The Week in Quantum Computing - November 20th - The Age of Quantum Utility - Photonic Inc., NVIDIA, and IBM. National Security, and Education, Quoherent. Q3 Earnings calls
Issue #161
The Week in Quantum Computing. Brought to you by Sergio Gago (@piratecto).
Some die hard fans asked for a Quantum Pirate, so this is the best rendition Dalle-3 could do. But I accept suggestions and improvements!
Quick Recap
Deep breath aaaand….
Microsoft and Photonic Inc. are joining forces to integrate quantum networking capabilities into everyday operating environments, using Photonic's spin-photon architecture and Microsoft's Azure infrastructure. The Quantum Computing for Life Sciences & Healthcare Center, a partnership between Classiq, NVIDIA, and the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, is set to develop quantum algorithms and applications with a focus on life sciences and healthcare. BASF, the world's largest chemical company, is alsop using NVIDIA's CUDA Quantum platform and Eos H100 Supercomputer for quantum computing simulations, running a 60-qubit simulation, the largest of its kind. Universities such as the University of New South Wales are offering courses in quantum engineering to prepare students for the emerging quantum technology industry, which is expected to revolutionize sectors like pharmaceuticals and electric vehicle manufacturing. The U.S. Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, Infleqtion, Nebula Space Enterprises, and Accenture Federal Services have announced a Quantum & Space Collaboration, aiming to utilize quantum technologies for advancements in national security, energy, and economic prosperity. In research advancements, a team of researchers from Sapienza University of Rome, Paris-Saclay University, and University of Naples Federico II have combined the features of Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) and quantum dots (QDs) to create a platform that can generate pure single photons and pairs of photons that are strongly entangled. Researchers at Terra Quantum have developed a new technique for improved training of machine-learning models using both classical and quantum computers. IBM Quantum and UC Berkeley researchers have introduced the concept of 'quantum utility', marking a significant milestone in the field. QDM.IO has launched the Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM), a device for high-resolution magnetic imaging already in use at Oxford University, Washington University, SUNY Buffalo, and New York University. Finally, the European Space Agency, the European Commission, and European space companies are developing the Eagle-1 satellite, the first space-based quantum key distribution system. Quoherent raised $4.7M. And we got resutls from Q3 earnings calls from the main public quantum companies (spoiler alert: no surprises).
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The Week in Quantum Computing
Microsoft and Photonic join forces on the path to quantum at scale
Microsoft and Photonic Inc. have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing quantum networking and computing. The partnership will leverage Photonic's spin-photon architecture and Microsoft's Azure infrastructure to integrate quantum networking capabilities into everyday operating environments. Jason Zander, Executive VP of Strategic Missions and Technologies at Microsoft, highlighted the potential for quantum technologies to drive scientific discovery across various fields. The collaboration will focus on three stages of quantum networking: delivering entanglement between quantum devices, demonstrating a quantum repeater, and creating a reliable quantum repeater compatible with Azure cloud. Dr. Stephanie Simmons, founder of Photonic, emphasized the need for global collaboration to fully realize quantum computing's potential.
Classiq Announces Quantum Center for Life Sciences in Collaboration with NVIDIA
Quantum software pioneer, Classiq, has partnered with NVIDIA and the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center to launch the Quantum Computing for Life Sciences & Healthcare Center. The initiative aims to develop and implement quantum algorithms and applications, with a focus on their transformative potential in life sciences and healthcare. Classiq CEO, Nir Minerbi, highlights the rapidly growing opportunities for quantum computing and the software that drives it. The center will leverage NVIDIA's H100 Tensor Core GPU capabilities and the NVIDIA CUDA Quantum programming platform, offering a robust environment for quantum-centric innovations. Prof. Roni Gamzu of Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center anticipates this initiative will pave the way for a novel approach to data management in health organizations.
The future is quantum: universities look to train engineers for an emerging industry
Universities are preparing students for the emerging quantum technology industry, with courses focused on quantum engineering, such as the one at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia. This industry, which uses components exhibiting quantum properties, is anticipated to revolutionize sectors like pharmaceuticals and electric vehicle manufacturing. Despite the industry's growth, there's a shortage of qualified job candidates. Governments and tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and IBM are investing billions into developing this industry. Quantum researcher at IBM, Olivia Lanes, emphasizes the need for diverse educational backgrounds in the field. Universities are responding by starting quantum-training programmes at both bachelor’s and master’s levels.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-03511-7
U.S. Department of Energy Announces First of Its Kind Collaboration for Quantum Technology Demonstrations in Space
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), along with the Department of Defense (DOD), Infleqtion, Nebula Space Enterprises, and Accenture Federal Services, has announced a first-of-its-kind Quantum & Space Collaboration. The initiative aims to utilize quantum technologies for advancements in national security, energy, and economic prosperity. The collaboration will focus on applied research and deployment of quantum technologies, including quantum sensing, communications, and computing. Rima Kasia Oueid, DOE's lead for the Quantum Space Collaboration, emphasized the potential for quantum advancements to enhance global safety, economic stability, and human welfare. The initiative targets to begin space environmental demonstrations using quantum technologies in early 2024.
The New Building Blocks of Quantum Tech: Quantum Dots and Twisted Light
A team of researchers from Sapienza University of Rome, Paris-Saclay University, and University of Naples Federico II have made significant strides in quantum technology by combining the features of Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) and quantum dots (QDs). The team has successfully created a platform that can generate pure single photons and pairs of photons that are strongly entangled in the quantum world. This development has promising implications for quantum computing and communication. Professor Fabio Sciarrino, head of Quantum Information Lab in the Department of Physics of Sapienza University of Rome, states that the scheme is a step forward for high-dimensional multiphoton experiments and quantum photonic applications.
https://scitechdaily.com/?p=325527
Researchers Poised for Advances With NVIDIA CUDA Quantum
BASF, the world's largest chemical company, is utilizing NVIDIA's CUDA Quantum platform and Eos H100 Supercomputer for quantum computing simulations. BASF researchers Michael Kuehn and Davide Vodola successfully ran a 60-qubit simulation, the largest of its kind, to study key attributes of a compound called NTA. NVIDIA's CUDA Quantum is described as "very flexible and user-friendly," enabling complex quantum circuit simulations. Besides BASF, other research groups, including SUNY Stony Brook and Hewlett Packard Labs, are also advancing their scientific efforts with CUDA Quantum.
https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/basf-cuda-quantum-momentum/
Paper: Quantum-enhanced greedy combinatorial optimization solver
Combinatorial optimization is a broadly attractive area for potential quantum advantage, but no quantum algorithm has yet made the leap. Noise in quantum hardware remains a challenge, and more sophisticated quantum-classical algorithms are required to bolster their performance. Here, we introduce an iterative quantum heuristic optimization algorithm to solve combinatorial optimization problems. The quantum algorithm reduces to a classical greedy algorithm in the presence of strong noise. We implement the quantum algorithm on a programmable superconducting quantum system using up to 72 qubits for solving paradigmatic Sherrington-Kirkpatrick Ising spin glass problems. We find the quantum algorithm systematically outperforms its classical greedy counterpart, signaling a quantum enhancement. Moreover, we observe an absolute performance comparable with a state-of-the-art semidefinite programming method. Classical simulations of the algorithm illustrate that a key challenge to reaching quantum advantage remains improving the quantum device characteristics.
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adi0487
Quantum computing Q3 2023 results: IonQ, Rigetti, D-Wave
IonQ, reported a solid quarter with substantial revenue growth. The company has been successful in expanding its industry partnerships, a strategy that seems to be paying off in terms of financial performance. Rigetti experienced a revenue dip this quarter. However, the company has made strides in technological advancement, announcing an 80-qubit system. Additionally, Rigetti has formed partnerships with tech giants Microsoft Azure and AWS, which could potentially bolster its market position and future revenue.D-Wave maintained stable revenues this quarter. The firm has been focusing on its collaboration with Google Cloud, and notably, it launched a new 5000-qubit system
https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/quantum-computing-q3-2023-results-ionq-rigetti-d-wave/
Better Machine Learning Models With Quantum Computers
Researchers at Terra Quantum have developed a new technique, called parallel hybrid networks, for improved training of machine-learning models using both classical and quantum computers. The study, published in Intelligent Computing, reveals that each type of computer excels in different areas of high-dimensional space problem-solving. Classical computers handle jagged areas efficiently, while quantum computers are better at solving curves. By allowing both to train models in parallel on the same dataset, a more accurate final model can be achieved. The team used this approach to reduce the error rate of a model predicting gas emissions at a waste-burning thermal power plant. Principal investigator Alexey Melnikov emphasizes the complementary nature of classical and quantum computing in machine learning.
https://spectrum.ieee.org/quantum-machine-learning-terra-quanta
What is quantum utility?
IBM Quantum and UC Berkeley researchers published a landmark paper in Nature, introducing the concept of 'quantum utility'. This refers to the ability of quantum computers to perform reliable computations beyond the scale of classical computing methods. Quantum computers are now seen as valuable tools for tackling large-scale problems, marking a significant milestone in the field. According to Katie Pizzolato, IBM’s Director of Quantum Theory and Computational Science, these tools are unlike anything scientists have previously had access to. IBM's quantum utility experiment demonstrated that quantum computers can deliver reliable results for simulation problems at a scale beyond 100 qubits. This advancement may lead to groundbreaking scientific insights and a new era of quantum utility.
https://research.ibm.com/blog/what-is-quantum-utlity
QDM.IO introduces Quantum Diamond Microscope to advance cost-effective, high-resolution magnetic imaging
QDM.IO, a quantum imaging instrumentation company, has launched the Quantum Diamond Microscope (QDM), a cutting-edge device for high-resolution magnetic imaging. The QDM is already in use at Oxford University, Washington University, SUNY Buffalo, and New York University. Dr. James Bryson of Oxford University praised the QDM for its previously inaccessible measurement sensitivity and length-scales. The technology was developed by Dr. Roger Fu of Harvard and Dr. Ronald Walsworth of the University of Maryland, and commercialized with the help of Quantum Catalyzer (Q-Cat). The QDM uses a quantum-grade diamond to achieve high resolution imaging at room temperature with minimal sample disturbance.
Chicago is emerging as a quantum tech hub
What's happening: The region was recently designated a quantum technology hub by the U.S. Department of Commerce, which will bring federal funding to area universities. Just this week, scientists, academics and engineers convened in Hyde Park for the Chicago Quantum Summit. Leaders hope the new designation and collaboration among universities and national laboratories like FermiLab and Argonne will spark a new wave of research, innovation and experimentation.
https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/11/15/quantum-technology-illinois-universities
Europe's quantum decade extends into space
The European Space Agency (ESA), the European Commission, and European space companies are developing the Eagle-1 satellite, the first space-based quantum key distribution system. This will create an ultra-secure network for information, enhancing European autonomy in cybersecurity and communications. ESA is also developing quantum-enabled probes for Jupiter and planning to fly a quantum clock to the International Space Station. ESA's quantum activities are coordinated by its new quantum technology cross-cutting initiative, which aligns with ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher's Agenda 2025. ESA's Optical Ground Station has been supporting optical and quantum communication experiments for over a quarter-century. The agency's atomic clock ensemble in space payload will become the most accurate clock ever flown in orbit when it is brought on board the International Space Station in 2025. Quantum technologies are set to revolutionize communications, navigation, computing, and environmental sensing.
https://phys.org/news/2023-11-europe-quantum-decade-space.html
Quoherent Inc. Secures $4.7 Million Series Seed Financing to Advance Quantum Computing with Room Temperature, Edge-Capable, Scalable Qubit Technology
Quoherent Inc., a pioneer in room-temperature edge-capable quantum processors, has successfully closed its Series Seed financing, securing $4.7 million. This funding will expedite the development of their scalable qubit technology, which is set to revolutionize the quantum computing landscape. The company's unique approach to quantum computing, functioning at room temperature and capable at the edge, signifies a major stride in the industry.
The quantum Christmas tree
The House Committee on Space, Science, and Technology has advanced amendments to the National Quantum Initiative Act, setting the stage for scientific, economic, and security priorities for quantum technology over the next five years. The original Act, which authorized $1.2 billion for quantum research, expired in September. The new version, which includes provisions for a new quantum institute at NASA and new research centers under the National Institute for Standards and Technology, aims to maintain pace with global quantum efforts. The bill, which enjoys bipartisan support, still faces a full committee vote post-Thanksgiving. The quantum policy is viewed through three lenses: cybersecurity threat, global competitiveness, and commercial development and economic impact.
From PKI to PQC: Devising a strategy for the transition
The Ponemon Institute's survey of 1,426 IT and IT security practitioners reveals that 61% are concerned their organizations are not prepared for the security implications of post-quantum computing. Identified challenges include time, funding, skilled personnel, and a lack of clarity around post-quantum cryptography (PQC) implications and standardization. Jason Sabin, CTO at DigiCert, emphasizes the need for companies to centralize their cryptographic activity, test draft standards, and prepare for "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" threats. He also underlines the importance of securing devices with quantum-safe keys. Sabin argues that the transition to PQC should not only be a technological requirement but a core part of business strategy.
https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2023/11/16/transition-post-quantum-cryptography/
Equinix and Alice & Bob Partner to Help Businesses In United States Enter the Quantum Computing Era
Equinix, the world's digital infrastructure company, is partnering with Alice & Bob, a quantum computing firm, to facilitate businesses' entry into quantum computing. The collaboration will provide Equinix customers globally with secure access to Alice & Bob's advanced quantum technology via Equinix Metal and Equinix Fabric. Alice & Bob's technology, based on research from French and international labs, includes a patented self-correcting superconducting quantum bit, or cat qubit, which simplifies the path to fault-tolerant and universal gate-based quantum computing. Théau Peronnin, CEO of Alice & Bob, and Régis Castagné, Managing Director of Equinix France, both express their enthusiasm for the partnership's potential to drive innovation. Industries that heavily rely on compute power stand to gain up to $1.3 trillion in value by 2035 due to this technology.
Video: Episode 5: Quantum Finance with the Quantum Pirate, Sergio Gago
"Episode 5: Quantum Finance with the Quantum Pirate, Sergio Gago". - (Yeah, self promotion :) Thank you for hosting me HKA!)
"Quantum vs Classical Computing: A Race of Speed and Efficiency Explored by Choi, Moses, and Thompson"
In the paper "The Quantum Tortoise and the Classical Hare," authors Sukwoong Choi, William S. Moses, and Neil Thompson present a framework to identify problems that quantum computing can accelerate. They propose a race between quantum and classical computers, with the winner determined by speed or algorithmic efficiency. Their analysis suggests that quantum computing may not benefit many problems, especially those of small to moderate size relevant to typical businesses. However, larger problems or those with significant algorithmic gains could benefit from near-term quantum computing. The findings indicate that quantum computing advantages may be limited to rare cases or processing very large data.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2310.15505
Dr. Lucero designed, built, and operates Google’s Quantum AI campus in Santa Barbara
Dr. Erik Lucero, an alumnus of UC Santa Barbara, has designed, built, and operates Google's Quantum AI campus in Santa Barbara. His mission is to build an error-corrected quantum computer capable of solving problems that would otherwise be impossible. Dr. Lucero and his team at Google Quantum AI were behind the first beyond-classical computation, recognized as one of 2019's breakthroughs. He has 20 years of experience in quantum architectures, controlling qubits at institutions like Google, HRL Laboratories, IBM T. J. Watson, NIST Boulder, and the University of Colorado, Denver. His work ranges from the qubit level to the campus level, and he is passionate about building a community for all quantum mechanics.
Paper: Predicting Ising Model Performance on Quantum Annealers
A research paper by Salvatore Certo and his team explores the performance of hardware-native Ising Models on current and future quantum annealers. The researchers offer a framework to determine the potential advantage of adiabatic evolution over classical heuristics like simulated annealing. They conducted experiments using coefficients from a range of distributions, identifying the moments that cause frustration in classical heuristics. The relationships between the linear and quadratic terms of the models were analyzed to pre-determine problem suitability on annealers. The team also tested a prototype of D-Wave's next-generation device, noting improved performance compared to current Advantage annealers. The findings could guide future quantum computing applications.