The Week in Quantum Computing - January 15th - QuEra, KyberSlash, SandboxAQ, Microsoft, Pasqal and Diamond Qubits
Issue #169
The Week in Quantum Computing. Brought to you by Sergio Gago (@piratecto).
Quick Recap
This week highlight goes to QuEra and their roadmap announcement. Possibly one of the most exciting in the last 12 months.
In cybersecurity, a set of flaws named KyberSlash, discovered by Cryspen researchers, threatens multiple implementations of the Kyber key encapsulation mechanism for quantum-safe encryption, used by Mullvad VPN and Signal messenger. Meanwhile. Arqit Quantum Inc. has teamed up with Mastercard to enhance digital asset security and compliance for financial institutions, integrating Arqit's Symmetric Key Agreement Platform and WalletSecure™ application with Mastercard’s Ciphertrace Sentry. A study by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yonsei University revealed a quantum mechanics model to uncover hidden patterns in stock market fluctuations. Erik Huestis from Foley Hoag predicts significant impacts of quantum computing on the pharma industry in 2024. Quantinuum and Japan's RIKEN research institute partnered to integrate Quantinuum's H1-Series ion-trap quantum computing technology into RIKEN's hybrid quantum-HPC platform. Researchers published a study in Nature Communications on quantum computing's potential enhancement of large-scale machine-learning models. SandboxAQ acquired Good Chemistry to boost its AI simulation platform for drug discovery and material science. Lastly, Microsoft and the U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) partnered to utilize Microsoft's Azure Quantum Elements service. The week ended with a promising outlook for quantum advancements, with significant strides in encryption, partnerships, and research.
The Week in Quantum Computing
Taiwan’s Quantum Leap: Aiming for Domestic Quantum Computer by 2027
Marking a significant stride in the realm of computational power, Taiwan has outlined an ambitious plan to manufacture its first domestically developed quantum computer by 2027. This audacious goal, spearheaded by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), is an integral part of a five-year quantum technology blueprint, initiated in 2022 and supported by a robust NT$8 billion (US$258.86 million) investment.
https://bnnbreaking.com/tech/taiwans-quantum-leap-aiming-for-domestic-quantum-computer-by-2027/
KyberSlash attacks put quantum encryption projects at risk
Multiple implementations of the Kyber key encapsulation mechanism for quantum-safe encryption are under threat from a set of flaws known as KyberSlash. These could potentially allow the recovery of secret keys. Projects using these implementations include Mullvad VPN and Signal messenger. The KyberSlash flaws are timing-based attacks that arise from certain division operations in the decapsulation process. Researchers Goutam Tamvada, Karthikeyan Bhargavan, and Franziskus Kiefer from Cryspen discovered the vulnerabilities. Cryspen reported KyberSlash1 to Kyber's developers in November 2023, leading to a patch in December. Another vulnerability, KyberSlash2, was patched at the end of December following its discovery by Prasanna Ravi and Matthias Kannwischer. The potential severity of KyberSlash is the leakage of secret keys, although not all projects using Kyber are vulnerable.
IBM built the biggest, coolest quantum computer. Now comes the hard part
IBM has constructed the world's largest quantum computer system, located in Westchester County, New York. The machine, named the Thomas J., is a significant step forward in quantum computing. Despite the technological advancement, IBM faces challenges in making the technology accessible and practical for everyday use. The company's next steps will be crucial in determining the future of quantum computing.
https://www.fastcompany.com/90992708/ibm-quantum-system-two
Arqit and Mastercard Enhance Digital Asset Security and Compliance for Financial Institutions
Arqit Quantum Inc., a leader in quantum-safe encryption, has announced a partnership with Mastercard to enhance digital asset security and compliance for financial institutions. Arqit's Symmetric Key Agreement Platform and WalletSecure™ application will be integrated with Mastercard’s Ciphertrace Sentry, providing Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) with advanced controls. This collaboration aims to secure communication links, reduce risks associated with private key theft, and ensure lawful and legitimate transactions. Ciphertrace’s technology helps assess the risk of individual crypto transactions and provides crypto tracing solutions. Arqit’s WalletSecure™ offers real-time regulatory enforcement, preventing non-compliant transactions. David Williams, Arqit Founder, emphasized the importance of building trust and providing organizations with the confidence to embrace secure digital assets.
QuEra Computing Releases a Groundbreaking Roadmap for Advanced Error-Corrected Quantum Computers, Pioneering the Next Frontier in Quantum Innovation
QuEra Computing, a quantum computing pioneer, has announced a groundbreaking strategic roadmap for a series of error-corrected quantum computers. The plan includes a three-phase release of quantum computers, starting in 2024 with ten logical qubits and 256 physical qubits, and culminating in 2026 with a system of 100 logical error-corrected qubits and over 10,000 physical qubits. This development aims to push quantum computing beyond the limits of classical simulation. The company's CEO, Alex Keesling, expressed excitement about the new computational possibilities. The announcement follows a successful year for QuEra, including a $30M Series A funding round, significant team growth, and the release of important scientific results in collaboration with Harvard, MIT, NIST, and the University of Maryland.
Quantum mechanics model unveils hidden patterns in stock markets
A study by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and published in Financial Innovation has developed a quantum mechanics model that uncovers hidden patterns in stock market fluctuations, integrating economic uncertainty and herding behavior. The model, based on quantum mechanics, was created by Dr. Kwangwon Ahn, Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering at Yonsei University, and Dr. Daniel Sungyeon Kim, Associate Professor of Finance at Chung-Ang University. The model was tested using empirical data from the U.S. stock market, revealing a positive association with GDP growth rate and a negative association with forecaster uncertainty. This research demonstrates the potential of quantum mechanics as a tool for understanding complex systems like stock markets.
https://phys.org/news/2024-01-quantum-mechanics-unveils-hidden-patterns.html
How Quantum Computing Trends Will Impact Pharma in 2024: Q&A With Erik Huestis, Partner at Foley Hoag
Erik Huestis, Partner at Foley Hoag, anticipates quantum computing to significantly impact the pharma industry in 2024. Quantum systems are inherently easier to simulate using quantum computers, allowing complex molecular computations to be performed more efficiently, aiding drug discovery. Quantum simulation and universal quantum computing can compute properties of pharmaceutically interesting molecules with reasonable precision and speed. Biotech innovators can protect quantum intellectual property through new algorithms, both purely-quantum and quantum-classical hybrid. Huestis doesn't expect a breakthrough in error-resistant, gate-based quantum computers in 2024, but sees potential in quantum simulation and analog quantum computation. Quantum simulation can be seen as a form of 'digital twin', rapidly illuminating molecular properties of compounds of interest.
https://www.pharmexec.com/view/quantum-computing-impact-pharma-2024-erik-huestis-foley-hoag
RIKEN Selects Quantinuum System Model H1 for Large-Scale Hybrid Quantum Supercomputing Platform in Japan
Quantinuum, the world's largest integrated quantum computing company, and Japan's RIKEN, a leading research institute, have partnered to integrate Quantinuum's high-performing H1-Series ion-trap quantum computing technology into RIKEN's hybrid quantum-HPC platform. The technology will be installed at RIKEN's campus and will support a software research program involving RIKEN, SoftBank, University of Tokyo, and Osaka University. The project, commissioned by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, aims to demonstrate the benefits of hybrid computational platforms for future post-5G services. Quantinuum's CEO, Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, expressed excitement over the project's potential to enable groundbreaking developments. Dr. Mitsuhisa Sato from RIKEN emphasized the practicality of quantum computers in accelerating scientific applications.
Paper: Towards provably efficient quantum algorithms for large-scale machine-learning models
A team of researchers, including Junyu Liu, Minzhao Liu, Jin-Peng Liu, Ziyu Ye, Yunfei Wang, Yuri Alexeev, Jens Eisert, and Liang Jiang, have published a study in Nature Communications exploring how quantum computing could potentially enhance large-scale machine-learning models. They argue that fault-tolerant quantum computing could provide efficient solutions for gradient descent algorithms, a primary algorithm for machine learning. The team benchmarked instances of large machine learning models from 7 million to 103 million parameters. They found that quantum enhancement is possible at the early stage of learning after model pruning, suggesting a sparse parameter download and re-upload scheme. The study concludes that fault-tolerant quantum algorithms could potentially contribute to large-scale machine-learning problems.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-43957-x
SandboxAQ Acquires Good Chemistry to Accelerate AI Simulation Platform for Drug Discovery and Material Science
SandboxAQ has acquired Good Chemistry, a computational chemistry firm, to enhance its AI simulation platform for drug discovery and material science. Good Chemistry, a spinoff from 1Qbit, brings new technologies, customers, and talent to SandboxAQ's existing computational chemistry and simulation capabilities. This is SandboxAQ's second acquisition and its first in the AI simulation sector. Dr. Nadia Carlsten, Vice President of Product at SandboxAQ, and Arman Zaribafiyan, founder and CEO of Good Chemistry, highlighted the potential of advanced simulation and AI tools in accelerating drug and material synthesis. Post-acquisition, SandboxAQ will integrate Good Chemistry’s software, QEMIST Cloud and Tangelo, into its enterprise software portfolio. The acquisition underscores the growing influence of AI and quantum computing in drug discovery and material science.
Microsoft puts Azure Quantum Elements to work
Microsoft partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to utilize its Azure Quantum Elements service in a groundbreaking materials discovery project. The service, which integrates AI and traditional high-performance computing, was used to sift through millions of potential new battery materials, narrowing the selection down to 18 promising candidates. This process, which would typically take years, was accomplished in just 18 months. PNNL Deputy Director Tony Peurrung emphasized the potential of AI in accelerating scientific discovery. Microsoft Quantum lead, Krysta Svore, remains optimistic about the future integration of Microsoft's quantum supercomputer into the Azure Quantum Elements service.
https://techcrunch.com/2024/01/09/microsoft-puts-azure-quantum-elements-to-work/
Paper: A Knowledge Compilation Map for Quantum Information
In a paper titled "A Knowledge Compilation Map for Quantum Information," authors Lieuwe Vinkhuijzen, Tim Coopmans, and Alfons Laarman explore quantum state representations. They analytically investigate three widely-used quantum state representations: matrix product states (MPS), decision diagrams (DDs), and restricted Boltzmann machines (RBMs). The study maps the relative succinctness of these data structures and provides the complexity for relevant query and manipulation operations. It extends the concept of rapidity to support non-canonical data structures, showing that MPS is at least as rapid as some DDs. The research adds to the understanding of time and space efficiency trade-offs in quantum state representations.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.01322v1
Why Google transformed a quantum computing lab into an artistic oasis
Google's Quantum A.I. Lab has undergone a transformation from a traditional technology lab into an artistic oasis. This change is the result of a collaboration between Google engineer Erik Lucero and artist in residence Forest Stearns. The duo aimed to inspire innovation by removing the boundary between the hardware, the art, the architecture, the scientist, and nature. The art, featuring work from 16 international artists, is inspired by quantum computing's connection with nature and is displayed throughout the lab, including on the quantum computers themselves. Lucero states, "I believe these research tools are what are going to help us actually stay here and protect our Earth." The initiative merges art and science, aiming to foster creativity and inspire technological advancements.
Magnetic links for room temperature diamond qbits
An international team of researchers from the Argonne National Laboratory, the University of Chicago, the University of Iowa, and Tohoku University in Japan have successfully tested a technique for creating room temperature quantum computers using diamonds. The researchers are developing quantum qbits connected through magnetic fields, a significant advancement as many other technologies require temperatures close to absolute zero. The researchers have measured the effect of magnetic coupling, which can link the NV centres together as entangled qbits, for the first time. "This is a proof of concept, at room temperature, of a scalable, robust quantum technology that uses conventional materials," said David Awschalom, a professor at the University of Chicago. The research marks a promising step towards the integration of quantum technology into everyday devices.
https://www.eenewseurope.com/en/magnetic-links-for-room-temperature-diamond-qbits/
T-Systems Quantum Cloud Customers Now Can Access Quantum Computers from AQT
T-Systems Quantum Cloud customers can now access ion trap-based quantum computers from AQT, the European market leader in this technology, known for high-quality calculations. The partnership strengthens Europe's sovereignty in quantum computing, with successful initial test runs already conducted. Customers can develop quantum use cases via cloud access, supported by T-Systems' training and consulting services. Additionally, they can access ready-made quantum algorithms on the PlanQK platform. Jörn Kellermann, SVP at T-Systems, and Thomas Monz, CEO of AQT, both emphasize the critical role of this technology for the future and the new capabilities it opens for Europe.
Quantum computing: What leaders need to know now
Quantum computing, a technology that applies quantum mechanics to solve complex problems, could significantly impact business operations. However, the field is not yet ready for widespread use, with McKinsey estimating that 5,000 quantum computers will be operational by 2030, but the necessary hardware and software won't be available until 2035 or later. Despite this, companies are already planning to invest over $15 million annually in quantum computing. MIT researchers and Accenture have developed a framework to help executives evaluate the potential of quantum computing for their companies. Neil Thompson, a research scientist at MIT Sloan, emphasized that quantum computing won't be better for everything, but it will be advantageous for large, complex problems.
https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ideas-made-to-matter/quantum-computing-what-leaders-need-to-know-now
AI and Quantum Computing Flagged As New Global Risks: WEF
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has identified artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing as significant global risks in its 19th annual Global Risks Report. The report warns of AI's potential negative impacts on healthcare, information integrity, and labor markets. It also raises concerns about the ethical use of data in healthcare and the risk of AI deepening economic disparities. Quantum computing, an AI-heavy frontier, is flagged as a potential disruptor, presenting significant security risks. The WEF also highlights the threat of AI-generated content, or deepfakes, in spreading misinformation. In response to these risks, the WEF calls for greater public awareness and education in AI and its regulation.
https://decrypt.co/212408/ai-and-quantum-computing-flagged-as-new-global-risks-wef
EU quantum researchers set to give up IP rights in standard-setting race
European quantum researchers may have to surrender their intellectual property rights to have a say in the quantum standard-setting race, particularly in quantum-secure cryptography. This comes as the EU works to establish its super- and quantum computer ecosystem. Markus Pflitsch, a quantum physicist and founder of Terra Quantum AG, warns that failing to define and assert European standards could lead to a competitive disadvantage, potential security vulnerabilities, and missed opportunities for cross-border innovation. The race for technical standards in post-quantum cryptography is already underway globally. The need to adopt quantum-secure cryptography is paramount to maintaining security in the post-quantum era.
High-dimensional single photon based quantum secure direct communication using time and phase mode degrees
The team of Byungkyu Ahn, Jooyoun Park, Jonghyun Lee, and Sangrim Lee have proposed a high-dimensional single photon-based Quantum Secure Direct Communication (QSDC) protocol that employs two optical degrees of freedom: time and phase state. This new protocol aims to overcome the limited transmission rate of QSDC, which is hindered by the dead time of a single photon detector and channel loss. The study performs security analysis against various attacks and verifies the transmission rate improvement through simulation. The research indicates that the proposed protocol could ensure higher security and transmission rates compared to the conventional DL04 QSDC. This advancement could pave the way for practical use of QSDC as a data transmission technology.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-51212-6
PASQAL Joins Forces with Mila to Enhance Generative Modeling in Quantum AI
Mila, an AI research institute, is partnering with PASQAL, a leader in neutral atom quantum computing, to enhance generative modeling in Quantum AI. The collaboration aims to leverage quantum benchmarking and tensor networks for generative AI while fostering a quantum machine learning community. The one-year research plan will deepen understanding of quantum concepts and structured data generation, explore quantum advantages in machine learning, and develop novel generative models. Slimane Thabet, a quantum application engineer at PASQAL, joined Mila Professor Guillaume Rabusseau’s team as a visiting researcher. Rabusseau noted the collaboration's potential to advance the intersection of quantum computing and machine learning. The alliance signifies a strategic step towards the fusion of AI and quantum technologies.