IBM, a pioneer in quantum computing, is embarking on an audacious quest to develop a quantum machine boasting a staggering 100,000 qubits within the next decade. This ambitious endeavor was unveiled at the G7 summit held in Hiroshima, Japan, where IBM disclosed its collaboration with the University of Tokyo and the University of Chicago on this monumental $100 million project.
Last year, IBM made waves by constructing the largest quantum computing system, anchored by its 433-qubit Osprey processor. Now, it aims to shatter its own record by scaling up to an unprecedented 100,000 qubits. The primary objective of this quantum leap is to harness the power of quantum computing to tackle monumental challenges in various domains, from pharmacology to fertilizer production and battery performance.
Quantum computers are a paradigm shift in computing technology. Unlike classical computers, which rely on binary bits (0s and 1s), quantum computers utilize qubits. These quantum bits exploit the peculiar properties of quantum physics to store and manipulate information, enabling them to solve problems that were once deemed insurmountable.
However, the journey to practical quantum computing is fraught with challenges. Quantum systems are highly susceptible to interference, often referred to as “noise.” Even minor disruptions can derail quantum computations. This is where the quantum race to scale qubit numbers comes into play. By increasing the number of qubits, quantum computers become more resilient to noise and unlock their full potential.
IBM faces competition from industry giants like Google, which aims to achieve one million qubits by the end of the decade. Similarly, PsiQuantum, based in Palo Alto, is pursuing a comparable goal. Maryland-based IonQ targets a system of 1,024 “logical qubits” by 2028. These ambitious aspirations underscore the industry’s recognition of the need for more powerful quantum systems.
IBM acknowledges that its current roadmap extends only up to 5,000 qubits, necessitating groundbreaking technology to attain greater computing power. Collaborating with universities like the University of Tokyo and the University of Chicago becomes crucial. Google is aligned with this approach, committing $50 million to fund quantum computing research at these same institutions.
IBM has made its quantum systems accessible to academic researchers worldwide through the cloud, offering interfaces designed for ease of use. This strategy has resulted in over 2,000 research articles detailing experiments conducted using IBM’s quantum devices. It’s a testament to the growing importance of quantum computing in advancing scientific understanding and solving complex problems.
As IBM sets its sights on the horizon with its 100,000-qubit vision, the world of quantum computing stands at the precipice of a transformational era. With collaboration between academia and industry, the potential for groundbreaking discoveries and innovations across multiple domains is boundless.
