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IBM announced the unveiling of its 1,121-qubit Condor quantum computing processor on Dec. 4. This is the companys largest by qubit count and, arguably, the worlds most advanced gate-based, superconducting quantum system.

Alongside the new chip, IBM delivered an updated roadmap and a trove of information on the companys planned endeavors in the quantum computing space.

The 1,121-qubit processor represents the apex of IBMs previous roadmap. Its preceded by 2022s 433-qubit Osprey processor and by 2021s 127-qubit Eagle processor.

In quantum computing terms, qubit count isnt necessarily a measure of power or capability so much as it is potential. While more qubits should theoretically lead to more capable systems eventually, the industrys current focus is on error correction and fault tolerance.

Currently, IBM considers its experiments with 100-qubit systems to be the status quo, with much of the current work focused on increasing the number of quantum gates processors can function with.

For the first time, writes IBM fellow and vice president of quantum computing Jay Gambetta in a recent blog post, we have hardware and software capable of executing quantum circuits with no known a priori answer at a scale of 100 qubits and 3,000 gates.

Gates, like qubits, are a potential measure of the usefulness of a quantum system. The more gates a processor can implement, the more complex functions can be performed by the system. According to IBM, at the 3,000 gates scale, its 100-qubit quantum systems are now computational tools.

The next major inflection point, per the blog post, will occur in 2029 when IBM will execute 100 million gates over 200 qubits with a processor its calling Starling.

This is followed, writes Gambetta, by Blue Jay, a system capable of executing 1 billion gates across 2,000 qubits by 2033.

Related: IBM brings utility-scale quantum computing to Japan as China and Europe struggle to compete

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IBM says it will have hit a quantum computing 'inflection point' by 2029 - Cointelegraph

How do you see AI and new technologies accelerating sustainability? and how it can accelerate sustainability as well.

We have very tangible examples of when we talk about sustainability. At least speaking for myself, we struggle in terms of understanding what sustainability is and how we can make it actionable. How can we track if some promises are kept? Can we measure what the Kenyan government is doing in terms of reforestation over time, for example?

The geospatial foundation model we have created [at IBM] is helping us quantify climate mitigating actions like reforestation, but also helping us understand how particular measures like putting up a fence can help. Its very encouraging because, not only can you see masses of trees growing, you can also quantify how many gigatons of carbon you can capture over the years.

So you make it tangible. That's probably one of my favourite aspects of what technology can do for sustainability.

As a computer scientist, there are very rare moments where you see history happening. In quantum this year, we have managed to achieve one which we call quantum utility. We have entered the quantum utility era.

Quantum utility is when you take a problem, and this case it was a small magnetisation problem, and we tasked one of our partners, the University of Berkeley to do their best classically, and we have taken the same problem. We map it to a quantum computer with our hardware today and we apply some error mitigation routines that we have created on top of our stack. These error mitigation routines are now available to everyone.

We were then in a position of showing better performance than the classic. So for the first time, we see for real, quantum utility beating classic in this particular experiment.

When we talk about quantum, we always talk about fault tolerance - having the perfect system with no computing errors. What we are doing now is trying to find, with our partners, more and more examples of this quantum utility - much broader and bigger examples of showing that the current quantum hardware is improving. Our operation routines can get us there.

First of all, how can we change our approach to build the hardware? Because we saw it classically, right? We started with bigger and bigger and bigger and bigger machines until we discovered that we needed to go modular.

What we are doing now is working on modularity for quantum processing - but modularity means that you need to establish the connectivity between the units. So we first started looking at classical links, but in the future we will also see quantum communications happening between the units, which is quite challenging. There's a bit of research behind it, from the hardware perspective, that's probably one of my personal highlights.

Another highlight probably is that I hope that we announce that we keep firmly implementing every milestone that we set ourselves in our roadmap.

You will see many companies working with [IBM] and many partners presenting quantum utility experiments already. That's going to be very refreshing - it's going to create a lot of momentum when more and more people see that. In this particular case, quantum: it's classic. So that's going to create a good vibe in the quantum community.

There is so much happening at the same time and at such speed.

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5 minutes with: Dr. Juan Bernabe Moreno, IBM - Technology Magazine

Lately I am reading about everything Quantum. I am using Obsidian.md to keep track of all knowledge gathered even from books. I havent set a time goal, am just reading and learning at my pace. So the following article is some preliminary thoughts on the matter of Quantum Computing.

Quantum computing is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to change the way we live and work. In this article, we will explore how quantum computing could impact various aspects of our everyday lives and the challenges it presents.

Quantum computing could lead to smarter phones, computers, and other devices that are significantly faster and more efficient than current models. This technology could enable better performance and data processing, improving our overall user experience.

Quantum computing could revolutionize healthcare by enabling faster drug discovery, disease diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans. It could also help in understanding complex biological systems and developing new therapies for various diseases.

Quantum computing could help in predicting weather patterns and climate changes, enabling us to reduce the risk of natural disasters and plan for sustainable development.

This technology could lead to more accurate and reliable weather forecasts, ultimately improving our ability to prepare for and adapt to climate change.

As classical encryption schemes could be broken by quantum computers, the development of quantum-safe cryptographic methods is essential for maintaining the security of our digital communications. This technology could help protect sensitive data and ensure the privacy of our digital transactions.

Quantum computing could enable the discovery of new materials with unique properties, leading to advancements in various industries, such as aerospace, electronics, and healthcare. This technology could help scientists simulate and analyze the behavior of complex molecules and materials at the quantum level, ultimately enabling the discovery of new materials with novel properties.

While quantum computing holds great promise, it also presents challenges and potential risks. As the technology continues to evolve, it is essential to stay informed about its progress and implications for our lives and society.In conclusion, quantum computing is a promising technology with the potential to change various aspects of our everyday lives. As research and development continue, we can expect to see more exciting advancements and applications in the near future.

By staying informed and engaged with the latest quantum computing developments, we can better understand and harness the power of this revolutionary technology.

References:

Read the original here:
Quantum Computing in Everyday Life: The Future is Here - Medium

The Commonwealth is planning to build a quantum computer. Image: Shutterstock

EXCLUSIVE: The Commonwealth government is looking to buy a quantum computing system through a secret procurement process that is rumoured to favour a US-based company, leaving Australias quantum sector annoyed by the apparent snub.

Sources told Information Age the government has been looking to buy its first quantum computer from PsiQuantum, a California-based firm with a stated mission to build and deploy the worlds first useful quantum computer.

The Department of Industry and Science did not respond to Information Ages request for comment.

Australia has a wealth of local expertise in quantum technologies and has, for decades, been a world leader in the nascent fields research and development.

When Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic took office last year, he showed a public desire to take advantage of local talents, knowledge, and manufacturing capabilities to make Australia the quantum capital of the globe.

Indeed, Husics department led the development of Australias first quantum strategy.

But the governments apparent move to go overseas for what one insider described as Australias biggest ever investment in quantum, has been seen by many in the industry as a slap in the face.

Husics office did not respond to Information Ages request for comment.

One industry source, who wished to remain anonymous, questioned why there wasnt an open tender process and said they would have liked the opportunity to form a consortium of Australian companies to apply.

While they didnt disagree in principle with the idea of the Commonwealth buying a quantum computer, the quantum expert said a government decision to buy technology from a US-based company could negatively impact how the local industry is perceived by international investors and buyers.

The government has not previously stated an intention to buy a quantum computer. In this year's budget the Department of Industry and Science added around $20 million for a quantum commercialistation centre and $40 million for the Critical Technologies Challenges Program.

Internationally, government-funded quantum computing projects have proved expensive. The Finnish government last month committed $116 million (EU70 million) to scale up its 20 qubit system while Germany announced in May that it will pour around $5 billion (EU3 billion) to build a 100 qubit system by 2026.

Simon Devitt, a senior lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney and member of the governments National Quantum Advisory Committee, was willing to publicly state that he thinks the government buying as-yet-unproven technology is a ludicrous waste of money that would be better spent on funding to shore up local academic research.

These systems are often extremely expensive and their value is questionable at the very least, he told Information Age.

They do not provide any kind of commercial utility for HPC [high-performance computing], and the utility for developing quantum algorithms or in education is essentially non-existent.

Devitt could not speak to anything discussed in the National Quantum Advisory Committee.

Why quantum?

Quantum computers are probabilistic and can theoretically solve problems that would take a classical computer thousands of years to compute.

They have potential applications in areas like cryptography, finance, and pharmaceutical development, although quantum advantage the ability for one of these systems to outperform classical supercomputers has yet to be proven outside niche experimental settings.

Companies around the world are exploring different ways to create and maintain systems of sufficiently large, error-corrected quantum bits (qubits).

PsiQuantum is pursuing photonic quantum computing technology which involves storing and processing information using individual quanta of light.

The company claims its chips can be rigorously tested using industrial-scale facilities at room temperature which gives them an edge over technologies that must remain cryogenically cooled for longer parts of the testing phase.

Photonic quantum computing is not room temperature since photon detectors still need to be cooled to near absolute zero.

Individual quantum photonic chips may have fewer qubits than competing technologies, but using light as a foundation may allow a cluster of connected chips to pass quantum information between one another via fibre optic cables and scale-up systems with existing technology.

PsiQuantum has an Australian link through its CEO and co-founder Professor Jeremy OBrien who studied in Queensland and Western Australia and completed his PhD with the University of New South Wales.

The company is partnered with US semiconductor firm GlobalFoundries that produces PsiQuantums photonic chip wafers at an industrial scale.

PsiQuantum did not respond to Information Ages request for comment.

Read the rest here:
Australia to buy quantum computer from US | Information Age | ACS - ACS

Quantum computing stocks represent an industry that has been around for a while. The field leverages quantum mechanics at subatomic scales and is being applied to boost computing speeds.

Quantum computing has, in the past few years, begun to get more and more attention. The sector really heated up during the pandemic pre-quantitative tightening. It cooled as rates increased and riskier lending became more expensive.

As we approach peak interest rates and an end nears, investors will begin to look at quantum computing stocks again. AI is a big part of the logic behind doing so. It will supercharge development in the field and could lead to breakthroughs. Thus, its a good idea to invest early in anticipation of the reemergence of quantum computing stocks.

Source: Shutterstock

Investors would be wise to consider Defiance Quantum ETF (NYSEARCA:QTUM) for a balanced, low-risk introduction to quantum computing stocks. Its largest holding is the second firm discussed in this article, IonQ, at 2.27%.

QTUM shares offer lower operating costs, ease of trading, transparency, and tax efficiency when compared to individual stocks. Defiance Quantum ETF tracks the BlueStar Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index. Given its AI/ML exposure, it should be no surprise then that QTUM shares have appreciated quickly this year. Theyve returned 14.97% year-to-date and more than 21% over the last year.

Youll pay 0.4% in net expense ratio to have your investment managed by a portfolio manager. 1% is the net expense ratio considered too high generally speaking, so QTUM shares are not expensive.

QTUM shares have ranged as high as $53 over the last 52 weeks and as AI has cooled theyve fallen back to $44 at present. That is a good entry point for inexpensive exposure to the confluence of AI and quantum computing.

Source: Amin Van / Shutterstock.com

IonQ (NYSE:IONQ) is your best bet for maximum exposure to the growth of the quantum computing sector. The company does all quantum computing development and IPOd earlier this year through a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).

To be clear, IonQ is in many ways, the opposite of QTUM, immediately above. Start-ups, SPACs, and emerging technology all under one roof equates to higher risk overall.

IonQ is heavily invested in cloud computing. The firm is partnered with the 3 major cloud firms. The confluence of quantum computing, AI, and cloud promises to produce real growth moving forward that can make investors a lot of money.

IonQs most powerful computer, called Aria, is being leveraged toward Amazons AWS services and its leading cloud. That makes it a strong bet overall given AWS dominance.

IonQ isnt making much money right now and is going to continue to invest heavily and incur large expenses for the near future, but if it pays off, itll pay off big.

Source: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com

IBM (NYSE:IBM) stock has floundered over the last decade. Its a legacy technology firm that has lost its way and is trying to regain its former glory. IBMs strategy to do so includes a focus on AI, cloud, and a segment dedicated to quantum computing.

Those bets are paying off. The company has leveraged its Watson AI and focused on creating a suite of generative AI tools. Early booking data suggests that IBMs strategy is working and an annual run rate of $1 billion is expected after the firm bested expectations.

IBM has a dedicated quantum computing business unit, IBM Quantum. More than 200 firms and research organizations are using IBM Quantum to develop enterprise solutions in the field. IBM is aligned with the defense sector as it relates to quantum computing and AI. Other defense adjacent firms including Palantir (NYSE:PLTR) have soared this year as AI begins to take root in the national security realm.

Source: Shutterstock

FormFactor (NASDAQ:FORM) is a semiconductor firm that also makes cooling equipment used in quantum computing.

The stock benefits from trends that are just catching on and with chip demand likely to grow alongside AIs continued growth, FormFactor will grow. The company sells test equipment. Thus, its a picks-and-shovels play.

Outside of chip testing equipment, FormFactor also sells cryogenic systems. The so-called probe stations are chambers that are cooled to extremely low temperatures and used for testing chips for defects. Those same chambers have utility in quantum computing which also requires powerful chips.

FormFactor clearly benefits from secular trends. The long-term potential of the chip sector is high. Expectations of continued growth due to AI, machine learning, and quantum computing give FormFactor powerful catalysts overall.

Its cooling and testing equipment has every chance to be sold at higher volumes in the near future and its shares will ebb and flow with the chip sector.

Source: The Art of Pics / Shutterstock.com

Name a technology, and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) probably has some interest and exposure thereto.

Microsoft has laboratories and world-class researchers in any number of fields doing varied research. Quantum computing is part of that.

Hardware, software, specialized cooling equipment, and more are being developed by the company. If Microsoft decides that quantum computing is the next big thing, expect it to move first as it did with OpenAI and ChatGPT. Its an industry shaper so the fact that it is developing quantum computers is a signal worth watching.

Investing in Microsoft is not a strong investment in quantum computing per se. Quantum computing revenues are a very minor part of its business. Choose MSFT shares for the dozen other strengths it possesses but keep in mind that quantum computing is a part of it.

Azure is a major cloud provider. AI is being integrated there as fast as possible. Quantum computing promises to accelerate AI and could realistically compound the rapid shifts were already experiencing. That makes MSFT a strong bet and it offers much less risk than upstart firms in the space.

Source: Kate Krav-Rude / Shutterstock.com

Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) used to be the biggest chip stock. It isnt any longer following many missteps. That leaves Intel, like IBM, searching for its former glory.

The companys strategy to turn itself around rests on several pillars. The firms Arizona chip factories are a big part of that strategy.

Intel is positioning itself to take advantage of shoring up its efforts in the semiconductor industry. Construction of those factories is the major driver of its turnaround.

Intel is also developing a quantum computing chip called Tunnel Falls. The company is working with its partners to test that chip as part of its overall turnaround effort. As with the other large tech firms here, Intel isnt yet moving heavily into quantum computing. It remains a future technology that is part of a longer-term vision.

AI is the current focus along with reshoring. In time though, quantum computing chips like Tunnel Falls will play a bigger part in Intels turnaround story.

Source: josefkubes / Shutterstock.com

Honeywell (NASDAQ:HON) offers industrial software and is a stock thats commonly mentioned alongside megatrends like IoT and to a degree, AI.

The company recently reorganized into three business segments to take advantage of mega-trends. Itll now be automation, aviation, and energy transition that drive Honeywell overall.

The move is unlikely to change much of Honeywells dayto-day operations and it will continue to do much of the same things. Itll still be heavily focused on the IoT building automation opportunity. More and smarter chips will be required for that effort. In short, its the same industrial firm it was with a slightly revamped direction.

However, Honeywell is also a quantum computing firm which many people might not recognize. Honeywell built a quantum computing unit which was spun off, merged, and is now known as Quantinuum. Honeywell owns a 54% stake in that firm.

That means Honeywell is a lesser-known quantum computing firm with a vested interest in the continued development of the sector and a revenue-generating asset therein.

On the date of publication, Alex Sirois 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.com Publishing Guidelines.

Alex Sirois is a freelance contributor to InvestorPlace whose personal stock investing style is focused on long-term, buy-and-hold, wealth-building stock picks. Having worked in several industries from e-commerce to translation to education and utilizing his MBA from George Washington University, he brings a diverse set of skills through which he filters his writing.

Original post:
7 Quantum Computing Stocks That AI Will Send Soaring - InvestorPlace