The Week in Quantum Computing - August 12th 2024 - Riverlane, IonQ, Lightsolver, Terra Quantum get the bucks. Resource estimation and another threat to RSA
Issue #196
The Week in Quantum Computing. Brought to you by Sergio Gago (@piratecto).
Quick Recap
In August, money flows!
From a great piece by QCR: Between 2025 and 2029, the quantum computing landscape is set to undergo transformative growth with the emergence of early fault-tolerant quantum computers (FTQC) and advancements in Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) processors. FTQC machines, expected to feature around 100 logical qubits, will enable some useful applications but not intensive ones like Shor’s algorithm. Riverlane has secured $75 million in Series C funding to advance its quantum error correction (QEC) technology, aiming for one million error-free quantum operations by 2026 (THAT IS A LOT). This funding will support Riverlane's Deltaflow product, which integrates QEC chips, hardware, and software to significantly reduce system errors. Efforts to democratize access to quantum computing are also gaining momentum, with initiatives like Girls in Quantum and Qubit by Qubit introducing thousands of students to the field, though diversity remains a challenge. QuEra Computing's survey reveals that 51% of quantum professionals believe the technology is advancing faster than anticipated, with significant breakthroughs accelerating development. Terra Quantum has secured a competitive SBIR contract to explore a quantum-resistant network for the U.S. Department of the Air Force, integrating post-quantum cryptography and Quantum Key Distribution. LightSolver, an Israeli optical computing startup, has secured €12.5 million in funding from a EU Grant to advance its energy-efficient Laser Processing Unit. IonQ has secured a $5.7 million contract from the Department of Defense to design a networked quantum computing system, emphasizing the importance of quantum technology for national security. GQI has launched a Quantum Resource Estimator initiative to evaluate quantum computing use cases and algorithms.
If you have to read something this week, go for the results from QuEra’s survey:
Ah, and we have another trial to break RSA on a paper by Ed Gerck who already tried it in the past. The community is coalescing into the flaws of the research, but it is a wake up call to know how many people (publicly and secretly) are working relentless to find new innovative ways to break encryption.
The Week in Quantum Computing
NISQ Versus FTQC in the 2025 - 2029 Timeframe
Between 2025 and 2029, significant advancements in quantum computing are anticipated, with early fault-tolerant quantum computers (FTQC) expected to emerge. These FTQC machines, capable of MegaQuops or GigaQuops, will feature around 100 logical qubits, enabling some useful applications but not intensive ones like Shor’s algorithm, which requires TeraQuops. Concurrently, Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) processors are projected to reach 10,000 physical qubits with fidelities over 99.9%. Despite skepticism about NISQ's practical applications, innovative hybrid algorithms and error mitigation techniques show promise. The transition from NISQ to FTQC will be gradual, with both technologies coexisting and evolving.
https://quantumcomputingreport.com/nisq-versus-ftqc-in-the-2025-2029-timeframe/
Riverlane raises $75M for quantum computing error correction
Riverlane has secured $75 million in Series C funding to advance its quantum error correction (QEC) technology, aiming for one million error-free quantum operations by 2026. Led by Planet First Partners, with contributions from ETF Partners, EDBI, and others, the funding will support Riverlane's ambitious roadmap. CEO Steve Brierley emphasized QEC as crucial for transitioning from error-prone quantum machines to reliable systems, potentially revolutionizing industries like pharmaceuticals and clean energy. Riverlane's Deltaflow product, integrating QEC chips, hardware, and software, aims to reduce system errors by over 10,000 times.
https://venturebeat.com/ai/riverlane-raises-75m-for-quantum-computing-error-correction/
Moody’s Taps Quantum to Predict Tropical Cyclone Intensity
Moody's has partnered with quantum computing experts to enhance the prediction of tropical cyclone intensity. Leveraging quantum algorithms, the collaboration aims to improve the accuracy of forecasting models, which are crucial for risk assessment and financial planning. This initiative underscores the growing intersection of quantum technology and climate science, promising more reliable data for decision-makers. "Quantum computing offers unprecedented capabilities in processing complex datasets," stated a Moody's representative.
https://www.iotworldtoday.com/quantum/moody-s-taps-quantum-to-predict-tropical-cyclone-intensity
Quantum computing aims for diversity, one qubit at a time
Elisa Torres Durney, inspired by a virtual quantum computing course during the COVID-19 pandemic, co-founded Girls in Quantum to democratize access to the field. Initiatives like Qubit by Qubit, founded by Kiera Peltz, have introduced 22,000 students to quantum computing, with over half from under-represented backgrounds. Despite the potential of quantum computing to revolutionize fields like drug development and climate science, diversity remains a challenge. Only 1 in 54 applicants for quantum roles are women, and 80% of quantum companies lack women in senior leadership. Efforts by educators like Chris Cantwell, who developed quantum chess, aim to engage younger, diverse audiences early. The push for diversity in quantum computing is crucial for shaping its future impact on society.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02541-z
Terra Quantum Wins Competitive SBIR Funding to Study Feasibility of Long-Range Quantum-Resistant Network for the US Air Force
Terra Quantum has secured a competitive SBIR contract to explore the feasibility of a quantum-resistant network for the U.S. Department of the Air Force (DAF). The project will integrate post-quantum cryptography (PQC), Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), and Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNG) to ensure ultra-secure long-range communications. With only 15% of proposals winning SBIR contracts, this achievement highlights the project's potential impact on defense cybersecurity. Dr. Florian Neukart, CPO, emphasized their expertise in quantum cryptography, noting their world record for transmitting quantum keys over 1,707 km. CEO Markus Pflitsch highlighted the project's role in setting new standards for quantum-secure communication.
Optical supercomputer startup gets €2.5 million EIC grant
LightSolver, an Israeli optical computing startup, has secured a €2.5 million grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund, with an additional €10 million equity investment planned, totaling €12.5 million. LightSolver’s Laser Processing Unit (LPU) leverages light to perform complex mathematical operations, offering significant energy efficiency compared to traditional GPUs and quantum computers. CEO Ruti Ben-Shlomi emphasized the LPU's environmental benefits, noting it doesn't require vacuum or ultracold conditions, making it suitable for data centers. The EIC, an initiative by the European Commission, aims to support high-potential startups and SMEs in scaling breakthrough innovations.
IonQ Lands $5.7M DoD Contract to Pioneer Networked Quantum Computing for Cybersecurity
IonQ has secured a $5.7 million contract from the Department of Defense (DOD) to design a networked quantum computing system, awarded through the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS). This project, funded by the Secretary of the Air Force Concepts, Development, and Management Office, will explore cybersecurity in multi-party quantum computation, including blind quantum computing protocols. Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and Senator Van Hollen emphasized the importance of this investment for national security and technological leadership. IonQ's President and CEO, Peter Chapman, highlighted the potential breakthroughs in blind quantum computing. This contract marks another significant federal investment in IonQ's quantum technology, following previous deals with the U.S. Air Force and Department of Energy.
Quantum Computing Today: breaking RSA-2048
We report here in a ZKP the exact and unique values for the prime numbers p×q = K, that break the well-known RSA public cryptography algorithm (the most used method online and for financial protection) for K=RSA-2048, counted in binary digits. RSA offers no protection against quantum computing. Interested readers can ask for the now private file.
Spoiler: No.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374155658_Quantum_Computing_Today_breaking_RSA-2048
The GQI Quantum Resource Estimator Playbook
GQI has launched a Quantum Resource Estimator (QRE) initiative to evaluate quantum computing use cases and algorithms, leveraging Microsoft's Azure Quantum Resource Estimator. The project aims to provide transparency and performance metrics for quantum hardware and software. GQI's database, with 174 categorized entries and a backlog of 100 more, will be the foundation for these assessments. The results will be published in a public "GQI Playbook," featuring live data visualizations and analyses. Initial estimations include simulations like the 2D Ising model with 100 quantum spins.
https://quantumcomputingreport.com/the-gqi-quantum-resource-estimator-playbook/
Paper: End-to-End Protocol for High-Quality QAOA Parameters with Few Shots
Researchers Tianyi Hao, Zichang He, Ruslan Shaydulin, Jeffrey Larson, and Marco Pistoia have developed an end-to-end protocol to optimize Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) parameters with limited circuit executions (shots). Their approach combines multiple parameter settings and fine-tuning techniques, optimized through large-scale numerical experiments. The study found that optimizers with the simplest internal model (linear) performed best. Implemented on a trapped-ion processor with up to 32 qubits and 5 QAOA layers, the protocol demonstrated robustness to minor hardware noise. This represents the largest demonstration of QAOA parameter tuning on a trapped-ion processor to date, marking a significant advancement in quantum optimization techniques.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2408.00557v1
Singapore Telecommunications : Singtel launches Southeast Asia’s first nationwide quantum-safe network, ready for enterprise trials
Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel) has launched Southeast Asia’s first nationwide quantum-safe network, marking a significant advancement in cybersecurity. This network is now ready for enterprise trials, offering enhanced protection against quantum computing threats. Singtel's initiative aims to safeguard data transmission and communication for businesses, ensuring resilience against future quantum attacks. This pioneering move positions Singtel at the forefront of integrating quantum-safe technologies into existing infrastructure, potentially setting a new standard for cybersecurity in the region.
Survey Report: The Current and Future State of Quantum Computing
QuEra Computing's June 2024 survey reveals significant insights into the quantum computing landscape, with 927 respondents from diverse sectors. Key findings include that 43% of participants are academics, and 19.4% are from quantum computing companies. Geographically, the U.S. and Germany show contrasting confidence levels in their global quantum positioning, with 82% of U.S. respondents feeling well-positioned versus 44% in Germany. Technical challenges such as scalability (33.1%) and error correction (30.9%) are paramount, with differing priorities across segments. Investment priorities include cryptography, security, and quantum networking. The primary ROI sources are solving previously unsolvable problems and faster problem-solving capabilities. The rapid pace of development, with over 50% noting faster-than-expected progress, underscores the industry's dynamic evolution.
https://www.quera.com/blog-posts/current-and-future-state-of-quantum-computing
Quantum computers can accelerate the transition to net zero power grids
Quantum computing holds promise for accelerating the transition to net zero power grids, according to research by Thomas Morstyn and Xiangyue Wang from the University of Oxford, published in Joule. National Grid plans to invest £30 billion over the next five years to update infrastructure, integrating low-carbon technologies and millions of electric vehicles and heat pumps. Quantum computing could optimize grid planning and operations, addressing the increasing complexity and variability of renewable energy sources.
Quantum’s big numbers game
While significant government funding, like the proposed $2.5 billion federal investment, fuels this race, some experts argue that focusing on qubit quality and error correction may be more critical. Jay Gambetta of IBM notes, "The number of qubits is not so much the important thing as the quality of the code, and how many operations it can do." This suggests a shift from a "bigger is better" mindset to a more nuanced strategy in quantum computing development.
Qunnect Inc. Achieves Breakthrough in Quantum Networking with 34-km Fiber Link in NYC
Researchers from Qunnect Inc. have developed a fully automated system for distributing polarization-entangled photons over a 34-km fiber network in New York City. Achieving a high rate of nearly 500,000 pairs per second and a fidelity of approximately 99% for rates up to 20,000 pairs per second, the system operated continuously for 15 days with a 99.84% uptime. This breakthrough demonstrates the feasibility of always-on, high-fidelity quantum networks using existing telecommunication infrastructure, paving the way for advancements in quantum encryption, distributed quantum computing, and quantum sensing. Mehdi Namazi, the lead author, emphasizes that this work enables practical deployment of entanglement-based networks, crucial for future quantum applications.