The Week in Quantum Computing - November 27th - D-Wave Expands, Xanadu, Kipu, Genes, and Zero knowledge proofs. Skepticism grows, Germany Criticized while Ireland, UK, and Austria Push Quantum Forward
Issue #162
`The Week in Quantum Computing. Brought to you by Sergio Gago (@piratecto).
So, this week something exploded on Linkedin. I wrote this after reading an article in Forbes:
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7132764117500620800/
The post has suprassed 50.000 viewers and dozens of reposts. Clearly people likes salsa. But beyond that, I wanted to dedicate some lines to the hype. Those are complemented by Aaronson’s interview for Politico below, and the always great Jack Krupansky piece on “cheat sheet for quantum hype”. The topped up with Dulwich on “Hot to talk about quantum computing” which includes gems like this one:
Matt Swayne from TQI has also written a great article putting some pieces together (and in a more polite way than myself). “Is Quantum AI close?”
Where do we stand? Those of you who have been reading me for a while know that I try to position myself in the carefully optimistic side of things. I am not a scientist. Just an engineer. And as such I try to have a very pragmatic view of things. I believe looking into the future and being optimistic is crucial and a relevant part of the research funding that snarky researchers get is thanks to the push private companies are making into helping people believe. So yes, I am more hypey than the average scientist. Some of them disagree with my own strategy in the field, and that is fine. At the same time, absolute hype like “Quantum AI is closer than you think” does nothing but sepparating factions even more. And my Linkedin thread is a living proof of that. And I like to call out when that happens. After all, what kind of Quantum Pirate would I be if I didn’t do that :)
If I had to rewrite that article I would have said:
“Quantum and AI are two of the most interesting and possibly game changer technologies humans are working with. While at the moment AI is everywhere and thousands of companies are benefitting from it, Quantum is still in its early stages and there are plenty of challenges to overcome. One great area of research is the intersection of both technologies. QuantumAI or Quantum Machine Learning. Here, researchers think there are possibilities of Quantum serving to either speed up or increase accuracy of AI systems. Even though there are toy models and algorithms that are leading the way towards knowing what can be done, it is still very early. Quantum Computers are still small and their calculations contain many errors. Still, the promise of these models and algorithms is worth additional investment both from the public and private sector”
Quick Recap
D-Wave Quantum has expanded its partnership with QuantumBasel, aiming to boost quantum application development in Europe. To support this, D-Wave is setting up a European office at QuantumBasel. Meanwhile, Scott Aaronson, director of the University of Texas Austin's Quantum Information Center, has expressed skepticism about the immediate potential of quantum computing to revolutionize areas like machine learning. At the same time Terra Quantum's CEO, Markus Pflitsch, has criticized Germany's lack of support for quantum technology despite the country's plans to invest €3bn in the next three years. In contrast, Ireland has launched Quantum 2030, a strategy to position itself as a global leader in quantum technology. A Texas A&M University team has used quantum computing to map gene regulatory networks, enabling more accurate prediction of gene relationships. ICFO researchers, along with Institute de Recherche de Chimie de Paris and Karlsruher Institute fur Technologie, have demonstrated a new platform for quantum information processing using single ions in nano-sized particles. The UK government's National Quantum Strategy aims to stimulate quantum technology development through ambitious missions, while Austria's Quantum Connect, the country's first national quantum machine learning initiative, brings together machine learning and quantum computing experts.
The Week in Quantum Computing
D-Wave Announces European Office, Contract Extension with QuantumBasel
D-Wave Quantum has extended its strategic agreement with QuantumBasel, Switzerland's quantum innovation hub, for two more years. This collaboration aims to accelerate quantum and quantum-hybrid application development in Europe. To facilitate this, D-Wave will establish a European office on the QuantumBasel campus. D-Wave's European clientele includes QuantumBasel, BBVA, Ko Holding, Satispay, Poznan Superconducting and Network Center, and Cineca. This move signifies D-Wave's commitment to fast-track the region's commercialization of quantum computing.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/d-wave-announces-european-office-193500918.html
5 questions for Scott Aaronson
Scott Aaronson, director of the University of Texas Austin’s Quantum Information Center, in an interview with Politico, expressed skepticism about the near-term potential of quantum computing in revolutionizing traditional computer science areas like machine learning and optimization. Despite billions of dollars invested in the field, Aaronson argued that the technology is not yet ready to provide significant speed-ups. He also highlighted the need for greater funding for basic research, which often leads to breakthroughs, instead of focusing solely on specific technology development. Aaronson also advocated for easier visa processes for leading scientists worldwide, to foster innovation and competitiveness.
Germany not doing enough to support quantum revolution: Terra Quantum CEO
Markus Pflitsch, CEO of Terra Quantum, a Swiss-German start-up specializing in hybrid quantum algorithms, asserts that Germany is not providing sufficient support for quantum technology. Despite the German government's plans to invest €3bn in the next three years for a universal quantum computer, a proposed 2024 federal budget indicates cuts of €200m to the Quantum Computing Initiative. Terra Quantum, which has raised $86m since 2019, has collaborated with Nvidia to develop quantum-accelerated applications. Pflitsch emphasizes the role of quantum technology in driving the generative AI wave and believes that the convergence of AI and quantum technology is happening faster than anticipated.
https://sifted.eu/articles/germany-support-terra-quantum-ceo/
Quantum 2030: Ireland launches first national strategy for quantum technologies
Ireland's Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, has unveiled Quantum 2030, the nation's inaugural strategy for quantum technologies. This move is aimed at positioning Ireland as a leader in the global quantum technology sector. Quantum 2030 will support quantum research and talent development, creating a competitive edge over other countries. Quantum computing activities and the development of quantum applications have seen robust growth in Ireland over the past three years. The strategy aims to make Ireland an internationally competitive hub for quantum technologies by 2030, leveraging the country's successes in information and communication technologies.
Cheat Sheet for Quantum Computing Hype
Jack Krupansky, in his informative article, presents a list of hype-inducing words and phrases frequently used in quantum computing. His list ranges from 'Accelerate' to 'The future of computing is here', all of which, according to Krupansky, are used to mislead readers about the actual progress of the technology. He criticizes the use of such hyperbolic language in various contexts such as vendor press releases, social media posts, blogs, and even academic papers. Krupansky urges professionals in the field to avoid using hype language and stick to normal, plain language which accurately reflects the current state of quantum computing.
https://jackkrupansky.medium.com/cheat-sheet-for-quantum-computing-hype-d16a95119582
The right roadmap accelerates the path to fault-tolerant quantum computing
This post is the second part of a three-part series on the transition from NISQ to fault-tolerance. While the first post focussed on the requirements for transformative quantum computing, this second post is about what roadmaps are being pursued by top hardware players to meet those requirements. This series is in collaboration with the GQI team
https://www-qc-design.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.qc.design/news/roadmaps?format=amp
Researchers use quantum computing to predict gene relationships
A multidisciplinary team at Texas A&M University has leveraged quantum computing to map gene regulatory networks (GRNs), uncovering new links between genes previously undetectable by traditional methods. As reported in npj Quantum Information, the quantum-classical framework, qscGRN, enables more accurate prediction of gene relationships, with significant potential implications for human and animal medicine. The team's use of quantum computing overcame previous limitations of only comparing two genes at a time, allowing for more complex gene relationships to be examined. The team, led by Cai, plans future comparisons of healthy cells with those carrying diseases or mutations. This research marks a significant stride in the fusion of quantum computing and genetic research.
https://phys.org/news/2023-11-quantum-gene-relationships.html
Podcast with Anna Knorr and Rodrigo Bravo, co-founders of the Quantum Ethics Project
Anna Knörr and Rodrigo Bravo, co-founders of the Quantum Ethics Project, were interviewed about the project's objective to address the ethical implications of quantum technologies. They discussed the challenges posed by quantum technologies, including dual-use applications and responsible research. The Quantum Ethics Project, founded in 2021, aims to provide a space for people to consider the social, political, ethical, and economic questions of quantum technologies. The co-founders expressed hopes for a future where ethical considerations are integrated into the development of quantum technology.
Single ions in nano-sized particles: A new platform for quantum information processing
ICFO researchers, in collaboration with Institute de Recherche de Chimie de Paris and Karlsruher Institute fur Technologie, have successfully demonstrated a new platform for quantum information processing using single ions in nano-sized particles. The team utilized erbium ions in nanoparticles of approximately 150 nm diameter, achieving efficient light-matter interaction. The study, published in Optica, revealed that the ions, emitting single photons at telecommunication wavelength, were packed in a volume significantly smaller than previous implementations. This innovative approach could potentially enable quantum processors using hundreds of qubits in a nanoscale volume, individually detectable and efficiently coupled to single photons for quantum networking.
https://phys.org/news/2023-11-ions-nano-sized-particles-platform-quantum.html
National Quantum Strategy Missions
The UK government's National Quantum Strategy aims to stimulate quantum technology development through ambitious, long-term missions. These missions have been formulated in collaboration with industry, quantum experts, and investors to yield significant societal and economic benefits. The strategy includes five key missions: by 2035, the UK will have accessible quantum computers capable of running 1 trillion operations; the UK will pioneer the world's most advanced quantum network; by 2030, every NHS Trust will utilize quantum sensing-enabled solutions for early diagnosis and treatment; quantum navigation systems will be deployed on aircraft; and mobile, networked quantum sensors will be used across critical infrastructure sectors.
Quantum Connect is leading Austria's machine learning community into the quantum age
A consortium of machine learning and quantum computing experts, including Gradient Zero, Anaqor, QMware, and PQML, has launched Quantum Connect, Austria's first national quantum machine learning initiative. The initiative aims to build a community dedicated to the research and development of quantum machine learning applications for use in various Austrian industries and public administration. The initiative, launched by Gradient Zero and funded by PQML, brings together experts and industry partners to create a platform for knowledge and technology sharing.
Quantum Quandary: Standards Australia & UTS findings reveal lack of talent amid growing demand
Standards Australia and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) have revealed a talent shortage in the quantum computing sector. The lack of skilled professionals comes at a time when demand for quantum computing is increasing. The two institutions are calling for a nationwide effort to foster talent and build capacity in this critical field. The report emphasizes the need to establish a quantum computing ecosystem in Australia, which would include industry, academia, and government. The findings underline the importance of quantum computing for Australia's future, as it can drive economic growth, provide national security and bolster the country's standing in the global tech industry.
Xanadu hardware CTO shares views on why silicon photonics is the future of quantum computing
Xanadu is developing fault-tolerant computers using silicon photonics chips, with CTO Zachary Vernon believing this will rapidly achieve a fault-tolerant quantum computer able to operate at room temperature. Photonic chips offer better connectivity and access to quantum low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. Xanadu's current focus is on developing the hardware for a cloud-deployed, fault-tolerant computer. The company's software library for programming quantum computers, PennyLane, is being used by automakers like Volkswagen for quantum algorithms in battery simulation. Vernon sees potential for silicon photonics to deploy quantum computers closer to the edge, potentially even within consumer devices.
https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20231116VL209/xanadu-silicon-photonics-canada-quantum-computing.html
Kipu Quantum supports BASIQ with the simulation of battery materials
German-based start-up Kipu Quantum is aiding BASIQ in simulating battery materials. Specializing in the creation of custom algorithms and the integration of quantum algorithms into customer-friendly software, Kipu Quantum leverages quantum computing to provide innovative solutions. Their collaboration with BASIQ exemplifies the practical application of quantum computing in real-world scenarios, particularly in the energy sector.
https://qci.dlr.de/en/kipu-quantum-supports-basiq-with-the-simulation-of-battery-materials/
Euroviews. Europe has lost the AI race. It can't ignore the quantum computing one
Europe risks falling behind in the global quantum computing race, warns Koen Bertels, Quantum Engineering Professor at the University of Ghent. Despite several private startups raising funds, the continent is struggling against the US and China. BCG has identified Europe's lack of coordination, private funding, and talent strategies as weaknesses. Quantum computing technology could generate $450-850bn in value over the next 15-30 years. Bertels urges Europe to aggressively pursue quantum talent and applications to secure its future in the tech world.
USTC achieves zero-knowledge proof based on device-independent quantum random number beacon
A research team led by Professors PAN Jianwei and ZHANG Qiang at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), in collaboration with other institutes, has developed a secure non-interactive zero-knowledge proof (NIZKP) protocol. The team built a beacon public service system that broadcasts random numbers generated by a device-independent quantum random number generator (DIQRNG). A quantum secure signature algorithm was used to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the random numbers during transmission. The research, combining quantum nonlocality, quantum secure algorithm, and zero-knowledge proof, was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on November 2.
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1008898
Paper: Post-quantum distributed ledger technology: a systematic survey
A recent study by Nikhil Kumar Parida, Chandrashekar Jatoth, V. Dinesh Reddy, Md. Muzakkir Hussain, and Jamilurahman Faizi, published in Scientific Reports, explores the impact of quantum computing on blockchain technology. The researchers highlight that quantum algorithms pose a significant threat to blockchain security, necessitating a redesign of blockchain architectures. The study investigates post-quantum, quantum-safe, or quantum-resistant cryptosystems within the framework of blockchain. It also conducts a comprehensive literature review on Post-Quantum Distributed Ledger Technology (PQDLT), emphasizing the practical implementation of these protocols and algorithms. The research aims to foster further study at the intersection of post-quantum cryptography and blockchain systems.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-47331-1
Quantum Application Lab Secures SESA Grant for Quantum Computing Application Development
The Quantum Application Lab (QAL), a consortium including CWI, has secured a SESA grant of €1.2 million from the Amsterdam municipality. This funding will enable QAL to expand its operations and intensify its quantum computing application development. The grant will fund the appointment of quantum innovation officers, tasked with translating academic knowledge into practical end-user benefits. Koen Leijnse, QAL’s current innovation officer, noted the grant will help create high-value jobs and bring the practical advantages of quantum computing closer. QAL's consortium includes the University of Amsterdam, SURF, the Netherlands eScience Centre, TNO, and Quantum Inspire, and partners with IBM, QuiX Quantum, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft Azure.