At the recently concluded IBM Quantum Summit 2022, IBM announced significant breakthroughs in its quantum hardware and software, including a new 400 Qubit-Plus Quantum Processor. Other highlights at the event were the expansion of their client and partner ecosystem and its ongoing efforts to deliver practical quantum computing to the world.
IBM Osprey
Their new quantum hardware, IBM Osprey, is a 433-qubit processor with the most qubits of any IBM quantum processor, about triple the 127 qubits of the IBM Eagle processor, which was introduced in 2021. This processor can perform complex quantum computations that are impossible with conventional computers. The company’s goal is to reach 4,000+ qubits by 2025 and exceed the present capabilities of physical electronics.
“The new 433 qubit ‘Osprey’ processor brings us a step closer to the point where quantum computers will be used to tackle previously unsolvable problems,” “We are continuously scaling up and advancing our quantum technology across hardware, software, and classical integration to meet the biggest challenges of our time in conjunction with our partners and clients worldwide. This work will prove foundational for the coming era of quantum-centric supercomputing.”
Dr. Darío Gil, Senior Vice President IBM and Director of Research.
IBM’s New Quantum Software
IBM launched a new quantum software, a beta version of Qiskit Runtime, which tackles noise in quantum computers by allowing users to exchange performance for decreased error count through a simple API option.
Quantum computers are much more susceptible to errors than their classical counterparts because they rely on the fragile quantum states of subatomic particles such as photons, electrons, and atoms. This fragility makes quantum information difficult to store and transmit without unwanted changes or loss.
IBM’s software will allow users easily adopt quantum computing into their workflows and, consequently, accelerate the development of quantum applications.
IBM Quantum System Two update
IBM has updated the features of the new IBM Quantum System Two, a modular and versatile system that combines numerous processors into a single system with communication links. The device, expected to be operational by the end of 2023, will serve as a foundation for quantum-centric supercomputing.
Quantum-centric supercomputing is the next wave in quantum computing that scales by using a modular architecture and quantum communication to increase computational capacity and hybrid cloud middleware to integrate quantum and classical workflows seamlessly.
IBM’s Quantum Safe technology
IBM’s Z16 system is built with quantum-safe technology. The company also contributed algorithms supporting the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) goal of standardization by 2024. IBM incorporates NIST’s standards for quantum-safe technology into their devices.
Clients and Ecosystems:
- IBM announced that German company Bosch had joined the IBM Quantum Network to investigate various quantum use applications.
- They also announced a partnership with Vodafone to research how to apply IBM’s quantum-safe cryptography across Vodafone’s technology infrastructure.
- French bank Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale, which will research quantum use cases in financial services.
- Swiss innovation campus uptownBasel, which will promote leading innovation projects on quantum and high-performance computing technology.
These companies join over 200 others — and over 450,000 individuals — in accessing the world’s biggest fleet of more than 20 quantum computers available via the cloud.