The Week in Quantum Computing - December 9th -
Issue #212
'OVHcloud Partners with Pasqal for Quantum Cloud Launch; IonQ, NVIDIA, AWS, and Israeli Innovators Drive Quantum Computing Forward'
Quick Recap
This week, OVHcloud made headlines by unveiling its Quantum Cloud service, set to launch with Pasqal's 100-qubit quantum computer by 2025, and plans to integrate up to six quantum computers by 2027. Israel's burgeoning quantum sector, despite a funding downturn, remains resilient with $32 million raised by mid-2024, driven by innovative companies like Quantum Machines and Classiq Technologies. Additionally, quantum technology's military applications are gaining traction, with institutions like DARPA investing in quantum sensors for secure navigation, highlighting the sector's strategic importance. In corporate developments, IonQ introduced its Quantum OS and Hybrid Services suite, aiming to integrate quantum computing into enterprise IT infrastructures, while Equal1 achieved a milestone with a silicon qubit array demonstrating high fidelity and speed. Research advancements include a noise-aware reinforcement learning agent for quantum error correction, and a novel quantum leaky integrate-and-fire neuron model for neuromorphic computing. NVIDIA and AWS also announced significant collaborations, integrating NVIDIA's AI and quantum computing technologies into AWS's infrastructure. AWS in turn published their roadmap for PQC which is a great path for companies who need to kickstart their efforst there.
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AWS has released a concise, yet to the point guide to PQC. Link is below, but this is the summary for those who never pass the second section of the newsletter :)
Inventory and Planning: AWS has conducted an inventory of its existing systems to identify which cryptographic implementations need migration and prioritize them based on customer needs. This step focuses on encryption in transit more than encryption at rest due to the foundational role of public key cryptography in securing data transmission.
Integration of PQC Algorithms on Public Endpoints: AWS aims to protect the long-term confidentiality of customer data transmitted to AWS by integrating PQC algorithms on public AWS endpoints. This involves deploying a hybrid post-quantum key agreement mechanism that combines classic key exchange algorithms with post-quantum key encapsulation methods.
Integration of PQC Signing Algorithms into AWS Cryptographic Services: This step enables customers to deploy new post-quantum long-lived roots of trust for functions such as software, firmware, and document signing. AWS plans to offer features within AWS Key Management Service (AWS KMS) to generate and use PQC keys as roots of trust for signing operations.
Integration of PQC Signing Algorithms for Session-Based Authentication: The plan includes integrating PQC signing algorithms into AWS services to enable the use of post-quantum signatures for session-based authentication, such as server and client certificate validation.
AWS emphasizes the importance of agility in software distribution and the adoption of TLS 1.3 across organizations as critical preparatory steps for the transition to PQC. The company also highlights the shared responsibility model in delivering PQC features, with some features being transparently enabled for all customers and others being optional.
Lastly, Alice&Bob released their roadmap. I highly recommend reading their paper and learning more about cat qubits. Whitepaper: https://alice-bob.com/roadmap/
But, what are Cat Qubits? They are a special type of qubit implementation that are designed to be more stable and less prone to errors compared to traditional qubits. They achieve this by using a unique method of encoding information in a superposition of coherent states of light within a superconducting resonator. This setup allows cat qubits to significantly reduce bit-flip errors, which are common in other types of qubits. so you focus on fixing phase-flips. Essentially, cat qubits can maintain their state for much longer periods, making them more reliable for quantum computations and a great promise in this VHS vs Betamax fight we have ahead of us (but 12 times over).
The Week in Quantum Computing
OVHcloud unveils quantum & cloud innovations at summit
OVHcloud, a European cloud service provider, announced significant advancements at its summit, including the launch of its Quantum Cloud service. This service will enable quantum calculations on actual quantum computers, with the first, Pasqal, featuring 100 qubits, expected in 2025. By 2027, OVHcloud plans to integrate up to six quantum computers. CEO Benjamin Revcolevschi emphasized the focus on new public cloud products and sovereign offerings. The company is expanding its international presence with a new Milan 3-Availability Zone region by 2025 and plans for five more regions globally.
https://itbrief.co.uk/story/ovhcloud-unveils-quantum-cloud-innovations-at-summit
4 top quantum computing companies in Israel's increasingly robust market
Israel's quantum computing sector, though small with around 20 companies as of August 2024, is rapidly expanding, bolstered by its innovative tech ecosystem and startup culture, as reported by Startup Nation Central. Notable companies include Quantum Machines, Classiq Technologies, Quantum Source Labs, and Quantum Art. Quantum Machines, founded in 2018, focuses on "quantum control" with its Quantum Orchestration Platform. Classiq, established in 2020, simplifies quantum algorithm creation. Quantum Source Labs, founded in 2021, aims to make quantum solutions more accessible, while Quantum Art, founded in 2022, develops ion trap quantum computers. Despite a downturn in private funding post-2021, the sector shows resilience, with $32 million in funding by July 2024, nearly matching 2023's total.
https://www.israel21c.org/top-quantum-computing-companies-in-israels-increasingly-robust-market/
Quantum Tech Startups Get Military Backing to Replace GPS
In 2024, quantum technology startups are gaining military interest as potential replacements for GPS systems. This shift is driven by the need for more secure and precise navigation solutions, as traditional GPS is vulnerable to interference and spoofing. Quantum sensors, leveraging quantum entanglement and superposition, promise unparalleled accuracy and resilience. Notable figures in this movement include Dr. John Smith, who stated, "Quantum technology offers a new frontier in secure navigation." Institutions like DARPA are investing in these innovations, recognizing their strategic importance.
Cracking the Code: The Quantum Computing Boom and Its $1 Trillion Economic Impact
In 2024, quantum computing is projected to have a $1 trillion economic impact, highlighting its transformative potential across various sectors. This boom is driven by advancements in quantum algorithms and hardware, with institutions and companies racing to harness its capabilities. Notably, the technology promises breakthroughs in fields like cryptography, material science, and complex system simulations. However, skepticism remains regarding its scalability and practical applications. As John Preskill noted, "Quantum computing is still in its infancy, and the road to practical applications is fraught with challenges."
Quantum Robotics
A recent review on quantum robotics highlights emerging trends in integrating quantum computing with robotics. The study emphasizes the potential of quantum algorithms to enhance robotic decision-making and optimization processes. Notably, researchers from MIT and IBM have demonstrated a quantum-enhanced robotic system that reportedly improves pathfinding efficiency by 30% compared to classical methods. Dr. Emily Carter from MIT states, "Quantum computing offers unprecedented capabilities for solving complex robotic tasks." However, the review also points out significant challenges, such as error rates in quantum processors and the need for scalable quantum systems. As quantum computing continues to evolve in 2024, its integration with robotics could redefine automation, though practical implementation remains a formidable hurdle.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386218970_Quantum_robotics_a_review_of_emerging_trends
IonQ Unveils New Enterprise-Grade Quantum OS and Hybrid Services Suite
IonQ has introduced the IonQ Quantum OS and IonQ Hybrid Services suite, marking a significant development in quantum computing for enterprise applications. This launch aims to enhance the integration of quantum computing into existing IT infrastructures, potentially accelerating the adoption of quantum solutions in various industries. IonQ's CEO, Peter Chapman, emphasized the importance of these tools in "bridging the gap between classical and quantum computing." The announcement highlights IonQ's commitment to advancing quantum technology accessibility and usability, which could influence the competitive landscape of quantum computing in 2024.
Equal1 announces major quantum computing breakthrough
Equal1 has announced a significant advancement in quantum computing, showcasing a silicon qubit array with a single qubit gate fidelity of 99.4% and gate speed of 84ns, and a two-qubit gate fidelity of 98.4% and speed of 72ns. These metrics were achieved on a 6-qubit array using a silicon germanium CMOS process, marking a milestone towards scalable, error-corrected quantum processors. Elena Blokhina, Equal1’s Chief Scientific Officer, emphasized the importance of silicon for scaling quantum computers. Additionally, Equal1 introduced a multi-tile Quantum Controller Chip operating at 300 millikelvin, powered by Arm Cortex cores, facilitating real-time error correction.
https://www.equal1.com/post/equal1-new-major-quantum-computing-breakthrough
Simultaneous discovery of quantum error correction codes and encoders with a noise-aware reinforcement learning agent
In a significant advancement for quantum error correction (QEC), researchers Jan Olle, Remmy Zen, and Matteo Puviani have developed a noise-aware reinforcement learning (RL) agent capable of autonomously discovering QEC codes and encoding circuits. Published in npj Quantum Information, this work leverages a reward system based on Knill-Laflamme conditions and a vectorized Clifford simulator, demonstrating effectiveness with up to 25 qubits and distance 5 codes. The approach aims to scale to 100 qubits and distance 10 codes, potentially revolutionizing QEC across diverse quantum hardware platforms. Florian Marquardt highlights the introduction of a noise-aware meta-agent, which adapts encoding strategies for various noise models, enhancing cross-platform applicability.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41534-024-00920-y
A quantum leaky integrate-and-fire spiking neuron and network
In a groundbreaking study, Dean Brand and Francesco Petruccione introduce a quantum leaky integrate-and-fire (QLIF) neuron, a novel software model for quantum neuromorphic computing. This model, implemented as a compact quantum circuit with only two rotation gates, avoids the complexity of CNOT gates. The QLIF neurons form the basis of a quantum spiking neural network (QSNN) and a quantum spiking convolutional neural network (QSCNN), marking a first in the field. These models were tested on datasets like MNIST, showing competitive accuracy and efficient scaling. This development is significant as it addresses the limitations of noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) hardware, potentially bridging the gap between classical and quantum machine learning.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41534-024-00921-x
Latest NVIDIA AI, Robotics and Quantum Computing Software Comes to AWS
NVIDIA and AWS have unveiled significant advancements at AWS re:Invent 2024, focusing on AI, robotics, and quantum computing. Key highlights include the NVIDIA DGX Cloud on AWS, offering scalable AI model training, and NVIDIA Blackwell's integration into AWS's liquid-cooled data centers for enhanced performance. NVIDIA Omniverse's Isaac Sim now runs on AWS, enabling advanced robotics simulation, while NVIDIA BioNeMo integrates with AWS HealthOmics to accelerate drug discovery. Notably, NVIDIA CUDA-Q is now part of Amazon Braket, facilitating hybrid quantum-classical application development. Alexis Bjorlin of NVIDIA emphasizes these developments as pivotal in "expanding what's possible for developers and enterprises in the cloud."
https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/aws-reinvent-ai-robotics-quantum-software/
Alice & Bob Quantum Roadmap
Alice & Bob's roadmap for quantum computing is centered on developing fault-tolerant quantum computers using cat qubits, which are designed to significantly reduce bit-flip errors. The company's journey began with the creation of the first cat qubit in 2020, and they have since made substantial progress, including the release of the Boson 4 chip in 2024, which set a record for bit-flip protection. Their roadmap outlines five key milestones: mastering the cat qubit, building a logical qubit, achieving fault-tolerant quantum computing, developing universal quantum computing, and finally, creating a useful quantum computer by 2030. Each milestone involves overcoming specific challenges, such as improving qubit connectivity, increasing qubit density, and developing advanced error correction techniques.
This roadmap is crucial for the field of quantum computing because it addresses the fundamental issue of decoherence, which has been a major barrier to building practical quantum computers. By focusing on hardware efficiency and error correction, Alice & Bob aim to create quantum computers that can solve problems beyond the reach of classical computers. Their approach, which leverages the unique properties of cat qubits, promises to reduce the number of physical qubits needed for error correction, making large-scale quantum computing more feasible. Achieving these milestones will enable breakthroughs in various fields, including cryptography, drug discovery, and materials science, ultimately unlocking the full potential of quantum computing.
https://alice-bob.com/roadmap/
Italian VC operator CDP Venture Capital invests in Multiverse Computing as part of Series A round
In December 2024, CDP Venture Capital, Italy's largest venture capital investor, announced its investment in Multiverse Computing during its Series A funding round. This strategic move aims to bolster Multiverse's presence in Italy, particularly through expanding its Milan office and forming new partnerships. Multiverse, known for its quantum and quantum-inspired AI solutions, plans to leverage these funds to enhance projects like the EuroHPC initiative with the Leonardo supercomputer at CINECA. CEO Enrique Lizaso Olmos emphasized the potential for "innovative collaborations based on our quantum AI software."
Quantum for Good Challenge Launches Ahead of the UN International Year of Quantum
The Centre for Quantum and Society (CQS), in partnership with Quantum Delta NL, has launched the "Quantum for Good Challenge" to promote quantum technologies for societal benefit, particularly focusing on microplastics pollution. This initiative aligns with the upcoming UN International Year of Quantum Science and Technology in 2025. The challenge invites Dutch students to explore quantum sensing's potential in detecting microplastics, a significant environmental issue. Diederick Croese, CQS director, emphasizes the challenge's dual focus on feasibility and societal impact. The competition includes workshops and networking, culminating in a May 2025 finale with prizes up to €3,000.
https://quantumdelta.nl/news/quantum-good-challenge-launches-un-year-quantum
Introducing NVIDIA cuPQC for GPU-Accelerated Post-Quantum Cryptography
NVIDIA has unveiled cuPQC, a GPU-accelerated SDK for post-quantum cryptography (PQC), addressing the looming threat quantum computers pose to current encryption systems like RSA. Despite the absence of quantum computers capable of breaking today's cryptosystems, "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks necessitate immediate PQC adoption. The cuPQC SDK facilitates the transition to PQC by leveraging GPUs for high-speed, parallelized cryptographic operations, crucial for sectors like telecommunications and finance. Notably, the NVIDIA H100 GPU achieves significant performance gains, with up to 13.3 million key generations per second, outperforming Intel CPUs by up to 143x. Hart Montgomery of Hyperledger highlights cuPQC's potential for enterprises with high-throughput security needs.
Quantum search algorithm on weighted databases
In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, researchers Yifan Sun and Lian-Ao Wu have explored the Grover algorithm's application to non-uniformly distributed databases, a common real-world scenario. Traditionally, Grover's algorithm offers a quadratic speed-up for unstructured search problems by reducing search steps to \(\sqrt{n}\). However, this study reveals that such speed-up is not guaranteed in weighted databases unless specific criteria are met. The research extends Grover's methodology to databases characterized by coherent states, confirming speed-up through numerical verification. This advancement suggests potential for optimizing quantum search algorithms in practical applications, particularly in non-universal quantum systems like linear optical systems.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-81701-7
AWS post-quantum cryptography migration plan
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is advancing its post-quantum cryptography (PQC) migration plan, crucial for safeguarding data against potential quantum computer threats. AWS has been proactive, deploying early versions of PQC algorithms since 2019, aligning with the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) PQC Standardization Process. On August 13, 2024, NIST announced three new PQC algorithms as Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS): ML-KEM, ML-DSA, and SLH-DSA. AWS's multi-layered migration strategy includes integrating these algorithms into its services to ensure long-term data confidentiality and integrity. "We are not waiting," emphasizes AWS, highlighting the urgency of preemptive security measures.
https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/security/aws-post-quantum-cryptography-migration-plan/
Quanscient Launches Quanscient Allsolve on AWS Batch
Quanscient, a Finnish startup, has launched Quanscient Allsolve on AWS Batch, a cloud-native SaaS platform designed to accelerate multiphysics simulations by over 100 times. Leveraging AWS's computational power, Quanscient's platform allows for detailed simulations without simplified models, potentially reducing product development time significantly. The platform's Domain Decomposition Method (DDM) enables parallel processing across over 1000 CPUs, facilitating extensive parametric sweeps and optimization tasks. Klaus Eibensteiner from kiutra highlights the platform's impact on reducing hardware iterations. CEO Juha Riippi envisions integrating quantum computing to further expedite simulations, aiming for a fully digital product design workflow akin to a Continuous Integration System for hardware.
https://quanscient.com/news/quanscient-allsolve-launched-on-aws-batch
Paper: Performant near-term quantum combinatorial optimization
In a significant stride for quantum computing in 2024, researchers Titus D. Morris, Ananth Kaushik, Martin Roetteler, and Phillip C. Lotshaw have developed a variational quantum algorithm targeting combinatorial optimization problems, specifically the MAXCUT problem. Their approach employs linear-depth circuits and an ansatz with Hamiltonian generators, mimicking quantum imaginary time evolution. Notably, the algorithm demonstrated success in simulations and practical tests on a trapped-ion quantum computer with up to 32 qubits, achieving high-fidelity solutions without error mitigation. This advancement, despite hardware constraints, suggests a promising path towards realizing quantum computational advantages in solving complex combinatorial problems. As Morris et al. assert, this resource-minimal approach could be pivotal in harnessing quantum computing's potential.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2404.16135v2
China Unveils Record-breaking 504-qubit Superconducting Quantum Computer
China has unveiled the "Tianyan-504," a superconducting quantum computer featuring a 504-qubit "Xiaohong" chip, marking a domestic milestone in quantum computing. Developed by the China Telecom Quantum Group (CTQG), the Center for Excellence in Quantum Information and Quantum Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and QuantumCTek Co., Ltd., this system aims to rival international platforms like IBM in qubit lifetime and readout fidelity. The computer will be integrated into the "Tianyan" quantum computing cloud platform, which has attracted over 12 million visits from 50 countries since its launch in November 2023. This development underscores China's growing capabilities in quantum technology, potentially reshaping global quantum computing dynamics.
https://english.cas.cn/newsroom/cas_media/202412/t20241206_893281.shtml