The Week in Quantum Computing - May 27th 2024 - Q1 Results, IQM goes AWS, Saudi gets Pasqalized
Issue #187
The Week in Quantum Computing. Brought to you by Sergio Gago (@piratecto).
Quick Recap
Sparkle, the UK-based company, has been testing a quantum-safe VPN. IonQ, despite a 77% YoY revenue growth, is facing financial challenges with expenses outpacing revenue. Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Aramco, in collaboration with Pasqal, plans to install Saudi Arabia's first 200-qubit quantum computer by H2 2025 (Remember QuEra two weeks ago did something similar in Japan). Fujitsu's Digital Annealer platform is leveraging quantum logic to address complex optimization problems. Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have developed a machine learning generative model to program quantum computers more efficiently. The global post-quantum cryptography market is projected to reach $10.26 billion by 2034, driven by emerging threats from quantum computing and the need for quantum-resilient cryptographic solutions. Researchers have explored quantum machine learning models using a trapped-ion quantum computer, demonstrating the adaptability of quantum kernel for various datasets. The Port of Rotterdam Authority has established the world's first scalable quantum internet connection in collaboration with Q*Bird and other companies. The World Economic Forum has emphasized the need for robust security measures for central bank digital currency systems in the post-quantum computing era. IBM sets working groups to find real use cases in a variety of industries (remember Google still has its prize going on!). Oh, and Zoom goes PQC! Now nobody can harvest now and decrypt your conference calls in the future!
The Week in Quantum Computing
Sparkle trials quantum-safe VPN
Sparkle, a UK-based company, is testing a quantum-safe Virtual Private Network (VPN). The initiative is a significant step in the field of quantum computing, aiming to provide a solution that can withstand quantum computer attacks. The company, registered under the number 1072954, operates from its office at 5 Howick Place, London.
https://www.telecoms.com/security/sparkle-trials-quantum-safe-vpn
Why 77% Revenue Growth Is Meaningless for IonQ Stock
Quantum computing firm IonQ is experiencing a 77% YoY revenue growth, reaching $7.6 million in Q1 2024. However, the company's costs and expenses are escalating faster than its revenue, with a quarterly loss of nearly $40 million, up from $27 million the previous year. Despite IonQ's technological advancements, including the launch of its IonQ Forte Enterprise system, the first generation of quantum computers deployable in data centers, the company's fiscal condition requires a significant transformation for sustainable growth. The quantum computing industry also faces competition from well-funded tech giants.
https://www.fool.com/investing/2024/05/18/why-77-revenue-growth-meaningless-ionq-stock/
Aramco, Pasqal to deploy 1st quantum computer in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Aramco) and Pasqal, a leader in neutral atom quantum computing, have agreed to install Saudi Arabia's first quantum computer. The 200-qubit quantum computer, to be installed, maintained, and operated by Pasqal, is scheduled for deployment in H2 2025. Aramco's EVP of Technology & Innovation, Ahmad Al Khowaiter, emphasized the importance of new technologies like quantum computing in the energy sector. Georges-Olivier Reymond, CEO and Co-Founder of Pasqal, underscored the computer's power for industrial use, marking a new era of innovation. The quantum computer will initially operate in "analog mode", with a planned upgrade to a more advanced hybrid "analog-digital mode" within 2025.
What is Digital Annealer?
Fujitsu's Digital Annealer platform leverages quantum logic to solve complex optimization problems. The technology addresses challenges too vast for standard computing, such as financial model stress testing and pharmaceutical drug research and development. Fujitsu's portfolio, built on hybrid IT and networking solutions, focuses on digital transformation and resilience against cyber attacks. Their co-creation approach allows for collaboration and ideation with customers, driving unique digital transformations. The Digital Annealer's quantum-inspired optimization services represent a significant leap in problem-solving capabilities, using tomorrow's technology today.
https://www.fujitsu.com/global/services/business-services/digital-annealer/what-is-digital-annealer/
How AI helps programming a quantum computer at University Innsbruck
Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have developed a new method to program quantum computers, using a machine learning generative model that determines the sequence of quantum gates required to execute a quantum operation. The study, published in Nature Machine Intelligence, represents a significant advancement in quantum computing. The method, developed by Gorka Muñoz-Gil, Hans J. Briegel, and Florian Fürrutter, is based on diffusion models, a recent development in Machine Learning that has revolutionized image generation. The model can generate quantum circuits based on the text description of the quantum operation, and can adjust to different numbers of qubits, types and numbers of quantum gates, and the connectivity of the quantum hardware.
https://www.uibk.ac.at/en/newsroom/2024/how-ai-helps-programming-a-quantum-computer/
Global Post Quantum Cryptography Industry Research 202 : 034 : Surging Demand for Quantum-Resilient Cryptographic Solutions, Emerging Quantum Computing Threats Catalyze Growth
The global post-quantum cryptography market is projected to hit $10.26 billion by 2034, driven by a rising demand for quantum-resilient cryptographic solutions and emerging threats from quantum computing. Industries such as finance, healthcare, and government are recognizing the need for robust encryption to safeguard sensitive information. North America is experiencing significant growth in this market, with regulatory measures promoting the adoption of these solutions. Leading companies like IBM Corporation, Thales, and Toshiba offer a variety of post-quantum cryptography products and services.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/global-post-quantum-cryptography-industry-075100259.html
Quantum support vector machines for classification and regression on a trapped-ion quantum computer
Researchers Teppei Suzuki, Takashi Hasebe, and Tsubasa Miyazaki have used a trapped-ion quantum computer to explore quantum machine learning models based on quantum support vector classification (QSVC) and quantum support vector regression (QSVR). Their studies, conducted on the IonQ Harmony quantum processor and a quantum circuit simulator, utilized datasets related to fraudulent credit card transactions, image datasets, financial data, and materials data. The QSVC models' performance was comparable to noiseless quantum circuit simulations when using 4 qubits of the trapped-ion quantum computer. The team also found that a low-rank approximation to the noisy quantum kernel, combined with hyperparameter tuning, improved QSVR models' performance. The results suggest that the quantum kernel can be effectively used for both QSVC and QSVR tasks, indicating its adaptability to various datasets and resistance to noise.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42484-024-00165-0
Consortium of parties first in the world to build scalable quantum internet connection in Rotterdam port
The Port of Rotterdam Authority, in collaboration with Q*Bird, Single Quantum, Cisco, Eurofiber, Portbase, Intermax, and InnovationQuarter, has successfully established the world's first scalable quantum internet connection in the port of Rotterdam. The project was part of the Quantum Delta NL program. The quantum technology used in this project ensures the security of sensitive information, providing a safer communication system for the numerous vessels visiting the port annually. The trial, which began in late 2022, involved a central hub installed by QBird in Eurofiber’s data centre, capable of distributing quantum keys to multiple endpoints.
20 Top Universities For Quantum Computing Research
The article highlights 20 top universities globally renowned for quantum computing research, considering factors such as research output, quantum-focused educational departments and real-world impact. The California Institute of Technology (Caltech), with an estimated 850 papers, collaborates with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to bridge research and commercial applications. MIT, with approximately 1,200 papers, has developed a quantum computing architecture integrating superconducting qubits. Stanford University, with roughly 1,150 papers, has made significant advancements in quantum control and error correction. Harvard University, with an estimated 1,100 papers, has made strides in creating programmable quantum systems. The University of Chicago, with around 800 papers, is recognized globally for advancements in quantum computing, communication, and sensing.
https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/05/21/20-top-universities-for-quantum-computing-research/
Safeguarding central bank digital currency systems in the post-quantum computing age
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has emphasized the need for robust security measures for central bank digital currency (CBDC) systems in the post-quantum computing era. The WEF suggests that the advent of quantum computing could pose significant threats to these systems due to its advanced capabilities. The article was published under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License.
Quantum computing earnings Q1 2024: IonQ, Rigetti, D-Wave results
In Q1 2024, IonQ, Rigetti, and D-Wave, three prominent quantum computing firms, reported their financial results. IonQ recognized $7.6 million in revenue, up from $4.3 million the previous year, but posted a net loss of $39.6 million and an adjusted EBITDA loss of $27 million. The company highlighted new bookings of $300,000 and cash reserves totaling $434.4 million. IonQ's CEO, Peter Chapman, noted an expanding sales pipeline and ongoing manufacturing efforts, including the production of five Forte Enterprise Systems, with one already sold. IonQ is also close to completing a new data center in Basel, Switzerland, in partnership with QuantumBasel.
Rigetti saw revenues decrease slightly to $3.1 million, with a net loss of $20.8 million. Despite the losses, Rigetti raised $32.9 million through share sales and ended the quarter with $102.8 million in cash and securities. CEO Dr. Subodh Kulkarni expressed optimism about the company's on-premises quantum computing market and its Novera QPU product, which has been adopted by Horizon. D-Wave reported a revenue increase to $2.5 million and a reduced net loss of $17.3 million. The company achieved significant bookings growth and announced a continued partnership with USC, emphasizing customer demand for quantum solutions and progress with its Advantage2 prototype.
Quantum working groups push for near-term use cases
IBM and its collaborators have launched five working groups over the past two years to foster quantum algorithmic development in promising domains: healthcare & life sciences, materials science, high energy physics, optimization, and sustainability. The groups aim to identify problems and potential use cases where quantum computing could offer benefits. With the recent launch of the sustainability quantum working group, all groups are now operational, producing white papers and forming active research collaborations. According to IBM, the exploration of these groups will be crucial to realizing quantum advantage in the near term. The groups include experts from institutions such as CERN, DESY, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the University of Tokyo. Quantum computing's potential to accelerate fields like high-energy physics and materials science underscores its transformative power.
https://ibm.com/quantum/blog/quantum-working-groups
Zoom bolsters security offering with the inclusion of post-quantum end-to-end encryption in Zoom Workplace
Zoom Video Communications, Inc. has globally launched post-quantum end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for Zoom Workplace, notably Zoom Meetings, with Zoom Phone and Zoom Rooms to follow soon. This makes Zoom the first UCaaS provider to offer a post-quantum E2EE solution for video conferencing. The new security feature is a response to increasing sophistication in adversarial threats and a need to protect user data against potential future threats from quantum computers. Zoom's post-quantum E2EE uses Kyber 768, an algorithm being standardized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Zoom's CISO, Michael Adams, emphasized the company's commitment to continuously adapting to evolving security threats and protecting user data.
https://news.zoom.us/post-quantum-e2ee/
Skills development provides pathways into quantum workforce
The UK's National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is prioritizing skills development and training to build a quantum-ready economy. Abby Casey, Quantum Readiness Delivery Lead at the NQCC, emphasizes the need for a talent pipeline offering accessible routes into quantum computing for individuals at all career stages. The NQCC's activities include a summer school in collaboration with the University of Oxford, providing students with early insights into quantum computing and exposure to local quantum companies. The NQCC's mission underscores the pressing demand for scientists and engineers with the specialist skills to build and operate quantum computers.
https://physicsworld.com/skills-development-provides-pathways-into-quantum-workforce/
Amazon Braket launches new superconducting quantum processor from IQM
Amazon Braket has launched the first publicly available device from IQM Quantum Computers, named Garnet. This 20-qubit quantum processing unit (QPU) is based on superconducting technology and is located in Finland, expanding Braket's reach to the Europe (Stockholm) Region. The device has achieved a median 1-qubit gate fidelity of 99.92% and a Quantum Volume of 32. The Garnet processor will be available for use at specific times during the week. Customers globally can now experiment with IQM’s quantum hardware through on-demand and priority access. The addition of Garnet enhances data sovereignty for European Union customers and broadens the experimentation possibilities in quantum computing.
Biopharma foresees a quantum advantage: they could be right
Pharmaceutical and healthcare companies are increasingly investing in quantum computing, with Merck, Johnson & Johnson, Roche, and Amgen filing patents in this area. Moderna and IBM, as well as AstraZeneca and Sanofi, have also formed partnerships to explore quantum computing. Quantum computing's speed advantage was demonstrated in a 2019 experiment where a quantum computer completed a mathematical task in 200 seconds, a task that would have taken a classical supercomputer 10,000 years. Quantum computing could potentially accelerate drug design, discovery, and clinical studies. Pfizer and IBM have collaborated to integrate AI and quantum computing to improve clinical trial performance. Despite the potential, Simon McAdams from Quantinuum warns that quantum computers are not a magic solution.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-024-02251-x
Hacking a Quantum Computing Controller:
A vulnerability has been identified in the Quantum Computing Stack, specifically in the QICK controller stack provided by Fermilab's Open Quantum Hardware project. The bug is a default root-capable login, which could grant full access to the quantum hardware it's connected to. The vulnerability comes from the default configuration of two RF controller boards, ZCU111 and ZCU216, designed by AMD. The boards are the basis for the QICK interface and development platform. The default login could grant pulse-level access to a quantum computer, potentially allowing total control over it. While exploiting this requires certain conditions, it's a significant concern given the sensitivity and cost of quantum hardware systems.
Paper: Bias-field digitized counterdiabatic quantum optimization
A team of researchers from Kipu Quantum, including Alejandro Gomez Cadavid, Archismita Dalal, Anton Simen, Enrique Solano, and Narendra N. Hegade, introduced a new method for solving large-scale combinatorial optimization problems on digital quantum computers. The protocol, called bias-field digitized counterdiabatic quantum optimization (BF-DCQO), demonstrates resilience against the restricted coherence times of current quantum processors, and shows enhancement even in the presence of noise. Unlike hybrid classical-quantum schemes, BF-DCQO is a purely quantum approach, eliminating dependency on classical optimization. The protocol was validated through experimental implementations on both trapped-ion quantum computers and superconducting processors, tackling a maximum weighted independent set problem with 36 qubits and a spin-glass on a heavy-hex lattice with 100 qubits, respectively.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2405.13898v1
Quantum control of a cat qubit with bit-flip times exceeding ten seconds
In a recent experiment, a team led by U. Réglade, A. Bocquet, and Z. Leghtas, implemented a cat qubit with bit-flip times exceeding 10 seconds, an improvement of four orders of magnitude over previously published cat-qubit implementations. This cat qubit, a type of quantum bit, is encoded in the manifold of metastable states of a quantum dynamical system, providing continuous and autonomous protection against bit-flips. The team successfully controlled the phase of quantum superpositions without breaking the bit-flip protection, demonstrating the compatibility of quantum control and inherent bit-flip protection at an unprecedented level. This breakthrough suggests the potential of these dynamical qubits for future quantum technologies.