QuEra Computing, a leader in neutral-atom quantum computing, has been awarded a $41 million contract by Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) to deliver a quantum computer. This computer will be installed alongside the NVIDIA-powered ABCI-Q supercomputer, aiming to develop a hybrid quantum-classical computing platform for high-fidelity simulations and quantum AI applications.
QuEra’s computers, known for their scale and fidelity, operate at room temperature and can integrate with classical computing infrastructure. The company’s gate-based computer is scheduled for installation in 2025. The collaboration aims to enhance computational capabilities and drive the development of practical applications in fields like AI, energy, and biology.
QuEra Computing to Provide Quantum Computer to Japan’s AIST
Boston-based QuEra Computing, a company specializing in neutral-atom quantum computing technology, has been awarded a contract by Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). The contract, valued at approximately $41 million, is for the delivery of a state-of-the-art quantum computer. This quantum computer will be installed on-site alongside the NVIDIA-powered ABCI-Q supercomputer, a high-performance computing system already in use by AIST.
The collaboration between QuEra and AIST is part of a strategic initiative to develop a hybrid quantum-classical computing platform. The goal is to combine the unique capabilities of QuEra’s quantum computing technology with the power of AIST’s ABCI-Q supercomputer. This hybrid platform is intended to facilitate high-fidelity simulations and quantum AI applications.
QuEra’s Neutral-Atom Quantum Computers
QuEra’s quantum computers utilize gate-based neutral-atom technology. This type of quantum computer is recognized for its scalability, fidelity, and potential for quantum error detection and correction. Neutral-atom computers are considered a promising avenue for quantum computing, with the potential for large-scale, fault-tolerant systems.
QuEra’s quantum computers offer dynamic qubit manipulation, also known as qubit shuttling. This feature allows for flexible and efficient quantum computations. The computers operate at room temperature and can be readily integrated with classical computing infrastructure. The company’s gate-based computer is scheduled for on-site installation at AIST in 2025.
AIST’s NVIDIA-Powered ABCI-Q Supercomputer
The ABCI-Q supercomputer at AIST is powered by NVIDIA and is designed to enable large-scale high-fidelity quantum simulations and quantum-accelerated supercomputing. The system is integrated with NVIDIA CUDA-Q, an open-source hybrid quantum computing platform. The supercomputer is powered by more than 2,000 NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs in over 500 nodes interconnected by NVIDIA Quantum-2 InfiniBand.
The ABCI-Q system is part of Japan’s quantum technology innovation strategy, which aims to create new opportunities for businesses and society to benefit from quantum technology. This includes research in AI, energy, and biology. The system is intended to be a platform for the advancement of quantum circuit simulation and quantum machine learning, the building of classical-quantum hybrid systems, and the development of new algorithms inspired by quantum technology.
QuEra’s Quantum Computing Expertise
QuEra has significant experience in operating quantum computers. Its first-generation 256-qubit computer has been available on a major cloud service since November 2022, providing global access to advanced quantum computing capabilities. QuEra was also recently awarded a contract to deliver a quantum testbed to the UK’s national quantum program.
The company’s technology is based on pioneering research from Harvard University and MIT. QuEra operates the world’s largest publicly accessible quantum computer, available over a major public cloud and for on-site delivery. The company is developing large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers to tackle classically intractable problems.
The Future of Quantum Computing in Japan
The installation of QuEra’s quantum technology alongside AIST’s existing computing infrastructure is a significant step in Japan’s quantum initiatives. This collaboration will enhance Japan’s computational capabilities and drive the development of practical applications in fields like AI, energy, and biology.
The integration of quantum computers with GPU supercomputing is seen as a key milestone in unlocking the potential of quantum computing to accelerate scientific discovery. The positioning of QuEra’s system alongside ABCI-Q and powered by CUDA-Q represents a significant advancement in this regard, enabling the development of cutting-edge hybrid applications and quantum research and development.
External Link: Click Here For More