The Week in Quantum Computing - August 5th 2024 - Public millions flowing, Honeywell, Quantinuum, Rotonium, DOE, UK
Issue #195
The Week in Quantum Computing. Brought to you by Sergio Gago (@piratecto).
Quick Recap
Is it august already? This is what happens with quantum news when you don’t look at them because you are on the beach.
Big public funding news this week. The EU has invested €5.7 million in the Slovenian Quantum Science Hub (SQUASH), a project aimed at cultivating expertise in quantum research and technology. The UK government has also announced over £100 million in funding for five new quantum research hubs. And a $2.5 Billion for DOE in USA from a bipartisan act. Meanwhile, China is making significant strides in quantum computing, with Origin Quantum Computing Technology Co. developing a third-generation superconducting quantum computer, "Origin Wukong". D-Wave has unveiled a new product development roadmap focused on addressing AI/ML workloads. Quantum communication technology is also set to revolutionize the field, with NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program leading the way. Telefónica has also partnered with Fortinet, Warpcom, and Quantum Xchange to develop a quantum security architecture solution, aimed at protecting organizations against quantum computing cyber attacks.
Quantinuum has introduced the beta version of its comprehensive quantum computing platform, Quantinuum Nexus. The platform simplifies quantum computing workflows and provides full-stack support. Quantinuum / Honeywell are also in potential preparations for an IPO at a $10B valuation. Would it have the same effect as the other quantum companies? In any case, they joined other companies in Quantum Platforms such as Strangeworks, Covalent, QCentroid and Terra Quantum. Clearly there is market space here.
Around London in September? I would love to see you at Twickenham stadium where I will be talking about Moody’s PQC programs and new quantum algorithms.
If you are in the financial sector, let me know, we may have a VIP special event for you on that thursday!
https://thepiratecto.com/book-the-cto-toolbox/
* Probably not
The Week in Quantum Computing
Honeywell Weighs Quantinuum IPO at $10 Billion Valuation
Honeywell International Inc. is considering an initial public offering of its majority-owned quantum computing firm Quantinuum as soon as next year, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
Link: https://ift.tt/Xg4BLaV
Slovenian Quantum Science Hub
The Jožef Stefan Institute in Slovenia has secured €5.7 million in EU funding to establish a Slovenian Quantum Science Hub (SQUASH), a €12 million project also backed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. The initiative will assemble 40 international post-doctoral researchers specializing in quantum theory, quantum materials, quantum technology, and quantum computing. The consortium comprises 43 partners, including five Slovenian companies. The aim is to cultivate top-tier experts in quantum research and technologies. SQUASH received the third-highest ranking among 15 selected post-doctoral projects, contributing to the Horizon Europe's COFUND programme's total €96.2 million funding. The project signifies a significant stride towards the second quantum revolution.
Over £100 million boost to quantum hubs to develop life-saving blood tests and resilient security systems
The UK government has announced over £100 million in funding for five new quantum research hubs focused on healthcare, cybersecurity, and transport. The hubs will be located in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Oxford, and London. The funding will aid in the development of quantum technologies like faster medical scanners, secure communication networks, and advanced positioning systems. The Science Secretary, Peter Kyle, highlighted the potential of these technologies to improve disease diagnoses, secure critical infrastructure, and promote cleaner energy. The hubs will be led by leading universities and industry partners to ensure the practical application of research.
China Defies US Blockade with Breakthroughs in Quantum Computing
Despite US restrictions, China's quantum computing technology is advancing rapidly, according to Guo Guangcan, director of the Key Laboratory of Quantum Information of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Origin Quantum Computing Technology Co., a Chinese company, has developed a third-generation superconducting quantum computer, "Origin Wukong", which has completed 250,000 quantum computing tasks for global users since its operation began in January. Guo believes that US blockades will only accelerate China's quantum technology development. The progress of China's quantum computing technology has sparked global interest, with some Western institutions reporting a race to achieve "quantum technology supremacy" between the US and China.
https://quantumzeitgeist.com/china-defies-us-blockade-with-breakthroughs-in-quantum-computing/
6 Best Quantum Computing Jobs in 2024, With Salaries
The global quantum computing market is projected to grow from $1.3 billion in 2024 to $5.3 billion by 2029, driven by increased investments across various industries like healthcare, automotive, and financial services. This growth offers lucrative job opportunities in quantum computing for scientists, engineers, and programmers, with entry-level positions often paying in the high five figures to low six figures. Top roles in the field include Senior Quantum Algorithm Scientist ($150,000-$273,000), Quantum Research Scientist ($135,000-$226,000), and Quantum Cryptographer (entry-level at $80,000, senior level up to $250,000). To pursue a career in this rapidly expanding field, one should obtain relevant degrees, learn quantum programming languages, and seek internships or research roles. The average salary for quantum computing jobs in the U.S. is $131,241, peaking at $214,500.
https://www.techopedia.com/quantum-computing-jobs
D-Wave launches new quantum roadmap geared to AI/ML
D-Wave, the Palo-Alto based quantum computing company, has announced a new product development roadmap aimed at addressing AI/ML workloads. The roadmap focuses on three areas: quantum distributions for generative AI, Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM) architectures, and GPU integration with Leap. D-Wave aims to strengthen the link between quantum optimization, AI, and machine learning through its Leap quantum cloud service. Bill Wong, research fellow at Info-Tech Research Group, highlighted the early stages of assessing the impact of quantum computing on real-world AI use cases. Heather West, quantum computing analyst at IDC, emphasized the customer-centric approach of D-Wave's quantum system.
Quantum Technology for Securing Financial Messaging
The financial industry's dependency on secure messaging for transactions, credit card authorizations, wire transfers, and more, is vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks, particularly with the advent of quantum computing. Quantum computers could potentially break the cryptographic algorithms currently used to protect data and communications. Two technologies, post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and quantum key distribution (QKD), offer different forms of security against cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQC). The report recommends the implementation of PQC standards, increasing quantum expertise within financial institutions, and exploring combined approaches of QKD and PQC for enhanced security. The threat of a future CRQC necessitates immediate evaluation of exposure risk and timely risk mitigation.
https://quantumconsortium.org/financial24/
Quantum Computers, Coming to a Datacenter Near You
Quantum and classical hardware are being integrated into hybrid computing systems, a task that presents significant engineering challenges, according to Yuval Boger, Chief Commercial Officer at QuEra Computing. Despite the advantages of quantum processors, they struggle in data center environments and aren't compatible with typical software architecture. Furthermore, the technical language between quantum and classical computing engineers varies greatly. Despite these challenges, there's a growing demand for on-site quantum computers in data centers. Major quantum hardware companies have started installing their machines in data centers, supercomputing centers, and national laboratories.
https://spectrum.ieee.org/quantum-data-center
Coming Over the Horizon: Quantum Communication Enters the Mainstream
Quantum communication technology is set to revolutionize the field, offering secure and dependable communications between individuals, communities, and governments. Achieving this potential will necessitate significant technological advancements, with global engineering teams striving to deliver. NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program, a leader in space-based quantum communication, recently commissioned "Quantum Communication 101", a booklet authored by the team at Quantinuum. This resource aims to educate scientists, engineers, and communication systems experts about the field. Quantum communication is already rooted in cybersecurity, with quantum computers generating randomness for secure encryption. The ultimate goal is the quantum internet, requiring international collaboration and infrastructure evolution. This emerging field has attracted investments from major corporations and institutions, including a $5.1M Center for Quantum Networks by the National Science Foundation.
https://www.quantinuum.com/news/coming-over-the-horizon-quantum-communication-enters-the-mainstream
Electronic Warfare Goes Quantum
Quantum technologies could revolutionize warfare and defense, enhancing operations through quantum computing, internet, cyber warfare, communication, and advanced sensing. In the South China Sea, a key region for the U.S. Department of Defense, there have been unconfirmed reports of a 12-hour electronic warfare battle between the U.S. Navy and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy. This resulted in the U.S. fleet facing serious disruption of communication and navigation capabilities. Consequently, William Coulter, commander of the U.S. Electronic Attack Squadron 136, was relieved of his duties. The U.S. is reportedly losing its advantages in electronic warfare, prompting efforts to revive its capabilities. Quantum warfare, an emerging field, could potentially enhance sensing and detection, improve signal analysis, and provide secure communication channels.
https://www.rfglobalnet.com/doc/electronic-warfare-goes-quantum-0001
Introducing Quantinuum Nexus: Our All-in-one Quantum Computing Platform
Quantinuum has introduced the beta version of its comprehensive quantum computing platform, Quantinuum Nexus. The platform, designed by in-house quantum experts, simplifies quantum computing workflows and provides full-stack support. Nexus allows users to manage resources across multiple quantum backends, including Quantinuum's H-Series hardware. It also offers a cloud-hosted JupyterHub environment and dedicated simulators like the H-Series emulator. Nexus is integrated with Quantinuum's H-Series Quantum Processor, InQuanto™ software, and H-Series emulators. It also interfaces with other hardware and simulation backends. In the future, Nexus will introduce new tools, including a more powerful cloud-based compiler. Nexus aims to set a new standard in quantum Platform-as-a-Service providers, enhancing quantum computing advancements.
Telefónica Teams Up with Fortinet, Warpcom, and Quantum Xchange to Develop Quantum-Proof Cybersecurity Solution
Telecom giant Telefónica has partnered with Fortinet, Warpcom, and Quantum Xchange to develop a quantum security architecture solution, aimed at protecting organizations against quantum computing cyber attacks. The architecture uses Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and post-quantum cryptographic algorithms to enhance data protection and secure communication. Over the past six months, a team of over 20 cybersecurity experts has developed and tested this architecture. Patricia Díez Muñoz, Global Security Director for Networks and Systems at Telefónica, emphasizes the need for organizations to prepare for quantum-safe communications today. The group is now ready to test the solution in a production environment.
https://cybermagazine.com/articles/telefonica-what-does-its-quantum-security-solution-cover
Durbin, Daines Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Fund The Future Of Quantum Research At DOE
U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin and Senator Steve Daines introduced the Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2024 to authorize over $2.5 billion for quantum research at the Department of Energy (DOE). This funding, significantly higher than the $625 million allocated in the expired National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018, aims to boost U.S. capacity in quantum information science and R&D. The legislation also empowers the DOE to expand its quantum R&D initiatives. David Awschalom, Director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, emphasized the need for a robust supply chain and workforce to fully realize quantum's potential. The act is backed by numerous entities including the Energy Sciences Coalition, Chicago Quantum Exchange, and IBM.
Hybrid Quantum-Classical Computing Tapped for Industrial R&D
Informa UK Limited, a company registered in England and Wales, is utilizing hybrid quantum-classical computing for industrial research and development. This approach combines the strengths of classical computing with the unprecedented capabilities of quantum computing, promising significant advancements in the field.
https://www.iotworldtoday.com/quantum/hybrid-quantum-classical-computing-tapped-for-industrial-r-d
How to Build a Photonic Quantum Computer
A German collaboration, including the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF), is developing a photonic quantum computer. The project, known as "PhoQuant", involves 14 parties spanning industry, academia, and R&D. The team is addressing system architecture, operability, and integration. Unlike digital computers that perform operations on integers, quantum computers leverage qubits, allowing for parallel computation of all possible outcomes. Photonic quantum computers use photons, offering a viable pathway to quantum computing at room temperature. The generation and processing of photons and photonic qubits can be done without excessive cooling, making them a promising candidate for scalable integrated circuits with millions of qubits.
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/How_to_Build_a_Photonic_Quantum_Computer/a70182
Quantum computing is already impacting engineering simulation
Engineering.com reports that quantum computing is already influencing engineering simulations, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries. Companies like BMW, Volkswagen, and Rolls Royce are testing quantum computing applications, with BMW reporting improved training time of quantum generative models. Erik Garcell, head of technical marketing at quantum software firm Classiq, and Elica Kyoseva, director of quantum algorithm engineering at Nvidia, both highlight the potential of quantum computing in areas like simulation, materials development, and battery research. However, they note that the full potential of quantum computing has yet to be realized.
https://www.engineering.com/quantum-computing-is-already-impacting-engineering-simulation/
Quantum computing in space, Rotonium raises EUR 1 million
Italian deep-tech startup, Rotonium, has secured a €1 million seed investment from Galaxia, the National Technology Transfer Centre for Aerospace, and Obloo Ventures. The funding will boost Rotonium's research into quantum computers, specifically the development of a photon quantum processor. The startup, incubated at Le Village in Padua, aims to decentralize quantum computing using a single-photon qubit that allows quantum computer components to operate at room temperature. This innovation could enable quantum computing in all conditions, including in space. The investment will also facilitate the expansion of Rotonium's team, as it aims to become an edge quantum computing benchmark.
https://www.startupbusiness.it/en/quantum-computing-in-space-rotonium-raises-eur-1-million/141857/