We look back at the year 2024. We highlight some main events and themes playing an ever more significant role in quantum computing. One central theme is the quest for logical qubits to achieve utility in this field. The usual suspects keep improving quantum systems and shipping them (IBM).
Quantum in 2024
Quantum Internet Between Two Dutch Cities 25 km Apart.
In a major advancement, an international research team has achieved success. Ronald Hanson led the team at QuTech in establishing a quantum network connection between two cities in the Netherlands. This milestone is a pivotal step toward developing a future quantum internet. It allows the transmission of quantum information over long distances.
The team linked two small quantum computers located in Delft and The Hague. They created a 25-kilometer quantum connection using existing optical internet fiber. This marks the first instance of connecting quantum processors across different cities.
Google’s Quantum Leap with the Willow Chip
Google introduced its advanced quantum chip, Willow. It performed a computation in under five minutes. This task would take a supercomputer approximately 10 septillion years. This achievement underscores the potential of quantum computing to tackle complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers.
The Willow chip significantly reduced error rates as it scaled up. This improvement addresses one of the major challenges in quantum computing. Willow decreases errors exponentially. It does this by using an increased number of qubits. This represents a substantial step toward building practical, large-scale quantum computers.
Hartmut Neven leads the research team at Google’s Quantum AI. They have introduced Willow, a new quantum computing device featuring 105 qubits. Willow has performed exceptionally in two critical benchmarks: quantum error correction and random circuit sampling (RCS). These results mark an important milestone. The chip has shown a five-fold improvement in T1 times. It is approaching 100 microseconds. This significantly enhances the qubits’ ability to retain quantum states.
With plans to develop large error-corrected quantum computers, the team is optimistic. Willow can help achieve practical, beyond-classical computations. These computations have far-reaching implications for AI and scientific research.
IBM Gets to 156 Qubit Heron Quantum Chip
IBM has unveiled its 156-qubit “Heron” quantum processor, marking an advancement in the company’s quantum computing roadmap. This chip introduces a new architectural approach emphasizing modularity and error mitigation, key challenges in scaling quantum systems. Unlike its predecessors, Heron uses a tunable coupler design. This allows more precise control of qubit interactions. It also reduces error rates during operations. The chip operates at 70 millikelvins. It also integrates superconducting qubits with improved coherence times. This aims to support more complex quantum algorithms. IBM plans to utilize the modular capabilities of the Heron design in future multi-chip systems. This aligns with its ambition to achieve practical quantum advantage.
The Heron processor is a calculated step in IBM’s larger strategy. The goal is to develop quantum technologies. These technologies can address computationally intensive problems across industries. IBM plans to scale modular systems. They also aim to improve quantum volume. Their goal is to enhance the utility of quantum computers in fields such as optimization, materials science, and cryptography. This is part of the company’s phased approach. It includes integrating quantum computing with classical systems. This integration will enable hybrid solutions. Industry observers see Heron as showing incremental progress in quantum hardware innovation. It is not viewed as a transformative leap. This view reflects the measured pace of advancements in the field.
IBM Unveils Qiskit Functions Catalog for Quantum Computing Developers
IBM has announced the launch of the Qiskit Functions Catalog. This is a curated repository designed to enhance the usability of quantum computing for developers. The catalog provides pre-built, modular functions that streamline the process of creating quantum algorithms. By abstracting some of the technical complexity, the offering aims to support both researchers and businesses exploring quantum technologies. It integrates with IBM’s existing quantum computing ecosystem and is compatible with various programming workflows, further emphasizing practical accessibility. The catalog is expected to facilitate experimentation in areas such as optimization. It is also expected to aid in cryptography and machine learning. These fields are among the primary application domains for quantum systems.
This development is part of IBM’s broader strategy to accelerate quantum adoption. The goal is to reduce the barriers to entry for software developers and computational scientists. The catalog’s modular nature helps users concentrate on higher-level objectives. They can do this without getting into the details of quantum circuit design. IBM has indicated that the Qiskit Functions Catalog will continue to evolve, incorporating new functions as quantum computing capabilities expand. This initiative matches IBM’s vision. The company wants to position its quantum offerings as essential tools. These tools address complex computational challenges, especially in finance, logistics, and materials science.
IBM Ships Machines
IBM continues to ship physical machines and continue the push with its quantum cloud services and developments to Qiskit.
Yonsei University Korea
In November 2024, Yonsei University deployed the first IBM Quantum System One in South Korea. This system, powered by a 127-qubit IBM Quantum Eagle processor, is intended to support research and education in quantum computing and advanced biology
Germany
IBM recently opened its first Quantum Data Center in Ehningen in Europe. This center features IBM Quantum Eagle-based systems and will soon include the IBM Quantum Heron-based system
NVIDIA’s Continued Push in Quantum
NVIDIA’s cuQuantum and Xanadu’s PennyLane Power Supercomputer Simulations
NVIDIA and Xanadu have announced a collaboration to enhance the simulation capabilities of quantum algorithms on classical hardware. NVIDIA’s cuQuantum software development kit is optimized for high-performance computing environments. It has been integrated with Xanadu’s open-source quantum machine learning library, PennyLane. This integration enables efficient simulation of quantum circuits on classical supercomputers. It leverages NVIDIA’s GPUs and Tensor Cores to accelerate tensor network computations. These are a core component in quantum algorithm simulation. The collaboration aims to address current quantum hardware limitations. It focuses on the need for robust algorithm testing in research and industry.
Users can simulate larger quantum systems by combining PennyLane’s comprehensive tools for quantum machine learning. They also take advantage of the scalable performance of cuQuantum. They can also simulate more complex quantum systems. Such simulations are essential for developing and benchmarking quantum algorithms before deployment on actual quantum hardware. This partnership underscores the ongoing convergence of quantum computing and HPC. It emphasizes algorithm validation and performance optimization. The focus is on these areas rather than reliance on nascent quantum devices. These advancements are poised to support industries exploring quantum applications. Examples include optimization, finance, and materials science. Importantly, they maintain compatibility with existing classical infrastructures.
NVIDIA and AWS Unite to Accelerate Quantum Supercomputing Research With Amazon Braket
NVIDIA and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have announced a collaboration to advance quantum computing research. They will integrate NVIDIA’s quantum-classical computing platform, NVIDIA CUDA-Q, with Amazon Braket, AWS’s managed quantum computing service. This partnership allows researchers to leverage hybrid quantum-classical workflows. They can combine the computational capabilities of NVIDIA GPUs with quantum processors available via Braket. The integration aims to address computational challenges in fields such as materials science, quantum chemistry, and optimization. It facilitates seamless interaction between classical and quantum systems.
AWS Braket users can utilize NVIDIA’s open-source tools and libraries for hybrid quantum applications through this initiative. This fosters enhanced accessibility to quantum simulation and algorithm development. Researchers gain access to a unified framework. This is achieved by coupling Braket’s quantum infrastructure with NVIDIA’s GPU acceleration. The framework is designed to streamline complex calculations and iterative processes. This collaboration shows the growing emphasis on scalable solutions in quantum research. Hybrid approaches are now seen as essential. These methods address resource-intensive problems beyond purely classical systems’ capacities.
NVIDIA CUDA-QX Libraries for Accelerated Quantum Supercomputing
NVIDIA has introduced its CUDA-QX libraries, a suite of software tools designed to enhance quantum supercomputing workflows. These libraries are intended to bridge classical and quantum computational paradigms, enabling seamless integration and co-processing. Leveraging NVIDIA’s established CUDA platform, CUDA-QX lets developers optimize quantum algorithms through classical simulations. It also helps manage hybrid quantum-classical tasks more efficiently. The toolkit aims to support a variety of quantum processors (QPU). It takes advantage of the high-performance capabilities of GPUs for simulation tasks. It also enhances error correction tasks.
This development aligns with broader industry efforts to make quantum computing more accessible and practical for real-world applications. It focuses particularly on sectors like cryptography, materials science, and optimization. CUDA-QX provides developers with an extensible and modular platform. This helps facilitate more efficient algorithm testing and deployment. It potentially accelerates the timeline for commercially relevant quantum computing use cases. The libraries show NVIDIA’s continued investment in software ecosystems that complement its hardware portfolio, positioning the company as a pivotal enabler of hybrid computational strategies.
Pasqal’s 100 Qubit Neutral Atom Quantum Computer to Boost European HPCQS Project
Pasqal has announced the deployment of its 100-qubit neutral atom quantum computer as part of the European High-Performance Computing and Quantum Simulator (HPCQS) project. The initiative aims to integrate quantum computing with classical supercomputing infrastructures across Europe, enhancing capabilities in complex computational problems. The Pasqal system utilizes neutral atom technology, which arranges individual atoms in optical tweezers to perform computations. This approach is considered highly scalable and energy-efficient compared to other quantum computing architectures. The HPCQS project is co-funded by the European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) and multiple national research organizations, reflecting the growing interest in advancing hybrid computing models.
The deployment marks a step forward in Europe’s strategy to leverage quantum technologies for industrial and scientific applications. The Pasqal system will be integrated into existing high-performance computing centers, enabling collaborative research and benchmarking with classical computational methods. Key areas of focus include optimization problems, quantum chemistry, and machine learning applications, where quantum-enhanced algorithms have shown theoretical advantages. By fostering collaboration between quantum and classical computing domains, the project seeks to explore the practical boundaries of hybrid systems in solving computationally intensive tasks, potentially informing future investments in quantum research infrastructure.
Quantinuum Sets Record with 50 Qubit GHZ Quantum State
Quantinuum, a leading player in the quantum computing sector, has achieved the creation of a 50-qubit Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger (GHZ) state, marking a milestone in scalable quantum state preparation. This development, enabled by Quantinuum’s H2 quantum processor, represents one of the largest entangled quantum states achieved to date. GHZ states, characterized by their maximally entangled nature, are crucial for advancing error correction techniques, quantum algorithms, and foundational quantum mechanics research. The company’s experimental setup employed trapped-ion technology. This is a widely recognized platform for high-fidelity quantum operations. It demonstrated coherence properties necessary for maintaining entanglement across a 50-qubit array.
These advancements highlight the technical progress toward fault-tolerant quantum computing. They also indicate advances in the scaling of entanglement resources. Both are essential for the practical implementation of quantum advantage. The technical achievement is noteworthy. However, its implications are largely confined to research contexts at present. The practical utility of large-scale entanglement remains contingent on developments in error mitigation and algorithm design. Nevertheless, Quantinuum’s work reinforces its position within a competitive industry landscape. Advances in hardware capability directly influence collaborations, investment opportunities, and longer-term strategic partnerships.
QuEra Computing’s Breakthrough in Logical Qubits
QuEra Computing, a quantum computing firm based in Boston, has announced progress in implementing logical qubits using neutral-atom technology. The company has achieved a practical demonstration of fault-tolerant qubit operations, a step forward in addressing the inherent instability and error-prone nature of physical qubits. The neutral-atom approach leverages arrays of ultracold atoms manipulated by laser light, providing a scalable platform for quantum computation. This development positions QuEra’s architecture as a competitive alternative to superconducting qubits and trapped ions, which dominate the current quantum landscape.
In collaboration with Harvard University, MIT, and NIST/University of Maryland, recently made a breakthrough in quantum computing. They successfully executed large-scale algorithms on an error-corrected quantum computer with 48 logical qubits. This advancement is crucial because it addresses one of the biggest challenges in quantum computing: quantum error correction.
QuEra’s team creates logical qubits, Which are groups of physical qubits entangled in the redundant storage of information. This approach allows them to identify and correct errors that occur during quantum computations.
The results showcase the potential for increased coherence times and error correction capabilities, essential for advancing towards practical quantum algorithms. QuEra demonstrates the ability to encode logical qubits. It corrects errors in real-time. This aligns QuEra with the broader industry goal of developing fault-tolerant quantum computers. Analysts note that these advancements could enhance the company’s market position. They might also attract interest from cryptography, material science, and financial modeling industries. Quantum computational capabilities are anticipated to bring transformative changes in these fields.
European Union Launches Quantum Internet Initiative
The European Union announced its Quantum Internet Initiative. The goal is to create a secure quantum communication network. This network will interconnect member states. The project leverages quantum key distribution (QKD) to enhance cyber-security and safeguard sensitive data.
The EU is positioning itself as a global leader in quantum-enabled infrastructure by investing heavily in quantum communication technologies. This initiative underscores the geopolitical importance of quantum technologies in the 21st century.
Microsoft’s Advancement in Logical Qubits
Microsoft used a qubit virtualization system with Quantinuum’s trapped ion quantum computer. They created 12 logical qubits. These were the most reliable logical qubits on record at the time. This development significantly reduced error rates, bringing the industry closer to practical quantum computing solutions.
Additionally, Microsoft and Photonic achieved a teleported CNOT gate between qubits physically separated by 40 meters. This confirmed remote quantum entanglement, which is a requirement for long-distance quantum communication.
D-Wave’s Stock Surge and Investor Movements
D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) has been making headlines recently with a remarkable surge in its stock price. As of December 16, 2024, the stock is up 28.20%, trading at $6.41. This surge is part of an impressive year-to-date gain of 637.50%, far outpacing the S&P 500’s performance.
D-Wave Quantum experienced a significant stock surge. This was fueled by excitement surrounding quantum computing advancements. Particularly, Google’s announcement of its Willow chip contributed to this excitement. In response, the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP), D-Wave’s largest investor, sold 18.4 million shares, netting nearly $79 million. Despite the sale, PSP maintains a substantial stake in D-Wave, indicating continued confidence in the company’s prospects.
Chinese Researchers’ Quantum Computing Achievements
Chinese researchers reported that their latest Zuchongzhi 3.0 experimental run matched the performance of Google’s Willow chip in December, creating another wave of potential excitement. This development highlights the global race in quantum computing advancements. It underscores the competitive nature of technological progress. This is especially true as the defence landscape heats up.
Zuchongzhi 3.0
This superconducting quantum computer features 105 qubits. It has demonstrated computational tasks that would take the world’s fastest supercomputer, Frontier, over 6.4 billion years to complete. This represents a significant leap in quantum computational ability.
Tianyan-504
Developed in collaboration with China Telecom Quantum Group and QuantumCTek, this quantum computer boasts a 504-qubit superconducting chip called Xiaohong. It aims to rival the performance of international platforms like IBM. It will also be integrated into the Tianyan quantum computing cloud platform.
Quantum Computing in Medicine
China has established the Hefei Quantum Computing and Data Medicine Research Institute. The institute aims to apply quantum computing power to the medical field. This institute is dedicated to advancing medical research and commercializing its achievements.
Quantum Computing’s Influence on Stock Markets
Google’s quantum computing news created some investor fervor. This excitement contributed to a stock rally in public quantum computing stocks late in the year. This surge reflects investor confidence in the potential of quantum technologies to drive future growth and innovation. The financial markets are increasingly responsive to advancements in quantum computing, indicating the technology’s growing significance in the economic landscape. We produced a look at how some of the public quantum companies had performed.
