intelligence (AI). The 4,400+ Qubit production-ready system represents significant leaps in performance, featuring greater coherence, increased Qubit connectivity and energy scale, reduced noise, fast anneal, and hybrid solver integration. The Advantage2 can be accessed via D-Wave's Leap real-time quantum cloud service in over 40 countries or purchased for on-premise use. Institutions like the Jülich Supercomputing Center and Los Alamos National Laboratory have been using Advantage2 prototypes, revealing the system's potential to solve computational problems beyond those manageable by classical computers. In the words of Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave, "We’re helping customers realize value from quantum computing right now".
D-Wave’s stock is surging — but here’s why projecting quantum-computing company’s future revenue is tricky
D-Wave has seen a recent surge in its stock value. However, there is general skepticism concerning the potential continuity of this behavior, due to the complexity of forecasting D-Wave's future revenue. This is mainly attributed to the ongoing debate over the real-world applicability of quantum computing. Despite D-Wave's unique approach whereby they apply quantum mechanical effects to solve optimization problems, a universally accepted quantum advantage has yet to be established. Also, their quantum annealing technology's specific advantage over classical computers in real-world problems remains a critical question. The market's enthusiasm for D-Wave underlines the promise and excitement around quantum computing, while also emphasizing the challenges and uncertainties this field continues to wrestle with.
Conversational agent can create executable quantum chemistry workflows
Research by Lockheed Martin, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and Nagoya University have developed a conversational agent capable of automatically configuring quantum chemistry workflows. It achieved 98% accuracy, thus increasing efficiency and circumventing typical blockages resulting from the complexity and specialized knowledge needed to operate quantum computers. The agent employs state-of-the-art Natural Language Processing (NLP) machine learning models to understand user instructions and implement them in computer code. This innovation humanizes quantum computing, making it accessible to a larger scientific community. As quantum computing moves closer to practical applications, such technologies that break down complexity while maintaining accurate results challenge the sophisticated knowledge barrier typically associated with this potential-filled field.
Accelerating the schedule for quantum-enhanced rail
Q-CTRL has successfully demonstrated a quantum advantage in complex logistical planning. Collaborating with Network Rail and the UK Department for Transport, the firm brought its Fire Opal error-suppressing software to bear on rail scheduling problems. The collaboration resulted in advancing the timeline for practical quantum applications by up to three years, now targeted for 2028. Through application of error suppression technology and leveraging an IBM quantum computer, the team scaled problem-solving size by 6x, setting a world record for the largest constrained quantum optimization problem ever solved. The results suggest quantum solutions could outperform classical methods to improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, thus validating Q-CTRL's mission to ensure quantum technology delivers real-world benefits.
IonQ Aims to Become the Nvidia of Quantum Computing. How Its CEO Sees That Happening.
IonQ is aiming to become the industry leader in quantum computing, envisioning an ascent similar to that of the biggest names in the semiconductor industry—and it doesn’t plan on doing it quietly.
University of Sydney quantum team launches Emergence Quantum to deliver commercial R&D
The University of Sydney's team of quantum physicists has launched a commercial R&D operation, Emergence Quantum, aimed at becoming the 'missing link' in viable quantum technology. The 20-member team, with previous collaboration experience with Microsoft Quantum, comprises deep scientific expertise and knowledge in commercial application. Emergence Quantum aims to solve complex problems facing quantum technology companies globally, including working with Diraq as part of DARPA's new quantum benchmark program. Emergence Quantum is also focusing its advancements on intersectional technologies with AI, datacentres, and energy-efficient classical computing. This new venture, while choosing not to pursue venture capital, is backed significantly by the University of Sydney's infrastructural support and long-term institutional investment, positioning Emergence Quantum to be an energetic locus for growth within the quantum ecosystem.
European Quantum Collaboration Strengthened with Trilateral Call
The Trilateral Call for Quantum Innovation, a joint effort by the Netherlands, France, and Germany, has successfully concluded selecting impactful projects for a combined funding of over €30 million. The call, initiated in 2024, received 120+ applications, focusing on quantum computing, communication, and sensing. A number of renowned quantum firms and research bodies from the three countries, such as Leiden University, Capgemini Engineering Deutschland, Sorbonne University, etc, are involved. The projects aim to boost scalable quantum computing, secure networks, and advanced sensing, pushing Europe's quantum technology ambitions further. Liran Naaman, QDNL International Program Manager, noted the strengthening of international partnerships and traction towards practical applications of quantum technologies. Europe's future in quantum technology leadership hinges on such effective, multi-nation collaborations.
Quantum Guide to Commercial Acceleration: Health and Life Sciences
The potential impact of quantum technologies in the health and life sciences sector is explored in a recent industry report by Infinity. The report is based on insights from industry giants like Novo Nordisk, Moderna, Cleveland Clinic, among other tech companies, startups, and investors. It outlines quantum computing's progress, particularly in areas like drug discovery and development. Quantum sensing, which is nearing market readiness in diagnosing diseases, and quantum communications and security's pivotal role in the health & life sciences, are also outlined. The report highlights the growth challenges and potential mitigation strategies within the sector, forecasting the future of quantum technologies in health and life sciences. This inquiry unveils an exciting crossroads where quantum technology is set to revolutionize the medical arena.
Study finds quantum computing in health care faces significant challenges, but there is promise
A broad systematic review has revealed that quantum computing applications in health care remain more theoretical than practical, despite growing excitement in the field. The comprehensive study published in npj Digital Medicine, which analyzed 4,915 research papers published between 2015 and 2024, found little evidence that quantum machine learning (QML) algorithms currently offer any meaningful advantage over classical computing methods for health care applications.
Paper: Resource Analysis of Low-Overhead Transversal Architectures for Reconfigurable Atom Arrays
A paper from Hengyun Zhou and 7 co-authors featured in arXiv presented a low-overhead architecture for neutral atom arrays for fault-tolerant quantum computing, reveling a significant step towards large-scale quantum algorithms. Benefiting from Precent advancements in fault tolerance with transversal gate operations, the architecture secured a run time speed-up on the order of the code distance "d" and achieved considerable improvements of big-scale quantum algorithms' run times. The architecture, encompassing magic state factories, quantum arithmetic units, and quantum look-up tables, furthered space-time efficient designs. Using their models, they managed to execute 2048-bit RSA factoring with 19 million qubits in under 6 days, nearly 50 times faster than existing estimates without space increases. This advent heralds a substantial leap for quantum computing by vastly speeding up large-scale operations.
China’s Origin Quantum upgrades its software for chip debugging
China-based Origin Quantum recently upgraded its Quantum Computing Control System (QCCS), marking a significant leap in their capability to better debug and enhance the performance of quantum machines. Origin Quantum's software overhaul of their fourth-generation QCCS, the Benyuan Tianji 4.0, supports over 500 qubits. The new system aims to improve efficient control, precise quantum chip readout, and significantly reduce the quantum computer research and delivery cycle, said Kong Weicheng, deputy director of Anhui Quantum Computing Engineering Research Center. Despite the innovation, China's quantum technologies still face commercialization challenges. The development places China's quantum computing industry on a firmer footing, setting the groundwork for potential mass production of quantum computers and offering escalating complexity in quantum processing power.
1M Noisy Qubits for cracking RSA - Tracking the Cost of Quantum Factoring
In a major development in quantum computing, Google Quantum AI researchers Craig Gidney and Sophie Schmieg have published a study indicating that a quantum computer with 1 million noisy qubits could theoretically crack 2048-bit RSA encryption in a week, a considerable decrease from 2019’s estimate requiring 20 million qubits. Currently, quantum computers can handle around 100 to 1000 qubits. This substantial reduction was achieved through refined algorithms and effective error correction techniques developed by Chevignard and Fouque and Schrottenloher, and Google Quantum AI team respectively. Despite these advancements, NIST's recently recommended post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms remain robust against quantum attacks, thus emphasizing the importance of transitioning according to NIST's timelines. The headway we see reflects the hastening pace of quantum computing, yet also its distance from overhauling prevailing cryptographic standards.
Paper: How to factor 2048 bit RSA integers with less than a million noisy qubits
Craig Gidney's recent paper presents key advancements in quantum computing. He claims a 2048-bit RSA integer, previously estimated by Gidney+Ekerå in 2019 as requiring 20 million noisy qubits and eight hours to factor, could now be achieved with less than a million noisy qubits within a week. This dramatic qubit reduction is attributed to the implementation of 'approximate residue arithmetic', 'yoked surface codes for idle logical qubits', and a method called 'magic state cultivation'. This development signifies advancement in handling quantum attacks, indirectly highlighting the urgency for transitioning to quantum-safe cryptosystems. Thus, fast-evolving quantum computing technologies continue to dictate the pace of cryptographic progress.
Minimalist quantum computer simulates movements of molecules
Quantum physicists at the University of Sydney have utilized a single particle to perform full quantum simulations of molecular reactions to light. This method, a key development in quantum computing, offers a simple and efficient approach to simulating molecular behavior, set to expedite progress towards quantum advantage. The single particle has the capacity to encode the equivalent quantum data as multiple qubits, the conventional unit used in quantum computers. This breakthrough in molecular simulation, noted for its unprecedented complexity, was achieved using a single ytterbium ion trapped in a vacuum and manipulated using pulsating electric fields and laser pulses. Computational chemist Alán Aspuru-Guzik proclaims this as a significant milestone. As quantum computing continues its advances, we start to see its potential to reshape our comprehension of molecular behaviours.
DistriQ and PINQ² partner up to commercialize quantum computing in Canada
Leading Quebec quantum organizations, DistriQ and the Quebec Digital and Quantum Innovation Platform (PINQ²), have allied to advance quantum computing commercialization both provincially and nationally. The collaboration intends to establish a 'robust industrial fabric' that incorporates quantum technology in practical scenarios, focusing on mixed 'classical-quantum' models and applications in cybersecurity, logistics, and material simulation. Leveraging their combined "expertise, infrastructures, and networks," the joint effort would catalyze collaborations among academia, industry, and tech stakeholders. DistriQ and PINQ² foresee "measurable results" in the next 12-18 months, with initiatives including firm onboarding, pilot programs, and infrastructure development, of which PINQ²'s partnership with IBM is an example. The collaboration is a golden opportunity for local businesses to secure prime status in the quantum value chain.
QuantumThreatTracker: A tool for quantifying the threat quantum computers pose to public-key cryptosystems.
GitHub's qec-codes developed Quantum Threat Tracker (QTT), which quantifies the potential danger quantum computers could pose to public-key cryptosystems like RSA and Diffie-Hellman protocols. Funded by Ofgem and developed in collaboration with Cambridge Consultants and the University of Edinburgh, the tool estimates when quantum computing becomes powerful enough to breach these systems. Employing Shor's algorithm, QTT produces a timeline for the evolution of quantum threats and their potential impacts on cryptology. The importance of this development resides in the continuing insecurity of established cryptosystems against the background of rapidly evolving quantum technologies. QTT's quantification of this looming threat is pivotal in providing insights and ushering protective measures in the realm of quantum computing.