Quantum computing update 3
Quantum computing updates from Microsoft, Oxford Ionics, the EU and IBM.
This update covers significant advancements in quantum computing over the last two months including developments from Microsoft, Oxford Ionics, the EU and IBM.
Microsoft SymCrypt
On the 19 May Microsoft announced the addition of post quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms to SymCrypt - the Microsoft cryptographic library. The update from Microsoft details various quantum computing resistant algorithms and also assigns a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) security level. We like this because it will encourage companies and organizations to select a security level that is appropriate for their business, reputation and data confidentiality and integrity. Clearly the higher the NIST security level the greater the trade-off with performance and speed. The inclusion of PQC algorithms in the library will allow organizations to start transitioning their in-house developed applications to be ready for the PQC world. NIST FIPS 2 and 3 detail only four security levels, so it's unclear where Microsoft derived security level 5 - but we get the point being made.
Post-Quantum Cryptography Comes to Windows Insiders and Linux | Microsoft Community Hub
Details on the NIST FIPS 2 security levels can be found here.
Oxford Ionics takeover
On the 9 June Oxford Ionics a UK based quantum computing company was purchased by the US based IonQ for $1B. IonQ has its roadmap for quantum technology and is more aggressive than IBM. The combination of IonQ with Oxford Ionics makes a lot of business sense in terms of technology alignment and geographical spread.
IonQ's Accelerated Roadmap: Turning Quantum Ambition into Reality
EU quantum strategy
On the 2 July the EU announced it's strategic plan to become a global leader in quantum by 2030. The approach details five key areas of focus: research and innovation, quantum infrastructure, strengthening the quantum ecosystem, space and dual-use quantum technologies and quantum skills. At the moment the EU is in third position behind the US and China but it's notable that there's a lot of duplication in the EU. EU nation states are currently competing with each other instead of working in collaboration and the EU wants to address this issue through better governance, coordination and structured funding. We feel that given the research establishments in the EU there is no reason why the EU could not lead in the area of quantum just like they did during most of the 20th century.
The EU’s plan to become a global leader in quantum by 2030 - European Commission
IBM quantum updates
On the 10 June IBM re-iterated their roadmap to deliver their Starling quantum processor with 200 logical qubits by 2029. If they achieve this they are well on their way to delivering the BlueJay quantum processor with 2000 logical qubits.
IBM lays out clear path to fault-tolerant quantum computing | IBM Quantum Computing Blog
Part of this journey includes the IBM Quantum System Two which has been developed and designed with a modular architecture to allow for future expansion and development. We like the design of the IBM Quantum System Two. IBM has clearly spend a lot of money making it look futuristic which will give buyers more confidence that their money is being well spent.
IBM Quantum System Two: the era of quantum utility is here | IBM Quantum Computing Blog
University of Tokyo
On the 15 May IBM announced an IBM Quantum System One would be installed at the University of Tokyo with a Heron quantum processing unit. The plan is to couple it with the Miyabi super computer. “This update to an IBM Heron quantum processor, linked to our Miyabi supercomputer will allow us to further develop use cases that leverage quantum and AI capabilities, expanding the realm of computable problems in science and accelerating efforts to solve societal challenges.” said Hiroaki Aihara, Executive Vice President, UTokyo.
The University of Tokyo to Equip IBM Quantum System One with Most Performant IBM Heron Processor
If you are interested in finding out about the IBM Quantum System One it can be found in the internet archive. IBM have come along way since IBM Quantum System One in 2019!
IBM Q System One | Map Project Office
If you prefer videos, we like this video of the IBM Quantum System One because it shows you the skeleton of the quantum system compared with IBM Quantum System Two where it's more 'black box' and modular.
The World’s First Integrated Quantum Computing System - YouTube
Riken
On the 24 June IBM announced that the first ever IBM Quantum System Two to be built outside the united states will be for Riken in Japan. It will be co-located with Riken's supercomputer Fugaku. Under the hood it will be powered by IBM's Quantum processor Heron with 156-qubits. "By combining Fugaku and the IBM Quantum System Two, RIKEN aims to lead Japan into a new era of high-performance computing," said Dr. Mitsuhisa Sato, Division Director of the Quantum-HPC Hybrid Platform Division, RIKEN Center for Computational Science. "Our mission is to develop and demonstrate practical quantum-HPC hybrid workflows that can be explored by both the scientific community and industry. The connection of these two systems enables us to take critical steps toward realizing this vision."
IBM and RIKEN Unveil First IBM Quantum System Two Outside of the U.S.
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