The Week in Quantum Computing - July 22nd 2024 - Microsoft leaves Australia, IQM goes to the high 9 club, error mitigation limitations
Issue #195
The Week in Quantum Computing. Brought to you by Sergio Gago (@piratecto).
If you are short on time, there are three things you need to see / read from this week:
1. The latest BCG report on the state of Quantum: Where is value creation with quantum computing today? NISQ applications don’t have the answer. Error correction is great towards fault-tolerance. Al competition raises the bar While quantum computing today provides no tangible advantage over classical computing in either commercial or scientific applications. BCG kees having confidence in their projection that quantum computing will create $450 billion to $850 billion of economic value-sustaining a $90 billion to $170 billion market hardware and software providers by 2040.
2. Sabine’s quantum hype video
3. The paper on the fundamental limits on error mitigation. That basically says “any quantum circuit for which error mitigation is efficient under a large amount of circuit noise must be classically simulable”
That’s it, did you think that people went on holidays already? Think again!
And now, for the actual recap.
Quick Recap
Microsoft has halted its quantum computing research in Australia, impacting collaborations with institutions like the University of Sydney and affecting numerous researchers. IBM Quantum has achieved a significant milestone by executing a complex quantum simulation using 13,858 CNOT gates on the IBM QuantumHeron processor. This involved 112 qubits and approximately 154 million circuit "shots”. IQM Quantum Computers has demonstrated a 99.9% 2-qubit gate fidelity and a qubit coherence time of 1 millisecond, validated through interleaved randomized benchmarking. Eni has launched Eniquantic to leverage quantum computing for energy efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy and DARPA have signed an MOU to enhance quantum computing initiatives, supported by a $140 million federal investment in Illinois. While Singapore invests S$100M. SSH Communications Security has launched Quantum-Safe NQX 3.0, and SPTel has partnered with ST Engineering, Nokia, and Fortinet to introduce quantum-safe services. Quantonation's investment in Pioniq Technologies highlights the growing interest in quantum materials for sustainable energy storage solutions.
The Week in Quantum Computing
Microsoft exits quantum research in Australia
Microsoft has ceased its quantum computing research operations in Australia, impacting the local scientific community. This decision affects numerous researchers and collaborations, including those with the University of Sydney. The move comes amid a broader restructuring of Microsoft's global research initiatives. Professor David Reilly, a key figure in Microsoft's quantum efforts in Australia, expressed disappointment, stating, "This is a significant setback for quantum research in Australia."
https://www.innovationaus.com/tech-giant-microsoft-exits-quantum-research-in-australia/
Scientists Achieve Record-Breaking Quantum Simulation with 13,858 CNOTs
IBM Quantum researchers have achieved a groundbreaking quantum simulation using 13,858 CNOT gates and a CNOT depth of 370, leveraging Qiskit Runtime’s error mitigation methods. This simulation, executed on the IBM QuantumHeron processor, involved approximately 154 million circuit "shots" and utilized 112 qubits. The team employed advanced error suppression and post-processing techniques to handle noise, significantly enhancing the fidelity of their results. The Qiskit Sampler primitive played a crucial role in calculating probabilities and mitigating errors. This milestone brings us closer to simulating complex physics processes, with the next goal being the simulation of particle beam collisions, potentially demonstrating quantum computational advantage.
https://quantumzeitgeist.com/scientists-achieve-record-breaking-quantum-simulation-with-13858-cnots/
IQM Quantum Computers achieves new technology milestones with 99.9% 2-qubit gate fidelity and 1 millisecond coherence time
IQM Quantum Computers has achieved significant milestones in superconducting quantum computing, demonstrating a 99.9% 2-qubit gate fidelity and a qubit coherence time of 1 millisecond. These advancements were validated through interleaved randomized benchmarking and showcase IQM's in-house chip fabrication capabilities. Dr. Juha Hassel, Vice President of Engineering, stated, "This achievement cements our tech leadership in the industry." The results indicate IQM's readiness for next-generation high-performance quantum processors and potential advancements in machine learning, cybersecurity, and pharmaceutical research. This announcement follows the launch of Germany's first hybrid quantum computer at the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre and the opening of IQM's quantum data center in Munich.
https://www.meetiqm.com/newsroom/press-releases/iqm-achieves-new-technology-milestones
Eni launches Eniquantic, a new venture for the technological development of quantum computing
Eni has launched Eniquantic, a new venture focused on advancing quantum computing technology. This initiative aligns with Eni's broader commitment to the energy transition and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Eniquantic aims to leverage quantum computing to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability. The venture will collaborate with universities, research centers, and companies to accelerate technological development. Eni's CEO, Claudio Descalzi, stated, "Quantum computing represents a revolutionary step in our journey towards a sustainable energy future." This move underscores Eni's strategic vision of integrating cutting-edge technologies to decarbonize energy products and services.
https://www.eni.com/en-IT/media/press-release/2024/07/pr-eniquantic.html
Governments bans on quantum computer exports have no basis in science
Several nations have imposed export restrictions on quantum computers with 34 or more qubits and low error rates, despite these devices having no practical use according to current research. The specificity of the 34-qubit threshold suggests concerns about potential misuse, particularly in breaking encryption, yet the scientific community finds these fears unfounded. The lack of transparency and scientific basis for these policies is criticized, highlighting the need for open, evidence-based policymaking akin to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's approach.
SSH Communications launches Quantum-Safe NQX 3.0, enhancing secure data transmission capabilities
SSH Communications Security has launched Quantum-Safe NQX 3.0, a robust communication solution designed to secure data transmission using the latest quantum-safe encryption algorithms. This version supports high-speed data links up to 100Gbps and can manage extensive network connections, making it suitable for national security agencies and large organizations. Interim CEO Rami Raulas emphasized the importance of protecting data from future quantum computer threats, stating, "Data protected by classical encryption methods is constantly being captured." Suvi Lampila, SSH Fellow, highlighted the hybrid key exchange mechanism, incorporating FrodoKEM and Kyber algorithms. SSH's participation in the NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography Building Block Consortium underscores its commitment to advancing quantum-safe solutions.
Quantum Computing Hype Goes Wild: Bullshit Headlines Everywhere
DOE and DARPA Join Forces to validate Computing Breakthroughs
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance quantum computing initiatives. Ceren Susut, DOE Associate Director, emphasized the potential of quantum computing to accelerate scientific discovery. Joe Altepeter, DARPA program manager, highlighted the collaboration's goal to create a top-tier verification and validation team for fault-tolerant quantum computers. The partnership will leverage DOE's extensive quantum research infrastructure, including five national research centers and various testbeds. This MOU aims to advance quantum science and technology, separating hype from reality at scale.
Illinois announces new $140M federal investment for quantum computing research
Governor J.B. Pritzker announced a $140 million federal investment in Illinois for quantum computing research, in collaboration with DARPA. This funding aims to establish Illinois as a national hub for quantum technology development. Pritzker emphasized the economic benefits and the attraction of top quantum companies and researchers to the state. "We are positioning ourselves here as a national hub of quantum technology development and in turn the prosperity that can come from the economic benefits of it," Pritzker stated
SPTel Partners with ST Engineering, Nokia and Fortinet on Quantum-Safe Services to Boost Cyber Defence for Organisations
SPTel has partnered with ST Engineering, Nokia, and Fortinet to introduce quantum-safe services aimed at enhancing cyber defense for organizations. This collaboration leverages advanced quantum-resistant encryption technologies to safeguard data against future quantum computing threats. The initiative underscores the growing importance of quantum-safe solutions in the cybersecurity landscape. SPTel's CEO, Titus Yong, emphasized the critical need for robust security measures, stating, "As cyber threats evolve, so must our defenses."
Quantonation Invests in Pioniq Technologies to develop ground-breaking quantum materials for the next-generation energy storage technologies
Quantonation has invested in Pioniq Technologies, a Paris-based spin-off from ESPCI and CNRS, to advance quantum materials for next-generation energy storage. Pioniq's innovative lithium-free, cobalt-free, and nickel-free solid-state devices utilize quantum matter properties at room temperature, offering sustainable and cost-effective solutions. The pre-seed funding will help Pioniq finalize material synthesis, explore new combinations, and integrate products for IoT and electronics. Christophe Jurczak of Quantonation highlighted the global academic interest in quantum materials and Pioniq's pioneering market approach.
Welinq X Quandela
Quandela and Welinq have announced a strategic partnership to develop custom quantum interconnects for photonic quantum computing. This collaboration aims to integrate Quandela’s photonic quantum processors with Welinq’s advanced quantum interconnect technology, facilitating the creation of interconnected, error-corrected photonic quantum computers. Niccolo Somaschi, CEO of Quandela, highlighted this as a significant milestone in scaling photonic quantum computing. Tom Darras, CEO of Welinq, emphasized the compatibility of their interconnects with existing QPU architectures. This partnership aligns with the AQADOC project, the largest initiative for distributed quantum algorithms, focusing on energy-related use-cases. This collaboration is poised to advance the development of robust and scalable quantum networks.
https://www.quandela.com/news-press-release-welinq-x-quandela/
MAS Commits up to S$100 Million to Support Quantum and Artificial Intelligence Capabilities in the Financial Sector
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has pledged an additional S$100 million to bolster quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities within the financial sector. This funding is part of the Financial Sector Technology and Innovation Grant Scheme (FSTI 3.0), initially launched in June. The initiative aims to enhance technological advancements and innovation in Singapore's financial landscape. MAS's commitment underscores the strategic importance of integrating cutting-edge technologies to maintain the nation's competitive edge in the global financial market. This significant investment highlights Singapore's proactive approach to fostering a robust, tech-driven financial ecosystem.
The Long-Term Forecast for Quantum Computing Still Looks Bright
Since 2021, the quantum computing market has seen significant advancements, altering its trajectory. Both quantum and classical computing technologies have progressed in unexpected ways. Despite these changes, the long-term outlook for quantum computing remains optimistic.
https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/long-term-forecast-for-quantum-computing-still-looks-bright
Paper: A polynomial-time classical algorithm for noisy quantum circuits
Researchers Thomas Schuster, Chao Yin, Xun Gao, and Norman Y. Yao have developed a polynomial-time classical algorithm for simulating noisy quantum circuits. Their method calculates the expectation value of any observable with minimal average error for circuits with input states from an ensemble, leveraging the exponential damping of non-local correlations due to noise. This approach allows classical simulation by tracking local quantum information dynamics. Additionally, the algorithm can sample from the output distribution of circuits in quasi-polynomial time if the distribution anti-concentrates. The study highlights a critical limitation: any quantum circuit that can efficiently mitigate errors must also be classically simulable. This finding sets a fundamental boundary for noise mitigation strategies in quantum computing.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2407.12768v1
Magnetic Marvels: NVIDIA’s Supercomputers Spin a Quantum Tale
NVIDIA's supercomputers have been pivotal in recent quantum computing research published in *Nature*. Led by Nobel laureate Giorgio Parisi, the study utilized over 2 million GPU computing hours across facilities in Italy, Luxembourg, and Spain to explore quantum annealing. This method, potentially transformative for complex optimization problems, was simulated to understand the phase transition in a two-dimensional Ising spin glass. The research underscores the critical role of GPU-accelerated simulations in advancing quantum computing. Parisi's team demonstrated how quantum annealers, like those from D-Wave, could solve optimization problems by finding stable, minimum-energy states in disordered systems. This work represents a significant advancement in the practical application of quantum computing.