Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York, has begun work on the first IBM Quantum System One to be located on a US college campus. The quantum computer, expected to be operational by early 2024, is part of the new Curtis Priem Quantum Constellation, a research centre funded by Priem, an RPI graduate and co-founder of NVIDIA. The IBM Quantum System One will be powered by a 127-qubit IBM Quantum Eagle processor. The system will be housed in RPI’s Voorhees Computing Center, a former chapel. The project aims to transform the Hudson River Valley into a ‘Quantum Valley’.
Quantum Computing System in a Chapel
In Troy, New York, a chapel houses a unique chandelier that is the core of a quantum computing system. The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) has begun the installation of the first IBM Quantum System One on a US college campus. The new computer, expected to be operational by early 2024, is part of the Curtis Priem Quantum Constellation. This installation is part of a new research centre funded by Priem, an RPI graduate and co-founder of the processor company NVIDIA in 1993.
The IBM Quantum System One at RPI will be powered by a utility-scale, 127-qubit IBM Quantum Eagle processor. The term “utility-scale” refers to the point at which quantum computers could serve as scientific tools to explore problems that classical systems may never be able to solve. The quantum computer is located inside RPI’s Voorhees Computing Center (VCC), a facility that was originally built as a chapel in 1933 and transformed into a computing centre in 1979.
Unique Setting for Quantum Computer
The new IBM quantum computer will be housed next to stained glass windows, under gothic-style archways, providing a serene setting. The VCC, described by George Low, the RPI President at the time of its transformation, as “the most unique computing centre in the world,” is set to stand out even more with the addition of the quantum computer.
Groundbreaking Celebration
A groundbreaking celebration for the new quantum computer took place at RPI’s Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center theatre. The event was attended by several key figures from IBM and RPI, including Marty Schmidt, RPI’s president, Darío Gil, senior vice president and director of IBM Research, John E. Kelly III, the chair of RPI’s Board of Trustees and former director of IBM Research, as well as Curtis Priem, who also serves the RPI Board of Trustees vice chair.
The Albany, New York area has a long history of involvement in the future of computing, with many significant breakthroughs in semiconductor design and production occurring along the Hudson River. The new quantum computational centre is expected to enhance the region’s research capabilities significantly.
Quantum Valley Vision
Schmidt expressed his anticipation of working with regional partners to transform the Hudson River Valley into a ‘Quantum Valley’. This vision aims to leverage the new quantum computational centre to benefit the Capital Region and the State of New York by dramatically enhancing the area’s research capabilities.
“George Low, the RPI President at the time, called the VCC “the most unique computing center in the world.”
“Our new quantum computational center will benefit the Capital Region and the State of New York by dramatically enhancing our area’s research capabilities,” Schmidt said recently. “We look forward to working with our partners in the region to transform the Hudson River Valley into ‘Quantum Valley.’” – Marty Schmidt, RPI’s president.
Summary
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, has begun construction on the first IBM Quantum System One to be located on a US college campus, with the quantum computer expected to be operational by early 2024. The quantum computer, which will be powered by a 127-qubit IBM Quantum Eagle processor, is anticipated to serve as a scientific tool for exploring complex problems that classical systems may not be able to solve.
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York, has begun work on the first IBM Quantum System One to be located on a US college campus.
- The quantum computer is expected to be operational by early 2024 and will be part of the new Curtis Priem Quantum Constellation, a research centre funded by Curtis Priem, an RPI graduate and co-founder of processor company NVIDIA.
- The IBM Quantum System One at RPI will be powered by a 127-qubit IBM Quantum Eagle processor, which could potentially solve problems beyond the reach of classical systems.
- The quantum computer will be housed in RPI’s Voorhees Computing Center, a former chapel, alongside stained glass windows and gothic-style archways.
- The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by several leaders from IBM and RPI, including Marty Schmidt, RPI’s president, Darío Gil, senior vice president and director of IBM Research, John E. Kelly III, the chair of RPI’s Board of Trustees and former director of IBM Research, and Curtis Priem, who also serves as the RPI Board of Trustees vice chair.
- The new quantum computational centre aims to enhance the research capabilities of the Capital Region and the State of New York.
