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The Novo Nordisk Foundation, under the leadership of Senior Vice President Lene B. Oddershede, is leading efforts to harness quantum computing for groundbreaking advances in life sciences and healthcare. In a recent interview, Oddershede shared her thoughts into the foundations ambitious quantum initiatives and their potential to transform medical research and drug discovery.

Oddershede talked about the foundations long-term commitment to quantum technology.

We understand we are in it for the long haul, she began. It does come tomorrow that we will have a quantum computer that is capable of solving real problems in the Life Sciences. We need to be patient, maybe for another ten years or so and thats actually totally fine. This approach aligns with the foundations experience in pharmaceutical development, where timelines often span decades.

The potential applications of quantum computing in life sciences are vast. Oddershede explained: I strongly believe that quantum computing is going to be such a powerful tool that it will help us get maybe even an AB initial understanding of how biomolecules work, maybe of how a cell works with the lipids with everything and that will give us an understanding of such fundamental and basic processes that will really impact a number of different areas.

Oddershede stressed the foundations long-term commitment to quantum technology.

One specific area where quantum computing could make a significant impact is in understanding complex enzymatic processes.

If you take nitrogenase, for example, its the enzyme that converts nitrogen into ammonia, a process essential for feeding the world. Industrially, this is done through the Haber process, which is extremely energy-consuming, said Oddershede, providing an example, potentially leading to more efficient and environmentally friendly ammonia production.

To advance quantum computing research, the Novo Nordisk Foundation has launched a major initiative. Oddershede revealed: The largest initiative we have supported to date is the NOA NIS Foundation quantum computing program, which we have funded with 200 million euros. The purpose of the program is to develop fault-tolerant quantum computing.

This program aims to achieve a trillion error-free operations, a significant milestone in quantum computing capabilities.

Recognizing the global nature of quantum research, Oddershede underlined the importance of international collaboration.

We need to collaborate with trusted partners, so we need to identify trusted partners and then we need to enter into a really deep collaboration with these partners, she said. The foundation has established partnerships with academic institutions worldwide and industry leaders like NVIDIA to foster innovation in quantum computing.

Looking to the future, Oddershede shared her vision for quantum computings impact.

My highest hope is actually that we will participate in and enable actually to accelerate the development of fault tolerant quantum computing for the benefit of all humankind and of the planet, she said.

She emphasized the importance of ensuring that quantum technology benefits society broadly, rather than being monopolized by a few large tech companies.

The Novo Nordisk Foundations initiatives promise to play a crucial role in unlocking its potential for life sciences and healthcare. With a focus on collaboration, long-term investment and societal benefit, the foundation is helping to pave the way for a future where quantum computing could revolutionize our understanding of biological processes and accelerate medical breakthroughs.

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The Novo Nordisk Foundation Believes Quantum Computing Poised to Revolutionize Healthcare & Drug Discovery - The Quantum Insider

Memorandum of Understanding to drive local innovation and talent development Fujitsu Limited

Kawasaki and Sydney, July 4, 2024

Fujitsu today announced that Fujitsu Australia Limited and The Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra concluded a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to ensure that industry and government professionals, researchers, academics, and students in Australia will soon have access to a world-class quantum research facility. The agreement will see the two organizations partner to establish a center for quantum research, with ambitions to build an onsite quantum computer.

Aligning with Australias National Quantum Strategy to invest in, connect and grow Australias quantum research and industry to compete with the worlds best, the MoU sets out a long-term vision for how Fujitsu will partner with one of Australias leading tertiary educators to capitalize on the future opportunities and applications of quantum technologies for the benefit of local organizations and the global community.

Graeme Beardsell, EVP, Chief Executive Officer Oceania, at Fujitsu said: "At Fujitsu, we're innovating for the future of computing. Our investment in quantum research, coupled with strategic collaborations including with ANU, puts us at the forefront of the global race to develop the world's first fault-tolerant quantum computer. This is about more than just technology; it's about unlocking the next wave of innovation.

"Australia's commitment to quantum leadership is clear, and Fujitsu is playing our part. We're not just developing these technologies; we're sharing them, fostering collaboration, and believing that the next quantum breakthrough will come from a global, connected network of brilliant minds who are focused on developing technology for good."

As part of the collaboration, Fujitsu will provide ANU researchers and academics with access to Fujitsus quantum systems and simulators in Japan. To drive further innovation, Fujitsu, through collaboration with RIKEN, plans to release a 256-qubit quantum computer in March 2025 and a quantum computer with as many as 1000 qubits in fiscal year 2026 (1), cementing ANUs ongoing access to the latest in cutting-edge quantum technology.

Under the new collaboration, ANU will develop teaching and training modules based around access to Fujitsus quantum technologies to further inform the overall approach to research into quantum computing.

In addition to the exchange of knowledge, the endeavor will also aim to set up an on-site quantum computer at ANU to help local researchers, and government and industry professionals to develop expertise in quantum computers.

The on-site quantum computer will provide Australian professionals with access to local emerging technologies that will enable them to conduct advanced research in fields including cryptography, material science, and quantum simulations.

Professor Lachlan Blackhall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at The Australian National University said: This collaboration with Fujitsu complements and builds on the ANU mission to further higher education on emerging technologies including quantum computing and will help to foster the growth of a talented pool of quantum computing professionals in Australia.

ANU is excited to see this collaboration with Fujitsu, which promises to build on the Universitys strengths in quantum optical physics and quantum algorithms. More broadly, this dynamic collaboration and the work taking place as part of it will help grow the nations commitment to fundamental quantum physics, which is absolutely vital if we are to harness the incredible potential of research and apply it to real-world opportunities for the quantum world.

In addition to Fujitsus plans over the next two years to develop a 256-qubit and 1,000-qubit superconducting quantum computer with RIKEN, Fujitsu has developed quantum technologies and expertise including:

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 represent a set of common goals to be achieved worldwide by 2030. Fujitsus purpose to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation is a promise to contribute to the vision of a better future empowered by the SDGs.

Fujitsus purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.7 trillion yen (US$26 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: http://www.fujitsu.com.

The Australian National University (ANU) is unlike any other university in Australia. Founded in 1946, in a spirit of post-war optimism, our role was to help realise Australia's potential as the world recovered from a global crisis. That vision, to support the development of national unity and identity, improve our understanding of ourselves and our neighbours, and provide our nation with research capacity amongst the best in the world, and education in areas vital for our future, has been our mission ever since.

Fujitsu Limited Public and Investor Relations Division Inquiries

All company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Information provided in this press release is accurate at time of publication and is subject to change without advance notice.

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Fujitsu and ANU to bring world-class quantum computing to Australia - Fujitsu

Scientists from Swinburne University of Technology in Australia and Jagiellonian University in Poland have proposed using time crystals as a core component of a quantum computer. In the preprint paper, the scientists propose using time crystals as a type of circuit to keep the quantum components within the computer from interfering with each other and causing errors. While more research is required in order to check the feasibility of the idea, it could have significant implications for the future of quantum technology.

The concept of a time crystal was first proposed around the mid-2010s. The idea is that, like a crystal has a repeated structure in space (with multiple faces and sides), a time crystal has a repeated structure in time. While difficult to understand, the time crystal can be likened to a perpetual motion machine, where atomic or particle arrangements repeatedly transform over repeated time segments in a never-ending train of particles.

While the time crystal began as a theoretical concept, it has now been constructed using high-powered lasers and ultracold atoms. The laser can produce discrete patterns of light in specific time intervals, causing the particles to be excited or change quantum states repeatedly.

Because of their discrete timing patterns, physicists believe that time crystals may be able to help isolate individual quantum bits or qubits that make up the processing units of a quantum computer.

Quantum computers utilize quantum mechanical phenomena, such as superposition and entanglement, to solve complex problems that a traditional or classical computer is unable to solve. Their power comes from their ability to transform and change the qubits inside them, which can be individual atoms, photon light particles, ions, or other particles. Companies like Google, IBM, and Quantinuum, along with many smaller start-ups, each use different atoms as qubits within their systems, showing the many types of quantum computers.

One of the challenges in creating a working quantum computer is the fragility of the qubits. Qubits can become susceptible to environmental or outside noise, causing them to change quantum states or become unentangled from other qubits in a process known as decoherence. The qubits within a quantum computer can also interfere with each other, which makes scaling up quantum computers from only a few qubits to a few hundred qubits a big challenge. Not only will more qubits interfere with each other, but they can add to the environmental noise that may affect the entire system.

While scientists and engineers are working to overcome these challenges, time crystals could be a potential avenue to explore as a solution to these issues.

In this new preprint paper, the scientists propose integrating time crystals into a quantum computer as a time-tronic circuit board. In this circuit board, the time crystals could regulate the timing of analysis and information moving through the qubits, isolating them from each other and mitigating some of the potential errors that could happen.

The elements of these devices can correspond to structures of dimensions higher than three and can be arbitrarily connected and reconfigured at any moment, the researchers write about the time-tronic circuit in their paper. They add that these circuit boards could be used for other quantum devices, with quantum computing being the most prominent application.

While experiments are needed to validate the researchers theory, the team simulated using a time crystal to control a group of ultracold potassium ions being directed by a laser pulse, showing that the time crystal could create a steady rhythm for the ions to move to.

Combining quantum computing and time crystals is not a new idea. Australian physicists simulated a time crystal using a quantum computer in 2022, creating one with 57 particles, the biggest time crystal thus far. Before this, Googles quantum computing team created a 20-qubit time crystal using Googles Sycamore quantum computer.

While quantum computers have previously been used to create time crystals, the future of quantum computing innovation may depend on time crystals being integrated into bigger quantum computers and other devices.

Kenna Hughes-Castleberry is the Science Communicator at JILA (a world-leading physics research institute) and a science writer at The Debrief. Follow and connect with her on X or contact her via email at kenna@thedebrief.org

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Time Crystals Could be the Circuit Boards of Future Quantum Computers - The Debrief

For tech-centric investors, quantum computing stocks many offer the biggest bang for your buck. To make a long story short, the underlying innovation facilitates multiple processes to run simultaneously. Therefore, it can dramatically outperform some of the fastest and most rigorous classical computer available. It all centers on the qubit.

Similar to the bit in classical computers, a qubit represents the basic unit of information in quantum computers. What makes qubits distinct, though, is the concept of superposition. Essentially, this block of information can be represented as a 0 or 1 or any proportion of these two binary values in both states simultaneously.

A very rudimentary explanation is that classical computers represent the equivalent of a single-lane roadway. On the other hand, quantum computers represent multi-lane expressways. Multiple cars can zip along the expressway at high speeds, enabling for far greater utility than a single-lane roadway.

Again, thats a very basic analogy and oversimplifies the complex granularity involved. But this roughly addresses why the sector is so enticing. And with that, below are some of the top quantum computing stocks to consider.

Source: shutterstock.com/LCV

To be blunt, legacy tech giant IBM (NYSE:IBM) probably isnt going to make you rich, at least not in the 1,000% return over the course of a few years sense. Nevertheless, Id consider Big Blue to be one of the top quantum computing stocks for generational wealth. Thats because if history is any guide, IBM isnt going anywhere. Incorporated in 1911, its older than all of us and will likely outlive us.

Another aspect that makes IBM compelling is the underlying financial consistency. Youre probably not going to see too many remarkable results. However, in the past four quarters, the tech giant posted an average earnings per share of roughly $2.44. This print translated to an earnings surprise of almost 4.9%.

During the trailing 12 months (TTM), IBM posted net income of $8.15 billion or earnings of $8.82 per share. Revenue hit $62.07 billion. For the year, covering experts believe EPS may rise 3.3% to $9.94. On the top line, sales could see a 2% increase to $63.05 billion.

These arent standout stats. However, keep in mind that IBM offers a forward yield of 3.86%.

Source: Boykov / Shutterstock.com

Based in Berkeley, California, Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:RGTI) falls under the computer hardware space. Per its public profile, Rigetti builds quantum computers along with superconducting quantum processors. Its an intriguing idea among quantum computing stocks, especially because it could be relatively undervalued. RGTI trades at 11.55X trailing-year sales. In the first quarter, it traded at 16.82X.

As exciting as Rigetti is, however, its undoubtedly a risky entity. During the past four quarters, its average loss per share came out to 13.3 cents. Further, the average earnings surprise landed at almost 4% below breakeven. Thats not exactly the most encouraging profile.

In the TTM period, Rigetti incurred a net loss of $72.53 million or 52 cents per share. However, revenue in the period reached $12.86 million. Whats more, the most recent quarterly sales growth rate (year-over-year) hit 38.7%.

For fiscal 2024, analysts see a mitigation in loss per share to 41 cents. More importantly, sales could rise 27.4% to land at $15.3 million. For those willing to throw caution to the wind, RGTI ranks among the quantum computing stocks to consider.

Source: Amin Van / Shutterstock.com

Another hardware specialist, IonQ (NYSE:IONQ) engages in the development of general-purpose quantum computing systems. In particular, the company utilizes its trapped-ion technology for its advanced systems. This innovation provides a key advantage related to qubit coherence and scalability. Basically, IonQ is attempting to build the foundation for large-scale quantum systems.

What makes IONQ stock especially enticing is that the underlying quantum computers are accessible through major cloud platforms. That should help overall visibility. However, investors shouldnt be under any misguidance: IONQ is a high-risk, high-reward endeavor. During the past four quarters, the company incurred a loss per share of almost 21 cents. The average quarterly surprise landed at 16.85% below parity.

In the TTM period, IonQ incurred a net loss of $170 million. However, revenue in the period hit $25.34 million. Further, the most recent quarterly sales growth rate clocked in at almost 77%. For fiscal 2024, the loss per share could expand unfavorably to 87 cents. However, revenue may fly 79.1% to $39.47 million. Bet on it only if you can handle the volatility risk.

On the date of publication, Josh Enomoto did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.comPublishing Guidelines.

A former senior business analyst for Sony Electronics, Josh Enomoto has helped broker major contracts with Fortune Global 500 companies. Over the past several years, he has delivered unique, critical insights for the investment markets, as well as various other industries including legal, construction management, and healthcare. Tweet him at @EnomotoMedia.

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3 Quantum Computing Stocks That Could Make Your Grandchildren Rich - InvestorPlace

The LANES lab's 2D device made of graphene and indium selenide ( Alain Herzog)

LAUSANNE, Switzerland Scientists have created a miniature 2D device that can convert heat into electricity with record-breaking efficiency at temperatures lower than in outer space! This breakthrough could revolutionize how we power sensitive quantum computers and explore exotic physics in extremely cold environments.

In the journalNature Nanotechnology, a team of researchers from Switzerland and Japan revealed their electrically-tunable Nernst effect device made from atomically-thin layers of different materials stacked together. Their tiny chip, measuring just micrometers across, can generate useful electrical signals from small temperature differences even at a frigid 100 millikelvin just a fraction of a degree above absolute zero.

The device takes advantage of the Nernst effect, where a voltage is generated perpendicular to both a temperature gradient and magnetic field in certain materials. While this effect has been known for over a century, making it work well in extreme cold has been an ongoing challenge until now.

We are the first to create a device that matches the conversion efficiency of current technologies, but that operates at the low magnetic fields and ultra-low temperatures required for quantum systems. This work is truly a step ahead, says Gabriele Pasquale, a PhD student at EPFLs Laboratory of Nanoscale Electronics and Structures (LANES), in a media release.

The key to the teams success was carefully combining different two-dimensional materials into a van der Waals heterostructure essentially a stack of ultra-thin layers held together by weak atomic forces.

They started with a base layer of graphene a single-atom-thick sheet of carbon with excellent electrical properties. On top of this, they placed a few layers of indium selenide (InSe), a semiconductor with intriguing thermoelectric characteristics. The whole stack was then encapsulated in insulating layers of hexagonal boron nitride for protection.

The researchers fabricated their devices using advanced clean-room techniques to ensure the highest quality and purity of materials. They then cooled the chips down to just above absolute zero in a special refrigerator called a dilution fridge.

To test the devices, the team used a focused laser to create localized heating and sophisticated electronic measurements to detect the resulting signals. They also applied magnetic fields and varied the electrical charge in the device using additional electrodes.

The team observed a Nernst effect signal that could be switched on and off electrically with an unprecedented ratio of 1,000 to 1. This means the device can be precisely controlled using standard electronic components.

Even more impressively, they measured a Nernst coefficient a measure of the strength of the effect of 66.4 microvolts per kelvin per tesla. This is the highest value ever reported at such low temperatures and modest magnetic fields.

The researchers also found that their heterostructure design amplified the Nernst effect compared to using graphene or indium selenide alone. This synergistic enhancement points to new ways of engineering improved thermoelectric materials.

If you think of a laptop in a cold office, the laptop will still heat up as it operates, causing the temperature of the room to increase as well. In quantum computing systems, there is currently no mechanism to prevent this heat from disturbing the qubits. Our device could provide this necessary cooling, Pasquale explains.

This breakthrough has significant implications for both fundamental physics and practical applications. On the basic science side, it provides a new tool for probing exotic quantum states of matter that only emerge at ultra-low temperatures.

On the applied side, the technology could find use in quantum computing, where precise control of heat flow is critical. It might enable new types of quantum sensors or help manage waste heat in superconducting circuits.

The team is now working to further optimize their devices and explore different material combinations. Theyre also investigating how to scale up production for practical applications.

These findings represent a major advancement in nanotechnology and hold promise for developing advanced cooling technologies essential for quantum computing at millikelvin temperatures, Pasquale concludes. We believe this achievement could revolutionize cooling systems for future technologies.

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Scientists invent tiny device that creates ice-cold electricity for quantum computers - Study Finds