IBM and Pasqal Unite to Advance Quantum-Centric Supercomputing Initiative

IBM and Pasqal, a leading quantum computing company, are expanding their collaboration to build integrated frameworks for quantum-centric supercomputing. The goal is to create a unified programming model that allows seamless interoperability across different types of quantum computing hardware, including IBM’s next-generation and utility-scale quantum computers, Pasqal’s neutral atom-based quantum devices, and classical high-performance computing resources like CPUs and GPUs. This will enable users to select the best-fitting hardware for each task in a cohesive framework, accelerating the usability and performance of complex and hybrid HPC workflows.

The collaboration aims to foster market adoption for quantum technologies by enabling effective collaboration between HPC centers and quantum hardware providers with advanced quantum software. Pasqal’s CEO and Co-founder Georges-Olivier Reymond and IBM’s Vice President Jay Gambetta are leading this initiative, which will provide users of the open-source Qiskit SDK access to Pasqal’s neutral atom quantum hardware, allowing them to program Pasqal’s analog neutral-atom QPUs alongside IBM’s hardware.

Expanding Quantum-Centric Supercomputing Initiative

IBM and Pasqal have announced an update to their collaboration aimed at building new, integrated frameworks for quantum-centric supercomputing using Qiskit, the world’s most performant quantum software. The two companies will develop a unified programming model that facilitates seamless interoperability across different types of quantum computing hardware, including IBM’s next-generation and utility-scale quantum computers, Pasqal’s neutral atom-based quantum devices, and classical high-performance computing (HPC) resources such as CPUs and GPUs.

This integrated architecture aims to accelerate the usability and performance of complex and hybrid HPC workflows by allowing users to select the best-fitting hardware for each task in a single, cohesive framework. The goal is to enable effective collaboration between HPC centers and quantum hardware providers with advanced quantum software, fostering market adoption for quantum technologies.

Unified Programming Model

The unified programming model will be built on Qiskit, which will integrate various quantum and classical hardware resources for advanced HPC workflows. This model will work across different types of quantum computing hardware, including IBM’s next-generation and utility-scale quantum computers, Pasqal’s neutral atom-based quantum devices, and classical HPC resources such as CPUs and GPUs.

The model aims to provide users with the flexibility to access and utilize either IBM’s or Pasqal’s hardware within a single framework. This will enable developers and end-users to leverage different types of hardware based on the unique requirements of each computational task.

Open-Source Access

In line with Pasqal’s and IBM’s commitment to open-source principles, the unified programming model will begin with Pasqal providing Qiskit users access to their devices. This will ensure accessibility for developers, researchers, and organizations interested in exploring and advancing quantum applications in HPC settings.

Pasqal’s neutral atom quantum hardware will be accessible through the open-source Qiskit SDK, allowing users to program these devices seamlessly. This move is expected to accelerate the development of quantum-centric supercomputing algorithms and applications with minimal technical burden.

Quantum-Centric Supercomputing Initiative

The collaboration between IBM and Pasqal highlights the potential of quantum-centric supercomputing to address some of the world’s most complex computational challenges, unlocking new possibilities for HPC applications. The initiative aims to create accessible, versatile, and robust solutions for the global computing community.

Pasqal and IBM remain committed to creating a unified software stack that will help set a framework for hybrid workflows, redefining computing as we know it. This collaboration marks an essential step towards enabling quantum developers and end-users to leverage different types of hardware within a cohesive HPC workflow, choosing the most suitable resources based on the unique requirements of each computational task.

Companies’ Commitment

Pasqal is a company that builds quantum processors from ordered neutral atoms in 2D and 3D arrays to bring a practical quantum advantage to its customers and address real-world problems. IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. Both companies have secured significant financing to date, with Pasqal securing over €140 million and IBM being a well-established player in the industry.

The collaboration between these two companies demonstrates their commitment to advancing quantum computing and creating accessible solutions for the global computing community.