Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and IBM have unveiled the world’s first IBM Quantum System One on a university campus. The system at RPI’s Voorhees Computing Center will enhance educational and research opportunities and aims to advance quantum computing research.
The unveiling featured remarks from key individuals, including RPI President Marty A. Schmidt, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, and RPI Quantum Computing Club Co-President Michael Papadopoulos. The IBM Quantum System One is powered by a 127-qubit IBM Quantum ‘Eagle’ processor and will join IBM’s global fleet of utility-scale quantum computers.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and IBM Introduce First University-Based IBM Quantum System One
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and IBM have announced the establishment of the first IBM Quantum System One on a university campus. This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between RPI and IBM, aimed at accelerating quantum computing research, workforce development, and education in New York. The system, located at RPI’s Voorhees Computing Center, will provide faculty, researchers, students, and collaborators with the opportunity to advance quantum computing research, including the development of quantum algorithms, while also contributing to the training of the next generation of quantum workforce.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by key figures from RPI and IBM, including RPI President Marty A. Schmidt, IBM Chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna, and Congressman Paul Tonko. The IBM Quantum System One, along with endowed faculty positions, forms the centerpiece of the Curtis R. Priem Constellation, a collaborative quantum computing research initiative at RPI, made possible through the philanthropic support of Curtis R. Priem, vice chair of RPI’s Board of Trustees.
Quantum Computing Research and Workforce Development
The IBM Quantum System One at RPI is powered by a 127-qubit IBM Quantum ‘Eagle’ processor, providing RPI’s network of researchers, students, and partners with dedicated access to a utility-scale quantum computer. In 2023, IBM demonstrated the ability of the IBM Eagle to produce accurate calculations beyond classical, brute-force simulation methods, marking the start of an era where quantum systems can serve as scientific tools to explore problems in various fields in the search for quantum advantage.
The system at RPI joins IBM’s global fleet of utility-scale quantum computers available via the cloud and at dedicated client sites, including systems in the United States, Canada, Germany, and Japan, with installations in progress in South Korea and Spain. As quantum computing hardware and software continue to advance, RPI’s academic body will contribute to the global race to discover increasingly complex quantum phenomena.
RPI and IBM: A History of Technological Collaboration
RPI and IBM have a long-standing history of collaboration to advance technology. This includes RPI’s current housing of the Artificial Intelligence Multiprocessing Optimized System (AiMOS), the most powerful classical supercomputer at a private university in the United States. The introduction of the IBM Quantum System One on RPI’s campus is a natural progression of this partnership, providing students with access to cutting-edge tools and contributing to the development of tomorrow’s quantum workforce.
Quantum Curriculum and Educational Programs
As the first university in the world to house an IBM Quantum System One on its campus, RPI has a unique opportunity to develop new quantum curriculum and educational programs aimed at upskilling the quantum workforce. As IBM and RPI build initiatives to prepare the future talent base of technology workers, the organizations expect their joint learnings to influence global workforce development and skills-building programs.
Since planning for the installation of IBM Quantum System One began in June of 2023, RPI has hosted IBM researchers on its campus for introductory lectures and presentations to help students build a foundational understanding of the opportunities in quantum computing. Now, dedicated access to leading quantum hardware and software, powerful supercomputing resources, and educational and technical support from IBM will help educate and shape the technology workforce as students develop skills across quantum and classical computing paradigms.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1824, is the first technological research university in the United States. Today, it is recognized as a premier university, noted for its robust and holistic learning community that connects creativity with science and technology. RPI is dedicated to inventing for the future, from shaping the scientists, engineers, technologists, architects, and entrepreneurs who will define what’s next for humanity, to research that bridges disciplines to solve the world’s toughest problems.
External Link: Click Here For More
