The Week in Quantum Computing - December 18th - The end of VQEs?
Issue #165
The Week in Quantum Computing. Brought to you by Sergio Gago (@piratecto).
Quick Recap
The University of Western Australia's released a new undergraduate quantum computing major. Caltech and Broadcom partnered together, and Stanford launched the Center for Responsible Quantum Technology. Infleqtion joins Japan's Quantum Moonshot program to work with neutral atoms. The Quantum Pact launched by the EU aims to make Europe a global leader in quantum technologies (just at the shadow of the EU AI act). Terra Quantum launches TQ42's Quantum-as-a-Service platform, adding one more player in the market of Quantum as a Service (joining Strangeworks, Plancq, QCentroid and others). Zapata AI launches BenchQ tool demonstrate how businesses can leverage quantum computing. The hybrid quantum multiple kernel learning methodology proposed by a team of researchers shows the potential applications of quantum computing in the financial sector. The forecasted growth of the quantum computing market to $6,528 million by 2030 indicates the significant potential for business transformation. QNu raises $6.5M in a pre-series A. In a similar way to how we fight for public funding in Europe, Colorado and Illionis in the US fight for their position in the CHIPS act to get quantum cash. A new method using multiple kernel learning promises advances in fraud detection. Reuters has published an amazing article and infography on quantum security. Find the link below.
But in my opinion, the one development from this week has been the paper “Does provable absence of barren plateaus imply classical simulability? Or, why we need to rethink variational quantum computing” that gave us some good pointers on how variational algorithms may evolve, as well as fantastic memes.
But no one better to explain it than Marco Cerezo, one of the authors:
Still deciding what to put on Santa’s list for Christmas? Here’s an idea! (Image may or may have not been created by AI - Seen on Linkedin, not my piece)
The Week in Quantum Computing
"2024 Tech Forecast: Quantum Computing, Generative AI, and Genomics to Revolutionize Industries"
The 2024 Tech Forecast predicts major advancements in five key areas: Generative AI, Sustainable Technologies, IoT & 5G, Quantum Computing, and Genomics & Biotechnology. Generative AI, often powered by models like GPT-4, is expected to revolutionize content creation and user experiences. Sustainable technologies will be a focus as businesses and nations strive for net-zero commitments. The integration of 5G technology and IoT is set to transform industries with improved speed and connectivity. Quantum computing, leveraging quantum physics principles, will redefine computational capabilities, with sectors like banking being early adopters. Finally, the convergence of genomics and biotechnology will revolutionize healthcare, agriculture, and environmental science.
https://cxotoday.com/specials/2024-tech-forecast-from-ai-to-quantum-computing-what-lies-ahead/
Quantum-computing approach uses single molecules as qubits for first time
Physicists have made significant strides in quantum computing by using individual molecules as qubits for the first time. Two teams have reported their results in Science, using pairs of calcium monofluoride molecules manipulated by optical tweezers to create entanglement, a crucial effect for quantum computing. This development, described as a "landmark result" by physicist Adam Kaufman, could enhance the potential applications of molecular tweezer arrays. Despite being slower than other types of qubit for most applications, molecules could be useful for manipulating quantum information using 'qutrits', potentially enabling complex simulations of materials or fundamental physics.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-03943-1
EU launches new pact on quantum technologies
The European Union has launched a new pact on quantum technologies, coordinated by the Spanish Presidency, with the aim of making Europe a global leader in quantum excellence and innovation. The Quantum Pact, presented during the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (TTE) Council meeting, will coordinate quantum-related initiatives at EU, national, and regional levels to build a quantum technology ecosystem. EU Commissioner Thierry Breton emphasized the strategic role of quantum technologies for EU's scientific and industrial competitiveness. Eleven EU nations have endorsed the pact, including France, Belgium, and Spain, while some leading countries in quantum technology, like Germany and the Netherlands, abstained due to the last-minute nature of the initiative.
So, you want to study quantum computing?
The University of Western Australia (UWA) has launched Australia's first undergraduate quantum computing major, responding to strong industry demand. The four-year Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science (Honours) in Quantum Computing was announced by UWA Vice Chancellor Amit Chakma. The course, described as addressing the industry skills gap, focuses on algorithm development and programming. Professor Jingbo Wang, of the Quantum Information, Simulation and Algorithm Research Centre at UWA, highlights the importance of quantum computing, calling it the 'second quantum revolution.' The CSIRO projects that Australia's quantum technology could generate 8,700 jobs and be worth $2.2 billion by 2030. The potential of this technology, especially when paired with artificial intelligence, is immense.
https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/computing/quantum-computing-course/
Caltech and Broadcom Announce Quantum Research and Development Partnership
Caltech and Broadcom have announced a multi-year partnership to advance quantum science research, supported by a significant investment from Broadcom. The collaboration will establish the Broadcom Quantum Laboratory at Caltech, a space for experts in quantum computing, sensing, measurement, and engineering. Over the next five years, the partners will host an annual symposium to explore mutual interests and future development opportunities. Caltech President Thomas F. Rosenbaum believes this partnership amplifies the transformative potential of quantum discoveries. Broadcom's President and CEO, Hock Tan, views this initiative as a reflection of their commitment to innovation.
One platform. Infinite potential.
TQ42, an enterprise-grade Quantum-as-a-Service (QaaS) solutions ecosystem, offers a platform for businesses to access world-class quantum algorithms and build hybrid quantum models. The platform allows for modeling, simulating, optimizing, and solving intricate problems using quantum computing. Key features include integration with existing cloud services, data and IP protection, and a user-friendly interface with robust developer tools. Case studies highlight improvements in areas such as image classification accuracy, runtime efficiency, and options pricing simulations.
Infleqtion Selected to Join Japan's Quantum Moonshot Program with Leading Neutral Atom Quantum Computing Platform
Infleqtion, a global leader in quantum information, has been chosen by Japan's Science and Technology Agency (JST) to join the Quantum Moonshot program, aimed at revolutionizing Japan's economy, industry, and security by 2050. As the program's sole foreign quantum computing partner, Infleqtion will collaborate with Professor Kenji Ohmori's team from the Institute for Molecular Science to develop a large-scale, neutral atom quantum computer with high-fidelity qubits. Ohmori's team recently executed an ultrafast 2-qubit gate operation, accelerating neutral atom quantum computers by two orders of magnitude. Infleqtion's neutral atom quantum computing platform, which leverages naturally identical atoms for scalability and long coherence times, is expected to significantly advance Japan's quantum computing capabilities.
Paper: Quantum Multiple Kernel Learning in Financial Classification Tasks
A team of 14 researchers, including Shungo Miyabe, Brian Quanz, and Noriaki Shimada, have proposed a hybrid quantum multiple kernel learning (QMKL) methodology for improving the quality of predictive models in financial services. The team tested QMKL's robustness on financially relevant datasets using both fidelity and projected quantum kernel approaches, demonstrating its potential in financial classification tasks like fraud detection. They further showcased QMKL on quantum hardware using an error mitigation pipeline, highlighting its benefits in the large qubit regime. This research underscores the potential profitability of quantum utility in the financial industry.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2312.00260v1
Introducing BenchQ, the Result of Our Work With DARPA
Zapata AI, in collaboration with DARPA and partners, has developed BenchQ, a quantum resource estimation tool. BenchQ is a result of the 18-month Phase I of DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking program in 2022. The tool enables the prediction of quantum algorithms' performance across various hardware modalities and can scale up compute on the cloud for large benchmarking calculations. BenchQ was utilized to estimate the resources required for solving an industrially valuable problem in chemistry. The results indicate that millions of physical qubits would be needed for a valuable calculation for Ground State Energy Estimation (GSEE), far exceeding the capabilities of current quantum devices.
https://zapata.ai/darpa-quantum-benchmarking-phase-i-results/
Quantum Computing and the Business Transformation Journey
Quantum computing's impact on business transformation has grown significantly, with the market expected to rise from $717 million in 2022 to $6,528 million in 2030, according to Fortune Business Insights. Quantum bits (qubits) are attracting interest from governments and corporations due to their potential to disrupt sectors such as cryptosecurity, national defense systems, machine learning, and AI. Quantum-inspired tensor networks can significantly reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Quantum services are provided by companies like IBM, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and D-Wave, with global public investment in quantum technologies reaching $30B in the last decade. Despite the progress, challenges such as uncertainty of direction, resource sustainability, and talent shortage remain.
https://cmr.berkeley.edu/2023/12/quantum-computing-and-the-business-transformation-journey/
SLS Launches a First-of-its-Kind Center for Responsible Quantum Technology
On December 6, 2023, Mauritz Kop and Professor Mark Lemley launched the Stanford Center for Responsible Quantum Technology, the first academic center dedicated to the ethical, legal, social, and policy implications of quantum technology, including quantum artificial intelligence. The center, part of the Stanford Program in Law, Science & Technology, was announced at a Dutch Network for Academics event, chaired by Stanford Business School Professor Guido Imbens and featuring outgoing Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte. The center is currently working on 10 projects, focusing on law and policy aspects of quantum technology. The center's launch underlines the critical need to proactively address the impact of quantum technology on law, society, and public policy.
Colorado battles Illinois to become nation’s quantum tech hub with $1B at stake
Colorado and Illinois are in a race to be designated as the nation's top hub for quantum technology, with potential federal support of up to $1 billion. The CHIPS and Science Act, which directs $52 billion to boost U.S. competitiveness in semiconductors and other advanced technologies, has authorized $10 billion to support the development of up to 10 tech hubs in various fields, including quantum technology. Colorado's Elevate Quantum, a coalition of over 70 companies, educational institutions, and federal labs, has successfully bid to bring a quantum tech hub to the region. If successful, this could cement Colorado's dominance in the emerging quantum industry, which is estimated to drive $3.5 trillion in economic activity in the coming years.
https://www.denverpost.com/2023/12/13/boulder-battling-chicago-quantum-technology-hub/
Crossing the quantum chasm: From NISQ to fault tolerance
John Preskill, a leading figure in quantum computing, delivered a keynote address at the Q2B 2023 Conference, emphasizing the challenging transition from Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) to fault-tolerant quantum computing. Preskill stressed that while NISQ technology has scientific value, it currently lacks commercial value due to noise and the absence of error correction. A recent survey of over 300 pages on quantum computing applications provided sobering estimates of end-to-end run times for various quantum algorithms. Preskill highlighted the need for quantum error correction to achieve quantum value, which requires better two-qubit gate fidelities, more physical qubits, and robust systems to control those qubits. He also noted promising developments in erasure conversion, biased noise, and more efficient quantum codes.
https://quantumfrontiers.com/2023/12/09/crossing-the-quantum-chasm-from-nisq-to-fault-tolerance/
Infography - How Quantum Cryptography Quantum computing decrypted
The RSA encryption method, which has protected sensitive data for nearly three decades, could be rendered obsolete by quantum computing, according to a landmark paper by American mathematician Peter Shor. Shor demonstrated how a quantum computer could efficiently factorize large numbers, a process central to RSA encryption. Major powers, including the US and China, are racing to develop quantum computers capable of breaking such encryption. Quantum computers differ from classical computers by using quantum bits or qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously, potentially revolutionizing various scientific fields.
https://www.reuters.com/graphics/USA-CHINA/QUANTUM/gkplxnozqpb/
And the article: https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/us-china-tech-quantum/
"Global Quantum Computing Market to Reach $1.5 Billion by 2026, with Key Sectors Identified: Hyperion Research Study"
Hyperion Research's fourth annual Quantum Computing (QC) Global Market Study, sponsored by Q2B, QED-C, the Korea Quantum Industry Association, and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, reveals the global QC market was worth an estimated $848 million in 2023, with a predicted annual growth rate of 22.1% through 2026, reaching an estimated $1.5 billion. The study is based on a survey of 133 respondents representing 108 quantum computing vendors worldwide. The most promising market segments for QC adoption in the next three years were identified as quantum computing development organizations, the Chemicals/Chemistry sector, and the Financial sector. Bob Sorensen, chief analyst for Quantum Computing at Hyperion Research, underscores the robust and growing interest in QC within the HPC community.
Paper: Q-Seg: Quantum Annealing-based Unsupervised Image Segmentation
A research team, including Supreeth Mysore Venkatesh and four other authors, has introduced Q-Seg, an innovative image segmentation method based on quantum annealing. The method leverages the interconnected qubit topology of the D-Wave Advantage device, demonstrating superior scalability over existing quantum approaches and outperforming traditional methods. Q-Seg's performance was tested on synthetic datasets and Earth Observation images, notably excelling in flood mapping detection and forest coverage segmentation. The method is particularly effective in scenarios where the lack of labeled data and computational runtime are critical, presenting a viable alternative for real-world applications using available quantum hardware.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2311.12912v1
The People Side of Q2B
HKA Marketing Communications, a PR and marketing firm, attended Q2B, a global quantum tech conference in Silicon Valley. The team met with international clients, conducted media interviews, and networked within the quantum ecosystem. Hilary Kaye, author of the article, highlighted the global aspect of the quantum industry and the rise of women in the field. Quantum Delta NL, Quantum Application Lab, and Qblox were among the notable participants. She also mentioned a $100,000 start-up pitch competition organized by Qubits Ventures, won by Xairos Systems. Despite the increasing number of quantum conferences, Kaye affirmed Q2B's importance in the sector.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/people-side-q2b-hka-inc-public-relations-rkbtf
QNu Labs raises USD 6.5 mn in Pre-Series A1 funding round
Quantum computing-based cybersecurity startup, QNu Labs, has raised $6.5 million in a Pre-Series A1 funding round led by Ashish Kacholia of Lucky Investments, Speciale Invest, and an undisclosed family fund. Incubated at IIT Madras Research Park, QNu Labs has developed multiple patented technologies and demonstrated India's first commercially ready quantum-safe security products. The company aims to refine its quantum solution, focus on global markets, and strengthen its leadership team. Sunil Gupta, Co-founder and CEO, stated the funding would accelerate the completion of their quantum technology solutions and solidify India's position as a quantum technological hub.
CETIN has successfully tested an optical connection secured against attacks by quantum computers
CETIN, a leading telecommunications infrastructure provider, has successfully tested an optical connection secured against quantum computer attacks. The trial, in partnership with Adtran, Adva Network Security, ČVUT, NTT Czech Republic, and Toshiba, employed Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) for encryption. This milestone advances quantum-secured services and mitigates risks from high-performance quantum computers. The tested fiber uses DWDM 10Gb/s data flow between CETIN's headquarters and its data center in Prague. QKD uses light's quantum properties for encryption, offering protection against quantum computers capable of rapid decryption.
An ode to quantum sensing
Francesco Ricciuti, in his post titled "An ode to quantum sensing," sheds light on the underappreciated field of quantum sensors. Ricciuti explains that quantum sensors are essential for measuring physical phenomena so minute that quantum mechanics still apply. He emphasizes the role of atomic clocks, a type of quantum sensor, in ensuring accuracy in GPS, data centers, and financial transactions. He also highlights Superconducting Quantum Interface Devices (SQUIDs), another form of quantum sensor, which are used in neuroimaging and MRI techniques. Ricciuti concludes by stating that quantum sensors are already being used in various fields, including inspecting semiconductor defects and absolute gravity measurements. The world of quantum sensing, according to Ricciuti, deserves more recognition for its critical role in modern life.
Cornell Scientists Have Discovered a Hidden Quantum State
A team of Cornell University researchers, including Professor Erich Mueller and doctoral student Vaibhav Sharma, have discovered a "quantum spin-glass" state in quantum computing. This state exhibits both disorder and rigidity, which could offer insights into error correction and reveal hidden orders in quantum algorithms. The team's findings, published in Physical Review B, could potentially lead to new quantum state classifications and advances in quantum computing. Mueller highlights that their work implies some types of information are automatically protected in quantum algorithms.
https://scitechdaily.com/cornell-scientists-have-discovered-a-hidden-quantum-state/
Harvard and Princeton Expand Quantum Computing Possibilities
Harvard and Princeton researchers have successfully used whole molecules as qubits, potentially expanding the "quantum zoo" of qubit modalities. The studies involved cooling molecules of calcium fluoride to near absolute zero and using laser techniques to control their rotation, representing the binary states of a qubit.
Paper: Does provable absence of barren plateaus imply classical simulability? Or, why we need to rethink variational quantum computing
A team of researchers, led by M. Cerezo, have raised questions about the classical simulability of quantum models that lack 'barren plateaus'. The study presents strong evidence that models with provable absence of barren plateaus can be classically simulated, given some initial data collection from quantum devices. The researchers argue that current solutions to barren plateaus, a problem resulting from the curse of dimensionality, tend to encode the problem into classically simulable subspaces. This casts doubt on the non-classicality of parametrized quantum circuits for barren plateau-free landscapes and their superpolynomial advantages. The team highlights the need for rethinking variational quantum computing and identifies new opportunities for exploration.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2312.09121v1
Scientists prove diamond and lithium niobate for advancing quantum tech
Stanford University researchers, led by Amir Safavi-Naeini and Jelena Vuckovic, have successfully demonstrated the potential of diamond and lithium niobate in advancing quantum technology. The team created nanosized structures of the two materials on a single chip, achieving a 92% transfer of light between them. This result highlights the materials' effectiveness in quantum devices. The team also developed a new chip to support a stable stationary qubit, essential for reliable quantum networks. Diamonds, with their easily manipulable molecular structure, are ideal for supporting stationary qubits, while lithium niobate's properties allow for frequency modulation of light.
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/quantum-chip-diamond-lithium-niobate
Unhackable Quantum Communication is a Myth
Michal Krelina and Manoj Harjani from the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU, debunk the myth of "unhackable" quantum communication. They highlight the limitations of quantum communication despite its theoretical advantages over traditional encryption methods. Quantum communication and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) are two ways to guard against potential quantum computer attacks. Countries like China, the UK, Ireland, and Singapore are investing in quantum communication infrastructure, with China launching a quantum communication satellite in 2016 and Singapore initiating the National Quantum-Safe Network Plus. However, Krelina and Harjani emphasize the need for countermeasures to overcome quantum communication limitations. The narrative of invulnerability surrounding quantum communication requires careful reconsideration.
https://www.rsis.edu.sg/rsis-publication/idss/ip23089-unhackable-quantum-communication-is-a-myth/