The Week in Quantum Computing - February 10th - Telefonica, IBM, D-Wave and Quantinuum
Issue #221
Quick Recap
Telefónica Tech partnered with IBM to bolster quantum-safe protections, a move underscored by IBM’s co-development of two NIST post-quantum cryptography standards. The PKI Consortium’s Post-Quantum Cryptography Conference, with 2,191 participants, urged immediate migration, while Bill Gates forecast game-changing quantum solutions in three to five years, contrasting Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and Mark Zuckerberg’s longer timelines. India added ₹600 crore to its National Quantum Mission, and IBM declared $1 billion in quantum deals, surpassing IonQ, Rigetti, and D-Wave’s combined Q3 2024 revenue (hell, combined lifelong revenue!). D-Wave launched its “Quantum Realized” campaign to spotlight practical optimization solutions, and Quantinuum unveiled a generative quantum AI strategy with major commercial implications. On the research side, Martin Hayhurst Appel’s team demonstrated a GaAs quantum dot register of 13,000 nuclear spins, achieving 68.6% fidelity and up to 20ms storage via dynamical decoupling. Yuxuan Du and colleagues introduced “Quantum Machine Learning: A Hands-on Tutorial,” integrating quantum kernel methods with neural networks for more efficient AI.
The Week in Quantum Computing
Telefonica Tech and IBM Sign a Collaboration Agreement for Quantum-Safe Technology
On January 30, 2025, Telefónica Tech and IBM formed a collaboration aimed at safeguarding data against the looming threat of cryptographically relevant quantum computers. IBM, credited with co-developing two of NIST’s post-quantum cryptography standards, deployed quantum-safe infrastructure at Telefónica’s Madrid headquarters. Raquel Ruiz Lozano, Telefónica Tech’s Global Head of Strategic Partnerships, noted, “Quantum computing offers incredible opportunities, but it could also pose a significant challenge in terms of cybersecurity.” Adolfo Hernández Pulido, Technology Managing Director for Telefónica at IBM, emphasized, “It is critical for organizations to begin evaluating their cryptography.” This initiative highlights the urgency for enterprises to invest in resilient encryption that addresses the transformative potentials and dangers of quantum computing.
Key Takeaways of the PQC Conference in Austin
In 2025, the PKI Consortium’s Post-Quantum Cryptography Conference in Austin drew 2,191 registrants (250 in person), emphasizing immediate migration to quantum-safe cryptography. “The best thing we can all do is start work now,” urged Andrew Regenscheid (NIST). Morgan Stern (NSA) highlighted a “10-year hardware lifespan,” warning organizations to adopt PQC swiftly. Luke Valenta (Cloudflare) cautioned that “the internet is not yet ready for PQ certificates,” though Panos Kampanakis and Mila Anastasova found minimal browsing slowdowns in many use cases. Financial, healthcare, and telecom leaders outlined phased pathways toward 2035 quantum resilience, stressing cryptographic agility, discovery tools, and hybrid modes. Delay remains the gravest hazard, driving urgent efforts to protect data from future quantum decryption.
https://pkic.org/2025/01/30/key-takeaways-of-the-pqc-conference-in-austin/
A many-body quantum register for a spin qubit
In a Nature Physics article by Martin Hayhurst Appel et al., researchers used 13,000 nuclear spins in a GaAs quantum dot as a functional quantum register. “We prepared 13,000 host nuclear spins in a single many-body dark state that acts as a logical state of the register,” notes Appel. A second logical state, a nuclear-magnon excitation, enables controlled quantum-state transfer between the electron spin qubit and the nuclear register. The team achieved 68.6% fidelity and 130µs storage times, extendable to 20ms via dynamical decoupling. This progress underscores the potential of semiconductor-based spin–photon interfaces for robust quantum networks and harnesses many-body phenomena for multi-qubit quantum nodes with coherent optical interfaces.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-024-02746-z
India’s Quantum Mission Gets a 600 Crore Boost with Budget 2025
India’s Quantum Mission has received a ₹600 crore boost in Budget 2025, building on its 2023 approval. Over eight years, the initiative will have a total allocation of ₹6,003.65 crore. This significant funding underscores the government’s commitment to accelerate quantum computing research, fostering breakthroughs in secure communications, advanced simulations, and cryptography. By enhancing resources and collaboration among academic institutions and tech organizations, India is strengthening its position in the global quantum technology landscape, marking this year as a pivotal moment in the nation’s scientific journey.
D-Wave launches "Quantum Realized" campaign
D-Wave Systems has introduced its “Quantum Realized” brand campaign to emphasize real-world use cases for quantum computing. This initiative showcases current quantum capabilities that solve complex optimization and modeling tasks. In 2023, such a move is significant as enterprises increasingly seek practical quantum solutions. By spotlighting successful applications, D-Wave aims to expand adoption beyond academic research. “Quantum Realized” underscores tangible benefits, including faster problem-solving and improved resource allocation, highlighting quantum’s readiness to address pressing challenges now, not merely in the distant future.
Quantinuum Announces Generative Quantum AI Breakthrough with Massive Commercial Potential
On February 4, 2025, Quantinuum announced what it calls a “Generative Quantum AI Breakthrough with Massive Commercial Potential.” The company highlights novel quantum computing approaches aimed at accelerating AI applications, though specific metrics remain undisclosed. Experts note that integrating quantum algorithms with existing machine learning could open critical new avenues for data analysis, optimization, and security. Observers point to the swift evolution of quantum hardware and software this year, warning that commercial viability could arrive sooner than expected. Quantinuum’s use of “generative” techniques suggests momentum behind quantum-driven AI methods extending beyond research labs, further fueling anticipation among practitioners seeking radical improvements in speed and performance.
How Quantum Computing Could Reshape Energy Use in High-Performance Computing
Data centers already consume around 2% of global electricity (460 TWh in 2022) and could reach up to 3.5% by 2026 (DatacenterDynamics, IEA), prompting companies like Amazon and Google to invest in small modular nuclear reactors (The Wall Street Journal). In parallel, quantum computing—particularly neutral-atom technology—offers a strikingly more energy-efficient alternative for certain complex tasks, using orders of magnitude less power than classical supercomputers. By exploiting quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement, these machines can solve specific problems (e.g., optimization, cryptography, materials discovery) with exponentially fewer operations, thereby cutting both computational time and energy use. Although scaling and error correction requirements will inevitably raise quantum’s power draw, their fundamentally different approach to computation suggests huge long-term energy savings compared to the superlinear power increases of traditional HPC systems. As quantum technologies mature, they could relieve the growing energy demands of AI-driven data centers while helping meet sustainability goals
NVIDIA Stock: Beyond AI! How It’s Shaping a New Era in Quantum Computing
NVIDIA’s strategic pivot into quantum computing “may reach $65 billion by 2030,” notes Kariza Bexley. GPUs originally shaped for gaming now drive quantum algorithm development, promising real-time solutions for complex tasks. Collaborations with IBM and Google strengthen NVIDIA’s expertise, while AI fusion further propels this innovation. Investors foresee growth, though quantum’s infancy presents uncertainty. Bexley stresses, “the integration of AI and quantum computing could revolutionize industries beyond current imagination.” This progress underscores how advanced GPU technology can accelerate quantum breakthroughs, reshaping fields from healthcare to finance. It signals preparation for a new horizon where AI and quantum synergy fosters unprecedented problem-solving.
Quantum Machine Learning - A hands on tutorial
“Quantum Machine Learning: A Hands-on Tutorial” by Yuxuan Du (Nanyang Technological University) and co-authors from Nanyang Technological University, the Centre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore, and Hon Hai Research Institute presents QML concepts that merge AI with quantum methods in 2023. Key elements cover foundational quantum theories, quantum kernel methods, neural networks, and transformers. With examples like quantum classification on MNIST and Quantum GAN, the tutorial demonstrates evolving possibilities for AI. These advancements highlight quantum computing’s expanding role in driving AI innovation and reveal a compelling frontier for researchers seeking more efficient solutions.
https://qml-tutorial.github.io/
Bill Gates: There's a possibility quantum computing will become useful in 3 to 5 years
Bill Gates sees quantum computing potentially solving “very tough problems” in three to five years, countering Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, who opined 15 to 30 years, and Mark Zuckerberg’s “decade-plus out.” Microsoft is co-designing “the world’s most powerful quantum machine,” expected later this year, while Google’s unveiling of its Willow chip boosted excitement. Despite early gains, D-Wave Quantum and Rigetti faced stock drops. Subodh Kulkarni, Rigetti’s CEO, said they remain “in the investment mode” and see “material sales” three to five years ahead. Gates believes AI is more predictable, yet developments from Microsoft, Google, and others signal a fast-moving quantum landscape that could reshape computing sooner than expected.
Securing networks for a post-quantum era - Quantum Safe Networks explained
Advances in quantum computing will bring new computational possibilities but also new security concerns. This is prompting the industry-wide migration to quantum-resistant cryptography today, making existing and future networks secure against even the most powerful threats.
https://www.ericsson.com/en/security/quantum-safe-networks
IBM claims to have booked $1bn of cumulative quantum business
IBM claims $1bn in cumulative quantum deals, referencing Q1 2017 to Q4 2024. “IBM Quantum is approaching $1 billion of signings since inception,” said Jay Gambetta, IBM fellow and VP of quantum. The average quarterly figure sits around $31.3m, dwarfing IonQ, Rigetti, and D-Wave’s combined Q3 2024 revenue of under $20m. Charlotte Trueman reported the data, noting IBM’s quantum fleet includes 13 utility-scale (100+ qubits) systems worldwide. The 127-qubit “Eagle” powers IBM Quantum System One, used by Yonsei University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and others. Since 2016, IBM has deployed nearly 80 quantum systems, reflecting growing momentum in advanced computing. This year, developments underscore surging interest in quantum adoption and the pace of breakthroughs.
Quantum algorithm distributed across multiple processors for the first time paving the way to quantum supercomputers
Scientists at Oxford University Physics call it “a milestone that brings quantum computing tangibly closer to large-scale practical use.” Dougal Main and Beth Nichol have successfully demonstrated the first instance of distributed quantum computing, distributing a quantum algorithm across multiple processors. This pioneering achievement paves the way toward future quantum supercomputers, addressing scalability challenges and illustrating how to scale beyond single-node limitations. It signals a surge of breakthroughs that could accelerate quantum computing momentum this year.
https://phys.org/news/2025-02-quantum-algorithm-multiple-processors-paving.html
Japan lab and Intel set out to develop next-gen quantum computer
Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and Intel are collaborating to build a next-generation quantum computer, set to be available to universities and paying companies, including drug and finance sectors, by 2025. “Intel is a global leader in chips for quantum computers,” wrote RIHO NAGAO on February 6, 2025, highlighting the U.S. giant’s advanced chip capabilities. The new system aims to accelerate complex computations, underscoring quantum computing’s growing priority in scientific research. This project could reshape pharmaceutical design and financial modeling, reflecting the latest momentum in the quantum race.
The necessary next step for quantum and high-performance computing is sustainability, Northeastern experts say
At Northeastern, Devesh Tiwari’s Goodwill Computing Lab is advancing sustainable quantum and HPC solutions in 2025. “Sustainability is something that will become more and more important,” says Tiwari. His team’s research, recognized at the SC conference (18,000 attendees), had four of 99 accepted papers out of 470 submissions. Tiwari’s former PhD student, Tirthak Patel (now at Rice University), received the ACM SIGHPC Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award. Another student, Yankai Jiang, developed Ecolife, an innovative method combining new and old hardware to cut energy usage. These efforts show that minimizing climate impact while maximizing computing power is pivotal for next-generation quantum developments.
https://news.northeastern.edu/2025/02/05/sustainable-quantum-computing/
SECQAI Launches World’s First Quantum Large Language Model (QLLM), to Shape the Future of AI
Note of the pirate: Today we can barely encode a few hundred datapoints on quantum devices, let alone an LLM. I’d personally be keen to hear more about this, since there are no details of what SecQAI has really built.
SECQAI, a UK-based company and NATO DIANA initiative member, launched the world’s first hybrid Quantum Large Language Model (QLLM). This model integrates quantum computing with LLM structures to boost computational efficiency, solve complex problems, and deepen linguistic understanding. Rahul Tyagi, CEO and Founder, said, “With the launch of the world’s first Quantum LLM, we are entering a new era where AI can leverage quantum mechanics to improve outcomes.” The QLLM’s potential spans semiconductor design, encryption, material science, and pharma. Beta testing starts end of February 2025.
Thermalization and criticality on an analoguedigital quantum simulator
Lead authors T. I. Andersen and N. Astrakhantsev present a “quantum simulator comprising 69 superconducting qubits” with “performance beyond the reach of classical simulation” (Nature, 2025). Their analogue–digital approach merges universal gates with stable analogue evolution, enabling advanced measurement features. Key results include coarsening-induced breakdown of Kibble–Zurek scaling in the XY model, observation of classical Kosterlitz–Thouless transitions, and targeted energy control to test the eigenstate thermalization hypothesis.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08460-3
9 9 9 - Why it matters
Matthias Kaiser underscores “triple 9”—99.9% fidelity—as a critical benchmark for scalable quantum computing in 2025. Citing “quantum error correction encodes one logical qubit into many physical qubits,” he emphasizes near-perfect gate fidelity to overcome errors from decoherence and cross-talk noise. Google’s Sycamore (2019) reached 99.8% fidelity, while IBM’s Eagle (2021) pushes toward 99.9%. Trapped ion approaches by IonQ and Quantinuum, Microsoft’s topological qubits, and PsiQuantum’s photonic designs tackle similar challenges. Surpassing the 99.9% threshold unlocks reliable quantum advantage in domains like logistics, AI, and chemistry. As progress continues toward 99.99%, quantum systems look increasingly poised to tackle once-unsolvable problems.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/9-why-matters-matthias-kaiser-s5mte
Quantum computing is overshadowed by rapid advances in AI
Financial Times reports, “Quantum computing is overshadowed by rapid advances in AI,” highlighting 2023’s heightened focus on artificial intelligence from individuals like Elon Musk. Despite quantum computing’s promise for encryption breakthroughs and large-scale simulations, its progress struggles to match AI’s headline-grabbing developments. Institutions such as Apple face encryption controversies, signaling the broader security relevance of quantum innovations. Elliott Management, mentioned for strategic investments, indicates sustained interest in high-potential technologies. This overshadowing raises questions about resource allocation and public attention, yet many experts still view quantum research as vital for next-generation computing capabilities.
https://www.ft.com/content/e3e2b721-9971-47b1-aa86-f210804ebc3e
As Honeywell Announces Restructuring, CEO Confirms Intention to IPO Its 52% Owned Quantinuum
Honeywell will split into three public companies by 2026, with CEO Vimal Kapur confirming a wish to monetize its 52% stake in leading quantum computing firm Quantinuum. Activist investor Elliott Management, pushing for the breakup, predicts a potential 75% valuation increase. “I would love to monetize our stake in Quantinuum as early as possible,” Kapur told CNBC’s Jim Cramer, citing technical and commercial progress. Quantinuum, led by Chief Product Officer Ilyas Khan, recently unveiled breakthroughs in logical qubits with Microsoft and advanced quantum AI.
DARPA continues quest to validate quantum computing utility
In 2025, DARPA moved Microsoft and PsiQuantum into the final phase of its Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), aiming to prove the feasibility of “utility-scale” quantum systems by 2033. A rigorous technical review involved over 50 experts evaluating designs under DARPA’s US2QC program. “Now, we’re ready to evaluate their final utility-scale system designs,” said Joe Alpeter, QBI manager. PsiQuantum CEO Jeremy O’Brien noted, “We must keep our foot on the accelerator” to scale quantum technology. The program’s significance lies in determining whether quantum computers can deliver greater computational value than their cost, bolstering military capabilities while raising cybersecurity concerns. DARPA’s effort underscores the urgent drive to validate quantum computing’s promise amidst growing defense and commercial needs.
Seven Assertions about Quantum Computing.
Gil Kalai, famous quantum skeptic, presents seven key assertions about quantum computing, highlighting inherent noise in two-qubit gates, correlated errors in cat states, computational limits of NISQ devices, and noise sensitivity in small circuits. He questions Google’s 2019 quantum supremacy claim, calling their fidelity-based predictions “statistically unreasonable” and accusing them of inadequate data sharing. “There was no strict separation between the calibration stage and the stage of generating samples,” he says, challenging Google’s methodology. Kalai does not declare quantum computing impossible but calls for more evidence to resolve open questions. This focus on noise and transparency underscores the crucial need for rigorous proof and open dialogue in quantum research this year.
https://gilkalai.wordpress.com/2025/02/05/seven-assertions-about-quantum-computing/