The Week in Quantum Computing - July 8st 2024 - Hamburg, Elevate Quantum, Riverlane, IonQ roadmap, Kvantify. Supremacy smashed
Issue #193
The Week in Quantum Computing. Brought to you by Sergio Gago (@piratecto).
Quick Recap
The University of Hamburg has launched a €17 million quantum computing project, supported by the European Regional Development Fund and the city of Hamburg. In the U.S., the Biden administration is allocating $504 million to 12 tech hubs to advance quantum computing, biomanufacturing, and other cutting-edge technologies. Notably, the Elevate Quantum Tech Hub in Colorado and New Mexico received $41 million, aiming to create over 10,000 quantum jobs and attract $2 billion in private capital by 2030. Quantinuum and the University of Colorado Boulder achieved a milestone in quantum error correction, entangling four logical qubits with superior fidelity. IonQ outlined its ambitious 2024/25 roadmap, focusing on manufacturability and scalability with its upcoming Forte Enterprise and Tempo systems. Kvantify raised €10M funding for quantum based drug discovery. In the meantime digital annealers and other classical methods keep surpassing quantum capabilities (and that’s expected!) Sycamore’s quantum supremacy experment was just smashed with GPUs. This is critical: The race between classical and quantum and quantum inspired methods helps the whole industry to move forward.
*This claims may be a marketing exaggeration
The Week in Quantum Computing
EU supports quantum computing in Hamburg
The University of Hamburg and the Technical University of Hamburg have initiated a quantum computing project aimed at fostering interdisciplinary research and developing European-made quantum computing solutions. The project is supported by the European Regional Development Fund with €7 million and an additional €10.5 million from the city of Hamburg. Key figures attending the launch include Hamburg Senator for Science, Research and Equality Katharina Fegebank and DG REGIO's Nicolas Gibert-Morin.
In-Depth Conversation with John Preskill
In an exclusive interview, John Preskill, a leading physicist and director of Caltech's Institute for Quantum Information and Matter, discusses his journey into quantum computing, sparked by the cancellation of the Superconducting Super Collider in 1993 and Peter Shor's 1994 algorithm. Preskill emphasizes that quantum computing challenges the extended Church-Turing thesis, suggesting a revolutionary shift in our understanding of computation. He highlights the profound impact of quantum information science on fields like condensed matter physics and quantum gravity, particularly through concepts like quantum error correction. Preskill notes the current state of quantum hardware, with superconducting circuits reaching a few hundred qubits and neutral atom systems advancing rapidly. He underscores the importance of co-design between theory and experiment in driving the field forward.
https://ep-news.web.cern.ch/content/depth-conversation-john-preskill
Quantinuum and CU Boulder just made quantum error correction easier
Quantinuum and the University of Colorado Boulder have achieved a significant milestone in quantum error correction by implementing a high-rate non-local qLDPC code on Quantinuum's H2 quantum processor. This breakthrough enabled the creation of four error-protected logical qubits, which were then entangled in a GHZ state with better fidelity than physical qubits. This marks the first instance of entangling four logical qubits with superior fidelity.
https://www.quantinuum.com/news/quantinuum-and-cu-boulder-just-made-quantum-error-correction-easier
Quantum Computing To Supercharge The Capabilities Of ChatGPT
Since its release in November 2022, ChatGPT has revolutionized AI interactions. Quantum computing promises to further enhance ChatGPT's capabilities, potentially leading to unprecedented advancements in natural language processing and machine learning. This integration could significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of AI responses, making ChatGPT more powerful and versatile. The collaboration between quantum computing researchers and AI developers is expected to yield transformative results, pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve.
Biden administration is providing $504 million to help 12 tech hubs develop quantum computing, biomanufacturing and other technologies
The Biden administration is allocating $504 million to 12 tech hubs across the U.S. to advance quantum computing, biomanufacturing, lithium batteries, computer chips, and personalized medicine. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the importance of leveraging talent nationwide, stating, "We’re leaving so much potential on the table if we don’t give them the resources to compete and win." Key funding includes $41 million for the Elevate Quantum Tech Hub in Colorado and New Mexico, $51 million for Heartland BioWorks in Indiana, and $51 million for the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub in Ohio.
Elevate Quantum Awarded $127 Million to Secure US Leadership in Quantum Technology
Elevate Quantum has secured $127 million in federal and state funding through a Tech Hub Phase 2 Implementation award from the Department of Commerce. This investment aims to create over 10,000 quantum jobs and educate 30,000 workers by 2030, with a median salary of $125,000. The funding will also establish world-class quantum facilities and attract over $2 billion in private capital. CEO Zachary Yerushalmi emphasized the significance of this milestone in securing U.S. quantum leadership. Colorado Governor Jared Polis and New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed strong support, highlighting the region's potential as a quantum technology epicenter.
Paper: Algorithmic Fault Tolerance for Fast Quantum Computing
Researchers Hengyun Zhou, Chen Zhao, Madelyn Cain, Dolev Bluvstein, Casey Duckering, Hong-Ye Hu, Sheng-Tao Wang, Aleksander Kubica, and Mikhail D. Lukin present a groundbreaking study on "Algorithmic Fault Tolerance for Fast Quantum Computing." They challenge the prevailing belief that multiple syndrome extraction rounds are necessary for fault-tolerant quantum computation. Their work demonstrates that fault-tolerant logical operations can be achieved with constant time overhead for various quantum error-correcting codes, including the surface code. This is accomplished through transversal operations and novel correlated decoding strategies, significantly reducing the space-time cost of practical fault-tolerant quantum computation.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.17653v1
How to develop the Quantum Error Correction Stack for every qubit
Riverlane is advancing quantum error correction (QEC) with its modular Deltaflow solution, adaptable across various qubit types. The company has committed to three development tracks: fixed 2D arrays using surface code, reconfigurable arrays with transversal logic, and low-overhead qLDPC approaches. Each track targets different qubit types, including superconducting, spin, neutral atoms, ion traps, and photonics. Riverlane employs fast graph-based decoding methods like Collision Clustering and Local Clustering Decoder. The surface code, known for its high threshold and compatibility with 2D arrays, is contrasted with qLDPC codes, which promise greater efficiency but require complex connectivity.
https://www.riverlane.com/blog/how-to-develop-the-quantum-error-correction-stack-for-every-qubit
IonQ Unveils Ambitious 2024/25 Quantum Computing Roadmap with Forte Enterprise and Tempo Launches
IonQ, a specialist in trapped ion quantum computing, outlined its 2024/25 goals and technology roadmap in a recent webinar led by CEO Peter Chapman and SVP Dean Kassmann. Key highlights include the upcoming Forte Enterprise, designed for client datacenters, and the 2025 launch of Tempo, which will use barium qubits and feature a reconfigurable multi-core quantum architecture (RMQA). Kassmann emphasized IonQ's focus on manufacturability, data center readiness, and robustness. The company aims to achieve #AQ 64 by 2025, a milestone CEO Chapman likens to a "ChatGPT moment" for quantum computing. IonQ's modular architecture and photon-based interconnects are central to its strategy for scalable, fault-tolerant quantum systems.
https://www.hpcwire.com/2024/07/02/ionq-plots-path-to-commercial-quantum-advantage/
Rymax One to make Hamburg leading quantum computing centre
The "Hamburg Quantum Computing" (HQC) project, launched on July 1, 2024, at the University of Hamburg's Center for Optical Quantum Technologies, aims to make Hamburg a leading quantum computing hub. The EU-funded initiative, with a budget of EUR 17 million, combines the expertise of the University of Hamburg and the Hamburg University of Technology. Senator Katharina Fegebank emphasized the interdisciplinary collaboration in Science City Bahrenfeld. Dr. Niclas Luick, Managing Director of the Rymax project, highlighted the potential of the Rymax One quantum computer demonstrator. Germany, second only to China in public investment in quantum computing, sees this project as pivotal for advancements in various industries. The HQC project is set to position Hamburg as a key player in global quantum computing research and development.
https://hamburg-business.com/en/news/rymax-one-to-make-hamburg-leading-quantum-computing-centre
Kvantify secures €10M Seed funding for quantum computing powered drug discovery
Danish quantum software startup Kvantify has secured €10 million in Seed funding to advance its quantum computing solutions for drug discovery. The funding round was led by VC Dreamcraft, with participation from Lundbeckfonden BioCapital, BioCapital, 2degrees, Redstone VC, 2xN, and EIFO. Jacob Falck Hansen of Lundbeckfonden BioCapital highlighted the potential of quantum computing to enhance accuracy and reduce risks in early drug development stages. Kvantify CEO Hans Henrik Knudsen expressed excitement about the milestone, emphasizing the validation of their vision to revolutionize life sciences. The investment will accelerate Kvantify's development of quantum algorithms for chemical simulation, broadening their industrial applications.
What can the History of Computation teach us about the Future of Quantum?
Alice & Bob’s Chief Product Officer, Blaise Vignon, explores the parallels between historical computation advancements and the future of quantum computing. Emphasizing the evolution from early arithmetic machines to modern GPUs, Vignon suggests quantum computing will similarly fill gaps left by current technologies. Alice & Bob, based in Paris, integrates their 'cat qubits' with NVIDIA's DGX Quantum to enhance data center computations. Vignon highlights the necessity of hybrid systems combining classical and quantum computing, and the immense computational power required for quantum operations.
Fujitsu and ANU to bring world-class quantum computing to Australia
Fujitsu and the Australian National University (ANU) have partnered to advance quantum computing in Australia. This collaboration aims to leverage Fujitsu's quantum-inspired Digital Annealer and ANU's research expertise to address complex computational problems. The initiative will focus on developing practical applications in areas such as optimization and artificial intelligence. Fujitsu's Digital Annealer, which mimics quantum computing principles, offers a significant step forward in solving intricate problems that traditional computing struggles with. This partnership represents a strategic move to position Australia as a key player in the global quantum computing landscape. According to Fujitsu, this collaboration will "drive innovation and create new opportunities for industries across Australia."
https://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/resources/news/press-releases/2024/0704-01.html
Multiple nations enact mysterious export controls on quantum computers
Governments worldwide, including the UK, France, Spain, and the Netherlands, have imposed identical export controls on quantum computers, limiting those with 34 or more qubits and low error rates. These restrictions stem from secretive international discussions, notably under the Wassenaar Arrangement, which governs dual-use technologies. Despite the theoretical security risks posed by quantum computers, current models are too primitive to break encryption, making the bans appear unnecessary. Christopher Monroe, co-founder of IonQ, criticized the restrictions, stating they could stifle innovation. The European Commission and various national spokespeople have declined to provide detailed scientific justifications for these measures. The coordinated controls highlight a significant, albeit opaque, international effort to manage emerging quantum technologies.
Google's claim of quantum supremacy has been completely smashed
In 2019, Google claimed its Sycamore quantum computer achieved "quantum supremacy" by performing a task in 3 minutes and 20 seconds that would take IBM's Summit supercomputer 10,000 years. However, recent advancements have overturned this claim. Researchers led by Rong Fu at the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory used over 2300 Nvidia A100 GPUs to complete the same task in just 14.22 seconds, consuming less energy than Sycamore. This development highlights the rapid progress in classical computing, challenging the notion of quantum supremacy. Josh Nunn from Orca Computing and Christopher Monroe from the University of Maryland emphasize the importance of scrutinizing such claims and focusing on practical applications of quantum technology.
Enhancing the expressivity of quantum neural networks with residual connections
Researchers Jingwei Wen, Zhiguo Huang, Dunbo Cai, and Ling Qian have proposed a quantum circuit-based algorithm to implement quantum residual neural networks, enhancing the expressivity of quantum neural networks. By introducing auxiliary qubits to data-encoding and trainable blocks, they extend the frequency generation forms from one to O(l2) and improve the flexibility in adjusting Fourier coefficients. This architecture shows better spectral richness and enhanced expressivity in parameterized quantum circuits. Extensive numerical demonstrations in regression tasks and image classification validate their approach. This work lays the foundation for fully quantum implementations of classical residual neural networks and offers a new quantum feature map strategy for quantum machine learning.