So much has been happening on the quantum technology front in recent days that it would be unwise to try to cram it all into one wrap-up story… but we’re going to try anyway:
...Seems like IBM is often ending up at the top of the quantum computing new heap, but when you announce a 127-qubit processor and host an analyst who says your innovations could unlock “$3 billion in value” for end users, that’s what you get. Surpassing the 100-qubit barrier is a feat, but IBM’s roadmap has it on schedule to cross the 1,000-qubit processor threshold in just two years…
...As quantum computing hardware companies achieve one milestone after another, it’s getting to be time to think about software, and the ability to create programs and applications that can leverage quantum’s capabilities. Classiq this week announced new pre-built functional software blocks for its Quantum Algorithm Design platform that are aimed at providing an out-of-the-box development experience from which programmers can extend their own applications and intellectual property without having to start from scratch.
Classiq noted in its press release, “Instead of expressing quantum circuits using a series of gate-level or building block connections, algorithm designers that use the Classiq platform write functional models, similar to the very successful approach used today in designing sophisticated computer chips. The Classiq Quantum Algorithm Design platform then examines the enormous implementation space to find an outcome that fits resource considerations, designer-supplied constraints and the target hardware platform...”
...Not to be outdone by giants like IBM, Boston-based start-up QuEra Computing this week announced a 256-qubit, special-purpose quantum simulator, as well as $17 million in funding. QuEra also expects to reach 1,000 qubits in two years. Your move, IBM…
...About 76% of high-performance computing data centers plan to use quantum computing by 2023, and 71% believe they will migrate to on-premises quantum computers by 2026, according to the results of an IDC study presented this week by IQM Quantum Computers and Atos. That seems like a pretty aggressive timeline for broad adoption of on-premises quantum computing (Most quantum computers are currently cloud-based, and get used by reservation or similar models.) But, just three-to-four years ago quantum computing still was more theoretical than real. Life comes at you fast…
...The National Institute of Standards and Technology recently issued an RFI to gather data for a study of China’s evolving role in international technology standards. China’s Communist Party last month detailed plans for the country to play a greater role in technology standards leadership, a move which comes at a time when many people are concerned about the potential for Chinese hackers to be involved in “hack now, decrypt later” cyber attacks, in which encrypted data could be stolen and decrypted later using advanced quantum computing methods…
Watch for our weekly quantum update reports on future Friday afternoons...