The Week in Quantum Computing - August 19th 2024 - QuantrolOx, Q. Circuits, Q-Ctrl and of course: NIST
Issue #197
Well, this week is truly all about cybersecurity and education. But lets start with the usual news:
Quick Recap
QuantrolOx has joined the Arctic Quantum Consortium, a collaborative effort involving 35 quantum organizations from 11 countries, led by IMEC. This consortium aims to develop a European supply chain for cryogenic photonics, microelectronics, and cryo-microsystems to scale quantum computing technology. Ooredoo has invested QR 2.8 million in the Qatar Centre for Quantum Computing at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, emphasizing Qatar's commitment to becoming a competitive player in the global quantum landscape. The "3rd PQC Standardization and Migration Workshop" at Academia Sinica in Taipei highlighted the urgency of transitioning to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to counteract future cybersecurity threats. The White House's "REPORT ON POST-QUANTUM CRYPTOGRAPHY" outlines the U.S. strategy for transitioning to PQC, estimating a government-wide cost of $7.1 billion from 2025 to 2035. BlueQubit Inc. and Quantum Art Ltd. secured a $2.2 million grant from the BIRD Foundation to advance quantum computing innovation.
Let me repeat that: “The US estimates will need to spend $7.1B to transition to PQC”.
How to make that a reality? Well, of course, by having a new set of standards to upgrade our encryption mechanisms. While you still debate whether we should go QKD (pure quantum comms) or PQC, this week has marked a huge milestone in the area by NIST announcing the 3 new standards of Post-Quantum Encryption algorithms. These are:
Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 203, intended as the primary standard for general encryption. Among its advantages are comparatively small encryption keys that two parties can exchange easily, as well as its speed of operation. The standard is based on the CRYSTALS-Kyber algorithm, which has been renamed ML-KEM, short for Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism.
FIPS 204, intended as the primary standard for protecting digital signatures. The standard uses the CRYSTALS-Dilithium algorithm, which has been renamed ML-DSA, short for Module-Lattice-Based Digital Signature Algorithm.
FIPS 205, also designed for digital signatures. The standard employs the Sphincs+ algorithm, which has been renamed SLH-DSA, short for Stateless Hash-Based Digital Signature Algorithm. The standard is based on a different math approach than ML-DSA, and it is intended as a backup method in case ML-DSA proves vulnerable.
But nobody better than them at explaining the algorithms:
A lot has been written about this in the last few days, and Bob Sutor has made a perfect selection of articles. So I won’t repeat or try to improve a fantastic work.
Ok, that was a blast. Many years waiting for this to happen. Now, if your company does not have a strategy for PQC now and you have private data. You got a problem.
The Week in Quantum Computing
(because yes, other stuff also happened)
QuantrolOx Joins ARCTIC Consortium with 35 Leading Quantum Organizations to Advance Spin Qubits Towards the Million-Qubit Quantum Computer Era
QuantrolOx has joined the ARCTIC Consortium, a collaboration of 36 partners from 11 countries, led by IMEC, to advance cryogenic technologies for quantum computing. The project aims to develop a comprehensive European supply chain for cryogenic photonics and microelectronics, crucial for scaling quantum computers to millions of qubits. Alexander Grill of IMEC emphasized the need for optimized microelectronic technologies at cryogenic temperatures. QuantrolOx will contribute by developing machine learning algorithms for automated spin device characterization and qubit control, aiming to significantly reduce testing times. CEO Vishal Chatrath highlighted their goal to establish industry benchmarks for quantum dot devices, similar to their achievements with superconducting qubits. This initiative is pivotal for advancements in computational chemistry, life sciences, and cybersecurity.
https://quantrolox.com/quantrolox-joins-arctic-consortium/
Taiwan hosts post-quantum cyber security workshop
The "3rd PQC Standardization and Migration Workshop" at Academia Sinica in Taipei on August 10, 2024, gathered over 100 participants from government and industry to address the impending quantum computing revolution. Experts, including Matthias Kannwisher from Chelpis Quantum Tech and NTU Professor Chang Pei-zen, emphasized the urgency of transitioning to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to counteract future cybersecurity threats. Google’s Sophie Schmeig and Fraunhofer SG CEO Michael Kasper highlighted the need for standardized PQC protocols and debated the efficacy of quantum key distribution (QKD). Yang Bo-ying from Academia Sinica noted the accelerated timeline for current cryptography becoming obsolete. The consensus was clear: proactive measures are essential to safeguard data in the quantum era.
https://taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5917785
Ooredoo Invests QR 2.8 Million in Qatar's Quantum Computing Initiative
Ooredoo, a major telecommunications provider in Qatar, has invested QR 2.8 million in the Qatar Centre for Quantum Computing at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU). This funding aims to advance research and development in quantum technologies, which are poised to revolutionize sectors such as telecommunications and computing. The collaboration underscores Ooredoo's commitment to innovation and positions Qatar as a competitive player in the global quantum computing landscape. This strategic investment not only highlights Ooredoo's dedication to technological advancement but also significantly bolsters Qatar's standing in the burgeoning field of quantum computing.
https://www.livarava.com/technology/p/4230661
Chip that entangles four photons opens up possibility of inviolable quantum encryption
Researchers from the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) and the Polytechnic University of Milan have developed a photonic chip that entangles four photons, enabling unprecedented quantum encryption. The study, led by Paulo Henrique Dias Ferreira and Professor Roberto Osellame, demonstrates the creation and characterization of high-fidelity Greenberg-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) states using quantum dot technology and glass photonic circuits. This breakthrough, published in *npj Quantum Information*, represents a significant advancement in quantum communication, offering robust security against even the most advanced quantum computers. Ferreira emphasizes that any unauthorized access attempts will alter the quantum state, ensuring immediate detection.
https://phys.org/news/2024-08-chip-entangles-photons-possibility-inviolable.html
"REPORT ON POST-QUANTUM CRYPTOGRAPHY" as required by the Act and National Security Memorandum 10 (“NSM-10”)
The White House's "REPORT ON POST-QUANTUM CRYPTOGRAPHY," mandated by National Security Memorandum 10, outlines the U.S. strategy for transitioning to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Key points include the estimated emergence of a Cryptographically Relevant Quantum Computer (`CRQC) in the 2030s and a projected government-wide cost of $7.1 billion from 2025 to 2035. The report emphasizes the need for a comprehensive cryptographic inventory and prioritization of systems for PQC migration to counter record-now-decrypt-later threats. It also highlights the significant cost of replacing systems that cannot support PQC.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/REF_PQC-Report_FINAL_Send.pdf
BlueQubit and Quantum Art Receive BIRD Foundation Grant for Quantum Computing Innovation with a $2.2M Budget
BlueQubit Inc. and Quantum Art Ltd. have secured a $2.2 million grant from the BIRD Foundation to advance quantum computing innovation. This collaboration between the U.S. and Israel aims to develop cutting-edge quantum technologies. The funding will support research and development efforts, potentially accelerating breakthroughs in the field
Quantum Algorithm Outperforms Current Method of Identifying Healthy Livers for Transplant
Terra Quantum, in collaboration with medical and informatics experts, has developed a hybrid quantum neural network (HQNN) that outperforms traditional methods in identifying healthy livers for transplantation. Published in the peer-reviewed journal Diagnostics, the study highlights the algorithm's 97% accuracy, surpassing traditional methods by 1.8% and achieving over 90% accuracy with a false negative rate below 5%. The system, which uses only 5 qubits, combines quantum computing with classical machine learning to create a heat map of liver health, aiding in the diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Quantum AI Global and Q-CTRL enter into strategic partnership to Advance Quantum Technology in India
Quantum AI Global (QAIG) and Q-CTRL have announced a strategic partnership to advance quantum technology in India, focusing on education and workforce development. Q-CTRL's Black Opal software will be integrated into Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation's Naan Mudhalvan Upskilling Platform, making Tamil Nadu the first state globally to mandate quantum computing education in technical universities. This initiative aims to address the global quantum workforce shortage, as highlighted by a McKinsey report predicting that less than half of projected quantum computing jobs will be filled by 2025. QAIG CEO Sanjay Chittore emphasized the partnership's role in cultivating a quantum-aware workforce.
Standardizing standards
The quantum computing industry is rife with claims of leadership across hardware, software, and algorithms, often leading to public disputes. Standardized benchmarks, such as those being developed by IEEE's P7131 Standard, aim to provide unbiased, statistically significant performance metrics. Independent authorities like Los Alamos National Laboratory have validated Quantum Volume (QV) scores for devices from IBM Q, IonQ, Rigetti, Oxford Quantum Circuits, and Quantinuum. However, QV only indicates the size of algorithms that can be run, not their practical applications. DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking program is addressing this by evaluating 20 applications for computational advantages over supercomputers. Standardized, independent benchmarks are crucial for objectively assessing quantum computing capabilities.
https://www.moodys.com/web/en/us/insights/digital-transformation/standardizing-standards.html
Europe's finance sector must come together to prepare for the era of quantum computing
The World Economic Forum emphasizes the urgent need for Europe's finance sector to collaborate in anticipation of quantum computing advancements. The article underscores the transformative potential of quantum technology on financial services, urging institutions to proactively address emerging challenges and opportunities. It highlights the importance of strategic partnerships and knowledge sharing to navigate the complexities of quantum computing. The call to action is clear: the finance sector must unite to harness quantum computing's capabilities and mitigate associated risks.
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/08/europe-finance-industry-quantum-computing/
NIST Releases First 3 Finalized Post-Quantum Encryption Standards
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has finalized three post-quantum encryption standards to protect against potential quantum computer cyberattacks. This milestone follows an eight-year effort involving global cryptography experts who evaluated 82 algorithms from 25 countries. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves emphasized the importance of these standards in maintaining U.S. technological and economic security. NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio highlighted the agency's commitment to safeguarding electronic information. NIST mathematician Dustin Moody urged immediate integration of these standards into existing systems. These new algorithms are designed to secure a wide range of digital communications and transactions, ensuring resilience against future quantum threats.
Taking Steps to Prepare for Quantum Advantage
Akamai is taking a phased approach to implement post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to protect against potential quantum computing threats that could break existing encryption methods. The company is aligning with industry standards set by NIST and other agencies, and its CEO, Tom Leighton, has contributed to quantum-resistant cryptographic advancements. Akamai plans to strengthen its platform with PQC in three phases: first, securing the Akamai-to-origin connection (late 2024), followed by the client-to-Akamai transport (early 2025), and finally, enabling end-to-end PQC across Akamai's infrastructure by mid-2025. These efforts aim to mitigate "harvest now, decrypt later" threats.
https://www.akamai.com/blog/security/taking-steps-to-prepare-for-quantum-advantage
QuEra and QIC Partner to Revolutionize Drug Discovery with Quantum Computing and AI
QuEra Computing and Quantum Intelligence Corp. (QIC) have announced a strategic partnership to revolutionize drug discovery using quantum computing. QuEra's neutral-atom quantum computers will enhance QIC's QUEST platform, which uses AI to predict drug behavior and safety. Dr. Hwanho Choi, CEO of QIC, emphasized the potential to reduce risks and improve treatment efficacy. QuEra's Chief Commercial Officer, Yuval Boger, highlighted the collaboration's goal to expedite and refine drug development. QuEra, based on research from Harvard and MIT, offers the only publicly accessible neutral-atom quantum computers. This partnership aims to significantly accelerate the drug development process, combining quantum computing and AI for more precise and efficient outcomes.
MAS Collaborates with Banks and Technology Partners on Quantum Security
On August 14, 2024, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DBS, HSBC, OCBC, UOB, SPTel, and SpeQtral to explore quantum security. This collaboration focuses on the application of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), a secure communication method for exchanging cryptographic keys exclusively between shared parties. The initiative aims to enhance cybersecurity measures within the financial sector. MAS's partnership with these banks and technology firms underscores Singapore's commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for secure financial transactions. This collaboration marks a significant step towards integrating quantum technologies into mainstream financial systems, potentially setting new standards for global financial security.
European competence framework for quantum technologies (CFQT)
The European Competence Framework for Quantum Technologies (CFQT), developed by the Quantum Flagship CSAs (QTEdu, QUCATS) and published by the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology of the European Commission, outlines the essential knowledge and skills for the QT industry. It includes both QT-specific and 'classical' competences, such as engineering, finance, and chemistry, along with transversal skills like communication, collaboration, and digital proficiency. This framework aims to guide the planning and design of QT education and training projects. According to personal authors Franziska Greinert and Rainer Müller, the CFQT serves as a reference for aligning educational activities with industry requirements, ensuring a well-prepared workforce for the evolving QT sector.
Quantum Circuits Secures More Than $60 Million in Series B Investment
Quantum Circuits Inc. has successfully raised over $60 million in a Series B funding round. This milestone follows the recent appointment of Ray Smets as CEO, signaling a strategic push in the quantum computing sector. Smets stated, “This investment will accelerate our mission to make quantum computing accessible and impactful.”
How a quantum sensor on the ISS could revolutionize space exploration
NASA's Cold Atom Lab (CAL) on the International Space Station (ISS) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by making high-precision measurements using a quantum sensor based on ultra-cold rubidium atoms. This advancement, led by Jason Williams at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, could revolutionize fields such as GPS technology and telecommunications by surpassing traditional sensors in sensitivity and accuracy. The quantum sensor, an atom interferometer, measures subtle vibrations and environmental changes with unprecedented precision. This technology holds potential for testing fundamental physics theories, such as general relativity and the Standard Model, and could even aid in detecting dark matter.