The Week in Quantum Computing - January 1st - Happy New Year!
Issue #167
Happy new year everyone! Like clockwork (but scheduled I must admit) here is your weekly Quantum. Pirates Ship arriving. Whether you have a terrible hangover, you are going down the first slope of the year on skis, or just watching the New Year’s Eve concert in Wien. Quantum is here for you.
For this edition, I wanted to share with you the 5 most shared and viewed editions of the quantum pirates newsletter this year. Then the 5 most clicked articles over all in three categories (It does not meant they were the most relevant, just the most clicked!). And finally, the summary of the week.
The Most Viewed and Shared editions
1.When Canada went Quantum
Winter Was Coming
The end of NISQ - Quantum got corrected
Investment and announcements from the big fellows
QuEra and AWS releases before the summer holidays
These were the most clicked stories in all the articles
Company and Investment Funding Stories
1. New Year, new career? 4 myths about working in quantum computing: Universal Quantum recently won the biggest single government contract for quantum computing, worth €67 million over the next four years.
2. Israel Innovation Authority making major push to develop quantum computing technologies: The Israel Innovation Authority announced the formation of the largest consortium in its history, with a three-year budget of NIS 115 million (approximately $32.5 million).
3. Networked Quantum Computers: IonQ Acquires Assets of Entangled Networks: IonQ, Inc. announced its acquisition of the operating assets of Entangled Networks Ltd.
4. Oxford Ionics raises £30m to ‘help quantum computing finish the race’: Oxford Ionics has raised £30m in a Series A funding round to continue scaling its “trapped-ion” approach to quantum computing.
5. The Second Annual Report on Enterprise Quantum Computing Adoption: More than two-thirds of quantum adopters reported quantum computing budgets over $1 million USD.
Government and Public Funds Stories
1. NIST: Reflecting Back on 2022: A look back on everything accomplished by NIST in 2022.
2. The National Quantum Initiative Supplement to the President’s FY 2023 Budget Released: The National Quantum Initiative (NQI) Act became Public Law 115-368 in December 2018 to accelerate American leadership in quantum information science and technology.
3. Japan’s Fugaku supercomputer to get quantum performance boost: Japan’s Riken Research Institute is working on bringing quantum computing technology into its Fugaku supercomputer.
4. UCC company makes platform quantum resistant: The National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) hasn’t finalized its standards for post-quantum cryptography algorithms, but that hasn’t stopped one company from integrating those potential standards into its communication platform.
5. How the quantum realm will go beyond computing: Over the last half-decade, quantum computing has attracted tremendous media attention.
Scientific Discoveries, Papers and Breakthroughs
1. Protein folding takes a step forward with Quantum Computing: The proposed hybrid classical-quantum algorithm aims to solve the protein folding problem using quantum computing techniques.
2. The Ultimate Question: Calculating the meaning of life, the universe, and everything, does not require 7.5 million years of runtime on a supercomputer.
3. New quantum computing architecture could be used to connect large-scale devices: Quantum computers hold the promise of performing certain tasks that are intractable even on the world’s most powerful supercomputers.
4. New Algorithm Closes Quantum Supremacy Window: Random circuit sampling, a popular technique for showing the power of quantum computers, doesn’t scale up if errors go unchecked.
5. Exploring the thermodynamics of quantum computing: Phase slip in a hysteretic Josephson junction, Real-space sketch of the phase-slip mechanism: at the instability point of the Φx(ϕ) relation, the phase drop ϕ and the screening current Is abruptly relax to smaller values, as a quantum of flux tunnels perpendicular to the Josephson junction.
And now, becase even between Christmas and St. Silverster things happen, here is the summary of the week. I would have written my own 2023 recap and 2024 predictions, but the friends at TQI have done already an excellent job.
Read on! It looks like 2024 will be a fantastic year in Quantum. So here’s a toast to all of you, my dear readers that stay coherent with this humble newsletter full of interference! For more editions to come!
The Week in Quantum Computing
Quantum Computing: From Layered Structure to Quantum Volume
The article by İrem Şener, a student at Anadolu University, discusses the layered structure of quantum computing, highlighting the quantum stacks that a quantum algorithm must pass through for operation on quantum hardware. The author notes the different layers of a quantum computer, including quantum language, compiler, arithmetic, instruction set, microarchitecture, and quantum-to-classical conversion system. The article emphasizes the unique nature of quantum computing, such as the use of qubits and the concept of superposition. The author also discusses the challenges and opportunities in quantum computing, including the need for high-quality qubits and the ongoing research into different qubit platforms. The article concludes by discussing the concept of quantum volume, which defines the functionality of each qubit platform.
Video: Misha Lukin : Exploring quantum error correction frontier with programmable atom arrays
https://www.youtube.com/live/DQ0OX3GvFoQ?si=oMmxn6BSAKo5Xr32
New tactics urged for quantum computing
Technology advisors are urging the adoption of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to secure against quantum computer attacks. The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) plans to release PQC guidelines by year-end. Soontorn Sirapaisan, research team leader of the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (Nectec), emphasized that quantum computing could complete tasks exponentially faster than standard computers. However, Sarun Sumriddetchkajorn, acting director of the Institute of Public Policy and Development (IPPD), warned of potential risks, including decryption of encrypted data. The IPPD is advocating for national-level collaboration on digital technology, aligning with the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan for 2023-2027. Quantum computing's potential for both risk and revolution underscores the importance of preparedness and strategic adaptation.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2713116/new-tactics-urged-for-quantum-computing
Experts divided over claims of 1st 'practical' algorithm to protect data from quantum computers
Scientists claim to have developed the first practical cryptographic algorithm, "LaV", that can safeguard data from quantum computers. The algorithm, based on existing verifiable random function (VRF) technology, is designed to resist theoretical and practical attacks by large-scale quantum computers, says lead researcher Muhammed Esgin from Monash University. However, some experts, including Edward Parker from The RAND Corporation, question the efficacy of LaV, suggesting that the four quantum-secure algorithms backed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are more likely to become the foundation of future quantum-secure cryptography. The discourse underlines the ongoing quest to fortify digital security in anticipation of quantum computing advancements.
Quantum technology reshaping Denmark's financial landscape
Quantum technology is gaining traction in Denmark's financial sector, spurred by the Danish government's National Strategy for Quantum. Key players including KPMG and Copenhagen Fintech have noted an increased interest and demand for quantum solutions from the financial industry, including large technology companies such as BEC, SDC, Trifork, and Simcorp. According to Kristine Helen Falgren, Head of Fintech R&D at Copenhagen Fintech, this surge in interest is expected to drive demand for both internal innovation and external consultancy services. A collaborative approach involving government, academia, and industry stakeholders is critical for the development of quantum technology, as emphasized by Bent Dalager, Partner and Nordic Head of Newtech at KPMG. The CryptQ project, a collaboration between Danish industries and universities, signifies the importance of such partnerships. KPMG Denmark, designated as the quantum leader within KPMG Global, plays a significant role in this project, bridging the gap between academia and industry. The transformative potential of quantum technology in the financial sector brings new opportunities and security challenges.
https://investindk.com/insights/quantum-technology-reshaping-denmarks-financial-landscape
Why 4 of South Dakota's universities want a Center for Quantum Information Science
Four public universities in South Dakota are proposing to establish a Center for Quantum Information Science, with the endorsement of Governor Kristi Noem, who views quantum computing as the state's future major industry. The initiative aims to position South Dakota at the forefront of this emerging technological field. The universities' collaborative effort underscores the growing recognition of quantum computing's potential in driving economic and technological advancement.
Europe Aims for Leadership Role in Quantum Computing
The PUZZLE X conference in Barcelona dedicated a full day to quantum computing, featuring speakers like Nobel laureate Sir Roger Penrose, Bob Coecke of Quantinuum, Brian Subirana from Harvard and MIT, and Marta Estarellas from Qilimanjaro. The event highlighted Europe's ambition to become a leader in the quantum computing field. The presence of these industry leaders and academics underscores the significance of quantum computing in the future of technology.
https://www.eetimes.com/europe-aims-for-leadership-role-in-quantum-computing/
More qubits, more money, more mergers: Quantum predictions for 2024
Quantum computing startups in Europe saw a surge in investor interest in 2022, with VC investment more than doubling to reach $257m. Dutch investor QDNL Participations and Redstone VC launched quantum-focused funds, and French company PASQAL raised a sector record €100m. Predictions for 2024 suggest continued growth in investments, with public funding programmes potentially surpassing €15bn and private investments hitting €500m, according to Ion Hauer of APEX Ventures. The sector is expected to consolidate, with mergers between quantum hardware and software startups. Error correction, a key to unlocking quantum computing's full potential, will significantly improve, and use cases will take center stage. The convergence between AI and quantum computing will increase, and mitigating quantum computing’s impact on cybersecurity will become a priority.
https://sifted.eu/articles/quantum-predictions-2024/
Paper: Microwave signal processing using an analog quantum reservoir computer
A team of researchers, including Alen Senanian, Sridhar Prabhu, and Vladimir Kremenetski, have demonstrated the use of a quantum superconducting circuit as an analog quantum reservoir computer for classifying microwave signals. Unlike prior QRCs that required signal discretization, their system operates without artificially discretizing input data, directly processing microwave signals. While not addressing the quantum computational advantage in classifying pre-recorded classical signals, the work suggests a potential quantum sensing-computational advantage in analyzing microwave signals comprising few photons. The study highlights the feasibility of performing sophisticated tasks with a modest-size quantum system and inexpensive training.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2312.16166v1
Magnetic Knots Push Future Computing Toward 3D
Researchers from Germany, China, and Sweden have created a novel magnetic knot, known as a hopfion, which can move in three dimensions, unlike previous topological twists. This discovery was made in the field of topology, which deals with shapes and their holes. The hopfion was formed in an iron germanium crystal, chosen for its unique magnetic properties. Nikolai Kiselev, a scientist at the Peter Grünberg Institute, suggested that this discovery could pave the way for future devices to adopt a three-dimensional architecture, breaking away from the current two-dimensional paradigm. The hopfion's robustness and stability make it a potential carrier for data storage and information.
https://spectrum.ieee.org/topology-in-computer-magnetic-knots
Quantum Technology Database
Brian N. Siegelwax, independent quantum algorithm designer and writer for The Modern Scientist, has announced that his Quantum Technology Database is now accepting rolling submissions. The database, which evaluates quantum computing products, currently features over 100 entries. Siegelwax, who has previously lectured about relational databases, has formatted this project as a spreadsheet to make it more accessible. The goal is to classify everything in every possible useful dimension. Despite the name, the database covers more than just "quantum computing", expanding the scope of the project. Siegelwax's initiative underscores the growing diversity and complexity of quantum technologies.
https://bsiegelwax.medium.com/quantum-technology-database-eb69745b14e9
Year in Review: The Big Stories That Rocked Quantum Research And Quantum Business in 2023
In 2023, significant advancements in quantum computing were made by several institutions and companies. Harvard, in collaboration with QuEra Computing, MIT, and NIST/UMD, executed large-scale algorithms on an error-corrected quantum computer with 48 logical qubits. Quantum company Quantinuum created and manipulated non-Abelian anyons, a promising path to fault-tolerant quantum computers. Atom Computing surpassed the 1,000-qubit threshold, an industry milestone. IBM made strides towards quantum utility with two new quantum computers and significant advances in error mitigation. NVIDIA also entered the quantum space, partnering with SandboxAQ and Quantum Machines. Despite a quiet investment year, these developments highlight the continued progress and potential of quantum computing.
Top Predictions in Quantum for 2024
In 2024, the quantum industry will see significant advancements. The concept of "Quantum Practicality," introduced in 2023, will gain momentum with several companies and research institutions performing everyday computational tasks on quantum computers, surpassing classical computers. Quantum startups, facing financial pullbacks, will explore alternative revenue streams. Private capital markets are expected to stabilize, providing funding for promising quantum tech startups. The industry may see an increase in mergers and acquisitions. Quantum error correction will be a major focus for scientists. The convergence of quantum with other deep technologies, such as AI, will continue. Additionally, the need to explain quantum practicality to the mainstream will lead to interdisciplinary conversations. Expect quantum's influence to extend into non-STEM disciplines, including arts and philosophy.
https://thequantuminsider.com/2023/12/27/top-predictions-in-quantum-for-2024/
Bringing quantum computing to data centers
Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) is working on developing a usable and scalable universal quantum computer, according to its CEO, Ilana Wisby. Quantum computers have the potential to transform sectors including financial services and pharmaceuticals by processing information in entirely new ways. Wisby noted that quantum computing is already a reality, with some qubit systems deployed in data centers. However, challenges include building scalable, fault-tolerant systems, ensuring accessibility, and encouraging adoption. Wisby suggested that quantum computing could have significant impacts in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and climate change mitigation. The key, she said, is to put quantum computers "in the hands of humanity and at the fingertips of our most brilliant minds."
SEALSQ’s Post-Quantum Semiconductor Technology Fortifies Cryptocurrency Security
SEALSQ Corp, a company specializing in Semiconductors, PKI and Post-Quantum technology hardware and software products, has announced a post-quantum semiconductor technology designed to secure cryptocurrency transactions against quantum computing threats. The technology addresses vulnerabilities in current blockchain systems and strengthens the security of digital currencies. As quantum computing could compromise traditional cryptographic methods, SEALSQ's technology uses advanced cryptographic algorithms resistant to quantum attacks. CEO Carlos Moreira states that this technology is crucial for the future of digital currency, offering unmatched security and ensuring the reliability of cryptocurrency transactions. SEALSQ's innovation could set a new standard in cryptocurrency security as the world approaches the quantum computing era.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sealsq-post-quantum-semiconductor-technology-120000741.html
4 steps to prepare for the coming quantum onslaught
John McGloughlin, founder and CEO of GuardSight, warns of the impending quantum computing era, known as Q-Day, which could render current encryption algorithms obsolete. This could pose a threat to national security, making it difficult to protect critical assets like infrastructure and healthcare systems. He advises governments and organizations to prepare for this by adopting post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and quantum-resistant protocols. Companies should also invest in quantum-resistant technologies. McGloughlin suggests four ways to prepare: embrace PQC, harness quantum key distribution, enhance posture monitoring and threat intelligence, and collaborate to develop quantum-resistant protocols. He emphasizes that preparedness will determine the security landscape of the future.
https://www.nextgov.com/ideas/2023/12/4-steps-prepare-coming-quantum-onslaught/392836/
Quantum science and technology: highlights of 2023
The field of quantum science and technology flourished in 2023 with notable strides in quantum computing, communications, and metrology. Major highlights include a quantum repeater transmitting quantum information over 50 km, a double-slit experiment in time, and a simulation of an expanding universe in a Bose-Einstein condensate. Johannes Fink and his team at the Institute for Science and Technology Austria demonstrated a protocol for entangling microwave and optical photons, a crucial step towards building quantum networks based on superconducting qubits. Moreover, John Bowers' group at the University of California created a photonic integrated circuit, a significant milestone in the development of quantum computers. These advancements signal a promising future for quantum technologies.
https://physicsworld.com/a/quantum-science-and-technology-highlights-of-2023/
BSI veröffentlicht Studie zu Implementierungsangriffen auf QKD-Systeme
The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has released a scientific study on implementation attacks on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems. QKD is a technology aiming to achieve secure key agreement based on physical principles, with several national and European projects, including the EU Commission's EuroQCI project, planning to build infrastructures for its use. The study provides a comprehensive overview of all known QKD-specific implementation attacks against QKD systems and suggests further research is needed to develop confidence in the implementation security of QKD systems. It is intended to serve as a foundation for subsequent work for scientists, manufacturers, and other stakeholders in this field.
https://www.bsi.bund.de/DE/Service-Navi/Presse/Alle-Meldungen-News/Meldungen/QKD-Systeme_231219.html
Carnegie Mellon University establishing center to foster quantum computing ecosystem
Efforts to cement Pittsburgh's prominence in the development of quantum computing are progressing as Carnegie Mellon University has announced plans to launch a new center focused on this next generation of human technological advancement.
To be established as a new National Science Foundation Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC), CMU will look to have the Center for Quantum Computing and Information Technologies (QCiT) serve as the host for an entire local ecosystem of quantum computing and research efforts, which are expected to increase dramatically in the coming years.
Utility-Scale Quantum Program Advances Toward Prototyping
DARPA’s Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing (US2QC) program seeks to determine whether an underexplored approach to quantum computing can achieve utility-scale operation – meaning its computational value exceeds its cost – faster than conventional predictions. In the initial phase, each company presented a design concept describing their plans to create a utility-scale quantum computer. In the follow-on phase, selected performers aim to take their concepts to the next level. Now, US2QC’s key goal centers on developing and defending a system design for a fault-tolerant prototype, a smaller-scale quantum computer demonstrating that a utility-scale quantum computer can be constructed as designed and operated as intended.
https://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2023-12-14a
China and Russia test hack-proof quantum communication link for Brics countries
Scientists from Russia and China have established a 'hack-proof' quantum communication link, spanning 3,800km, using secure keys transmitted by China's quantum satellite Mozi. This indicates the technical feasibility of a Brics quantum communication network. The researchers from Russia's National University of Science and Technology and the Russian Quantum Centre conducted the first full cycle quantum communication test between the two countries last year. Quantum communication uses cryptography to encode data in single photons, ensuring hackers cannot eavesdrop. The research underscores the importance of quantum technology in achieving technological leadership and the potential for quantum networks in sectors like finance.