Oxford Quantum Circuits sells access to its quantum supercomputer via Amazon Web Services.

Dr Ilana Wisby is the CEO of Europe's first quantum computing-as-a-service company.

Global investment in quantum computing has topped $35.5 billion.

The UK government has allocated £2.5 billion for quantum research.

Quantum computers operate much faster and perform multiple calculations simultaneously.

Quantum computing can solve intractable problems, enhance AI, and transform processes like drug discovery.

Yale researchers used quantum error correction to extend the lifetime of a quantum bit.

Quantum error correction maintains quantum information for a longer period than uncorrected hardware components.

Yale's Michel Devoret led an experiment proving quantum error correction works in practice.

Quantum systems are fragile and prone to decoherence due to environmental interactions.

Quantum error correction combats decoherence by encoding a qubit in a larger system using redundancy.

Yale's error-corrected qubit lasted 1.8 milliseconds, more than doubling its lifetime.

The team used a 2001 error-correction code and a machine-learning agent to improve the outcome.

Quantum computing's success hinges on creating high-quality quantum bits using error correction.

In 2009, Andrea Morello's team demonstrated a quantum computer using everyday silicon.

Quantum computing may revolutionize encryption, molecular biology, and cancer treatment.

Australia is a world leader in the quantum computing gold rush, with nearly a billion dollars in government investment.

The quantum realm has only recently begun to reveal itself, with key moments including John Bell's 1964 theorem.

Quantum computers use subatomic particles as switches that can have multiple states.

Qubits can relate through entanglement, enabling simultaneous calculations.

In 1994, US mathematician Peter Shor showed that a quantum computer could crack common encryption standards.

China is the only other nation rivaling the US in the quantum race, having spent an estimated $15.3 billion on quantum research.

Isaac Chuang and Neil Gershenfeld invented the first quantum computer in 1998.

Chuang and Gershenfeld's quantum computer utilized quantum superposition and entanglement to perform computations.

Their quantum computer successfully executed Shor's algorithm, factoring large numbers exponentially faster than classical computers.

Chuang and Gershenfeld's invention marked a significant milestone in quantum computer development.

Quantum computing has made tremendous strides since Chuang and Gershenfeld's invention, with advancements in hardware, algorithms, error correction, and platforms.

Quantum computers, though still in development, are commercially available from companies like IBM, Google, and Honeywell.

Achieving true quantum supremacy is a significant endeavor.

Quantum computing faces challenges including decoherence, error correction, scaling qubits, and hardware reliability.

The UAE is investing in quantum computing, a sector expected to reach $1 trillion globally by 2035.

IDC expects global quantum computing investments to reach $16.4 billion by 2027, growing at 11.5% annually.

Global government agencies are increasingly investing in quantum computing, with 14 announcing multi-year initiatives worth billions of dollars.

The US and China dominate the quantum computing sector.

Google and IBM are leading efforts to develop quantum computing.

A Chinese university has developed a quantum computer 10 billion times faster than Google's.

Quantum technology has applications in various areas, including mathematical models, simulations, and electronic devices.

The global quantum computing market is expected to grow from $412 million in 2020 to $8.5 billion in 2027 at a 50% compound annual growth rate.

Quantum computing can harness big data and artificial intelligence to revolutionize business operations.

Scientists have made progress in developing more reliable quantum computers.

Researchers have achieved remote energy transfer and discovered new phase transitions in entangled qubits.

Storing information in 'non-Abelian anyons' may lead to error-tolerant quantum computers.

Progress has been made in correcting quantum errors, improving quantum bit stability.

Quantum computing can revolutionize network management by reducing complex computing time.

Quantum entanglement rules form the basis of algorithms for optimization, machine learning, and simulation.

Algorithms using quantum entanglement can provide instant solutions impossible with current computing power.

The global quantum computing market is expected to reach USD 234.06 billion by 2032, growing at a 36.89% CAGR from USD 10.13 billion in 2022.

The quantum computing market is dominated by IBM, Google, Microsoft, and Honeywell.

Quantum computing has applications in drug discovery, supply chain optimization, financial modeling, and climate modeling.

North America, led by the United States, is the leading market for quantum computing.

Europe is a growing market for quantum computing, with the UK, Germany, and France investing heavily.

The Asia Pacific quantum computing market is expected to grow significantly due to increased R&D investments by countries like China, Japan, and South Korea.

Companies in the quantum computing space include IBM, Google, Microsoft, Honeywell, Intel, and Rigetti Computing.

IBM leads in quantum systems development, prioritizing miniaturization and accuracy.

Intel is using silicon spin qubits in quantum computing.

IonQ is developing trapped ion quantum systems.

IBM delivered a 1,000-qubit quantum chip in 2023.

China has developed its third-generation quantum computer, 'Origin Wukong'.

The US, Japan, and Canada are concerned about China's 'Benyuan Wukong' quantum computer, which is most frequently visited by US users.

China accounts for 37% of global quantum information technology patent applications from 2003 to 2022.

Global investment in quantum tech exceeds $36 billion.

China has invested $15 billion in quantum technology.

India lags behind in quantum computing but can catch up with investment.

The US has over 20 academic labs, plus Google, IBM, and national labs, working on superconducting qubit research.

Europe has around 10-15 labs working on superconducting quantum computing.

India has only four superconducting qubit researchers.

India has announced a National Mission on Quantum Technology with a budget of Rs 8,000 crore.

Investments in quantum computing startups reached $2.35 billion in 2022.

China leads in government funding for quantum technologies with $15.3 billion.

Russia has formed a pool of organizations for quantum computing research and development.

Russia is working on quantum computing using four platforms: superconducting qubits, photonic circuits, neutral atoms, and trapped ions.

Over 1,600 quantum computing patents were issued in 2022.

Google has made significant advancements in quantum computing, including a 433-qubit quantum processor.

Oxford Quantum Circuits sells access to its quantum supercomputer via Amazon Web Services.

Title:

Content: TIMES ENTERPRISE NETWORK: RISING STARS

Start-up leads charge in widening access to quantum computing

Oxford Quantum Circuits sells access to its supercomputer via Amazon Web Services
new

Dr Ilana Wisby is the chief executive of Europe’s first “quantum computing-as-a-service” company and one of very few women leading start-ups in the field.

Quantum computing is developing rapidly, and global investment in the sector has topped $35.5 billion (£27 million) as industry and governments look to seize on the opportunity it presents. In his most recent budget, Jeremy Hunt unveiled a £2.5 billion funding pot for quantum research, even as he slashed funding for other tech areas.

Quantum computers can operate much faster than conventional computers and perform multiple calculations simultaneously. The technology is still maturing, but in the near future it could solve previously intractable problems, enhance artificial intelligence and transform processes such as drug discovery.

Wisby, 32, who holds a PhD in

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

Dr Ilana Wisby is the CEO of Europe's first quantum computing-as-a-service company.

Title:

Content: TIMES ENTERPRISE NETWORK: RISING STARS

Start-up leads charge in widening access to quantum computing

Oxford Quantum Circuits sells access to its supercomputer via Amazon Web Services
new

Dr Ilana Wisby is the chief executive of Europe’s first “quantum computing-as-a-service” company and one of very few women leading start-ups in the field.

Quantum computing is developing rapidly, and global investment in the sector has topped $35.5 billion (£27 million) as industry and governments look to seize on the opportunity it presents. In his most recent budget, Jeremy Hunt unveiled a £2.5 billion funding pot for quantum research, even as he slashed funding for other tech areas.

Quantum computers can operate much faster than conventional computers and perform multiple calculations simultaneously. The technology is still maturing, but in the near future it could solve previously intractable problems, enhance artificial intelligence and transform processes such as drug discovery.

Wisby, 32, who holds a PhD in

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

Global investment in quantum computing has topped $35.5 billion.

Title:

Content: TIMES ENTERPRISE NETWORK: RISING STARS

Start-up leads charge in widening access to quantum computing

Oxford Quantum Circuits sells access to its supercomputer via Amazon Web Services
new

Dr Ilana Wisby is the chief executive of Europe’s first “quantum computing-as-a-service” company and one of very few women leading start-ups in the field.

Quantum computing is developing rapidly, and global investment in the sector has topped $35.5 billion (£27 million) as industry and governments look to seize on the opportunity it presents. In his most recent budget, Jeremy Hunt unveiled a £2.5 billion funding pot for quantum research, even as he slashed funding for other tech areas.

Quantum computers can operate much faster than conventional computers and perform multiple calculations simultaneously. The technology is still maturing, but in the near future it could solve previously intractable problems, enhance artificial intelligence and transform processes such as drug discovery.

Wisby, 32, who holds a PhD in

How large are global investments in quantum computing?

The UK government has allocated £2.5 billion for quantum research.

Title:

Content: TIMES ENTERPRISE NETWORK: RISING STARS

Start-up leads charge in widening access to quantum computing

Oxford Quantum Circuits sells access to its supercomputer via Amazon Web Services
new

Dr Ilana Wisby is the chief executive of Europe’s first “quantum computing-as-a-service” company and one of very few women leading start-ups in the field.

Quantum computing is developing rapidly, and global investment in the sector has topped $35.5 billion (£27 million) as industry and governments look to seize on the opportunity it presents. In his most recent budget, Jeremy Hunt unveiled a £2.5 billion funding pot for quantum research, even as he slashed funding for other tech areas.

Quantum computers can operate much faster than conventional computers and perform multiple calculations simultaneously. The technology is still maturing, but in the near future it could solve previously intractable problems, enhance artificial intelligence and transform processes such as drug discovery.

Wisby, 32, who holds a PhD in

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

Quantum computers operate much faster and perform multiple calculations simultaneously.

Title:

Content: TIMES ENTERPRISE NETWORK: RISING STARS

Start-up leads charge in widening access to quantum computing

Oxford Quantum Circuits sells access to its supercomputer via Amazon Web Services
new

Dr Ilana Wisby is the chief executive of Europe’s first “quantum computing-as-a-service” company and one of very few women leading start-ups in the field.

Quantum computing is developing rapidly, and global investment in the sector has topped $35.5 billion (£27 million) as industry and governments look to seize on the opportunity it presents. In his most recent budget, Jeremy Hunt unveiled a £2.5 billion funding pot for quantum research, even as he slashed funding for other tech areas.

Quantum computers can operate much faster than conventional computers and perform multiple calculations simultaneously. The technology is still maturing, but in the near future it could solve previously intractable problems, enhance artificial intelligence and transform processes such as drug discovery.

Wisby, 32, who holds a PhD in

What advantages do quantum computers have over conventional computers?

extremely fast calculations
extremely complex calculations

Quantum computing can solve intractable problems, enhance AI, and transform processes like drug discovery.

Title:

Content: TIMES ENTERPRISE NETWORK: RISING STARS

Start-up leads charge in widening access to quantum computing

Oxford Quantum Circuits sells access to its supercomputer via Amazon Web Services
new

Dr Ilana Wisby is the chief executive of Europe’s first “quantum computing-as-a-service” company and one of very few women leading start-ups in the field.

Quantum computing is developing rapidly, and global investment in the sector has topped $35.5 billion (£27 million) as industry and governments look to seize on the opportunity it presents. In his most recent budget, Jeremy Hunt unveiled a £2.5 billion funding pot for quantum research, even as he slashed funding for other tech areas.

Quantum computers can operate much faster than conventional computers and perform multiple calculations simultaneously. The technology is still maturing, but in the near future it could solve previously intractable problems, enhance artificial intelligence and transform processes such as drug discovery.

Wisby, 32, who holds a PhD in

What advantages do quantum computers have over conventional computers?

extremely fast calculations
extremely complex calculations

What fields can quantum computers advance?

Yale researchers used quantum error correction to extend the lifetime of a quantum bit.

Title:

Content: Doubling a qubit’s life, Yale scientists prove a key theory of quantum physics

Researchers at Yale have for the first time, using a process known as quantum error correction, substantially extended the lifetime of a quantum bit — a long-sought-after goal and one of the trickiest challenges in the field of quantum physics.

Led by Yale’s Michel Devoret, the experiment proves — decades after its theoretical foundations were proposed — that quantum error correction works in practice.

Quantum error correction is a process designed to keep quantum information intact for a period of time longer than if the same information were stored in hardware components without any correction.

The results were published March 21 in Nature.

Information in classical computing comes in the form of bits corresponding to ones or zeros. In quantum computing, information is stored in special devices with quantum properties that are known as quantum bits, or “qubits.”

In the lab of Devoret, the Frederick W. Beinecke Professor of Applied Physics, these qubits are constructed with superconducting circuits cooled to temperatures 100 times lower than those in outer space.

The qubits can each represent a one or a zero, or — confoundingly — both one and zero at the same time.

This “quantum parallelism” is one of the properties that enables quantum computers to make calculations that will potentially be orders of magnitude faster than what is possible on classical supercomputers and transform multiple industries.

Quantum systems, though, are fragile. They are bedeviled by a fundamental phenomenon of decoherence, a process in which the information stored in qubits quickly loses its quantum properties as a result of their interactions with the surrounding environment.

Quantum error correction, which was theoretically discovered in 1995, offers a means to combat this decoherence. Employing redundancy, it protects the quantum bit of information by encoding it in a system larger than what, in principle, is needed to represent a single qubit.

This larger system, however, makes the effect of the surrounding environment even more invasive and the encoded qubit even more fragile. Because of this effect, and complications from the additional components required to perform error correction, this process had never been able to definitively extend the lifetime of a quantum bit in practice.

In fact, just breaking even with an uncorrected qubit is a rare event, researchers say. Contrary to theoretical promises, in most experiments, error correction accelerates the decoherence of quantum information.

“For the first time, we have shown that making the system more redundant and actively detecting and correcting quantum errors provided a gain in the resilience of quantum information,” Devoret said. “Our experiment shows that quantum error correction is a real practical tool. It’s more than just a proof-of-principle demonstration.”

Devoret’s group has managed to more than double the lifetime of quantum information. Their error-corrected qubit lived for 1.8 milliseconds — things happen fast in the quantum realm.

They achieved their results using an error-correction code that was invented in 2001. “It gives you a sense of the delay between the theoretical proposals and practical realization of them in our field,” Devoret said.

Volodymyr Sivak, the lead author of the paper, said that this performance was achieved in part by employing a machine-learning agent that tweaked the error correction process to improve the outcome.

“There is no single breakthrough that enabled this result,” said Sivak, a former Ph.D.  student in Devoret’s lab and now a research scientist at Google. “It’s actually a combination of a whole bunch of different technologies that were developed in the past few years, which we combined in this experiment.”

The practical success of quantum computing will hinge on being able to create quantum bits of extremely high quality using quantum error correction. “Our experiment validates a cornerstone assumption of quantum computing, and this makes me very excited about the future of this field,” said Sivak.

Other authors of the paper (all affiliated or formerly affiliated with Yale) are Alec Eickbusch, Baptiste Royer, Shraddha Singh, Ioannis Tsioutsios, Suhas Ganjam, Alessandro Miano, Benjamin Brock, Andy Ding, Luigi Frunzio, Steven Girvin, and Robert Schoelkopf.

%d bloggers like this:

What are important areas in quantum research?

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

Quantum error correction maintains quantum information for a longer period than uncorrected hardware components.

Yale's Michel Devoret led an experiment proving quantum error correction works in practice.

What are important areas in quantum research?

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

Quantum systems are fragile and prone to decoherence due to environmental interactions.

What are the challenges in quantum computing research?

sensitivity to environment
high error rates

Quantum error correction combats decoherence by encoding a qubit in a larger system using redundancy.

Yale's error-corrected qubit lasted 1.8 milliseconds, more than doubling its lifetime.

The team used a 2001 error-correction code and a machine-learning agent to improve the outcome.

Quantum computing's success hinges on creating high-quality quantum bits using error correction.

What are important areas in quantum research?

new types of qubits
implementations of quantum processors

What are the challenges in quantum computing research?

In 2009, Andrea Morello's team demonstrated a quantum computer using everyday silicon.

Title:

Content: Chandeliers, ‘qubits’ and Schrödinger’s cat: Inside the bizarre world of quantum computing

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

Explainer

Chandeliers, ‘qubits’ and Schrödinger’s cat: Inside the bizarre world of quantum computing

In the quantum realm, the laws of physics are different. Now its mind-bending tech could soon transform our lives. How does it work?

It was 2009, and a group of scientists had crowded around a tiny monitor in a Sydney physics laboratory. The team, led by electrical engineer Andrea Morello, held their collective breath and peered at a single flat line on the screen. Then, in the blink of an eye, the line changed: it was a series of blips, like a heartbeat. They’d hit paydirt. “When you see that symbol, you’re in the game,” recalls physicist Charles Tahan.

Welcome to the quantum world, a subatomic realm – yes, smaller than an atom – where the laws of physics are, well, different. The experiment made Morello and his team the first in the world to show that a quantum computer could be made using not diamonds, not the superconductor niobium, but everyday silicon. “To show you could do that, 100 different things had to go right,” says Tahan.

Quantum computing is one of the key technologies defining this century. Its proponents say it will do for computers what the car did to the horse and buggy. It will upend encryption and molecular biology. In theory, it could even possibly find cures for cancer. Australia is among the world leaders in a quantum computing gold rush, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying his government is “serious about building a strong quantum ecosystem” and investing nearly a billion dollars.

Yet despite eye-watering outlays worldwide, quantum computing is still in its infancy, part of a mind-bending world that physicists are only beginning to fully grasp. What is it? And how will it make a difference to our lives?

How does a quantum computer work (and why did Alice in Wonderland have the jump on it?)

It’s often remarked that it looks like a beautiful chandelier, or a wedding cake. And IBM’s quantum computer, one of the world’s largest, is certainly an intriguing object, an intricate dome of golden wires and graceful tubes suspended from a ceiling.

Advertisement

The part we can see, though, is really just the control and support system for a microchip (currently a version called Condor) buried deep inside. The glittering exoskeleton is there to keep its tiny heart as cold as possible – a hundred times colder than the coldest depths of space – and to feed information in and out, the process that makes it a “computer” and not just a science experiment.

The chip itself is smaller than a postage stamp, with several layers of circuitry and metal sandwiched in a tiny square, cooled to improve conductivity and to eliminate “noise”, the bugbear of many such devices. But even what we see here is not where the action happens. For that, we have to go deeper still, down into the chip and well beyond what’s visible through even the most powerful microscope, beyond the layers of individual atoms, into the atoms themselves.

‘The truth is the universe doesn’t run by the rules that we see every day – gravity, you bounce a ball and it falls. It runs on these other rules: quantum mechanics.’

In the subatomic realm of electrons, protons and photons, things happen very differently. Indeed, these tiny particles have no use for Newton’s laws of physics, nor even many of Einstein’s. “The truth,” says Tahan, “is the universe doesn’t run by the rules that we see every day – gravity, you bounce a ball and it falls. It runs on these other rules: quantum mechanics.”

Why these particles behave as they do in the quantum realm is a difficult concept to get your head around. Even Einstein resisted aspects of it, famously arguing that “God does not play dice with the Universe”. It was a misstep. “Because he didn’t believe in the completeness of quantum mechanics,” says Morello, “he lost a lot of productive years because he didn’t understand how it is possible that this thing is true.”

Many leading physicists investigated the concept from the early 1900s, including some familiar from popular culture today, notably Einstein and Neils Bohr (portrayed in Oppenheimer), Werner Heisenberg (whose name Walter White stole for his drug-chemist alter ego in Breaking Bad) and Viennese physicist Erwin Schrödinger, of the famous cat experiment (explained below).

Advertisement

Lewis Carroll, meanwhile, may have had the jump on quantum physics with his ideas in the Alice books, as James Renner observed in The Wall Street Journal in 2015. “We speak of going down the wormhole into a mysterious world that defies Newtonian physics, where once Alice went down the rabbit hole into a mysterious world that had much the same effect. Now we speak of quantum particles being in two places at once or even Schrödinger’s cat being alive and dead at the same time, long after the Cheshire Cat’s grin was magically displaced from its body.”

The quantum realm has only truly begun to reveal itself to us relatively recently. In 1964, the Irish-born physicist John Bell published one of the most important theorems, which, according to Professor Andrew Whitaker in Physics World, “opened up the possibility of experimental philosophy, the study of what are normally thought of as philosophical issues in experiments. Not only do these experiments probe the deepest and most profound aspects of quantum theory, they also provide information on the fundamental nature of the universe.”

At the time, Bell’s theorem could not be tested in a lab. That would come in the late 1960s and early 1970s when experimentalists such as John Clauser began to show that the weirdness Bell had described on paper actually occurred in the real world. Which, at the time, was considered quite rude. One eminent physicist “was highly offended by my impertinent effort and told me that it was tantamount to professing a disbelief in quantum physics,” Clauser later recalled.

He and other apostates continued their work because he found some of the predictions “sufficiently bizarre that I could not accept them without seeing experimental proof”. Working with leftover lab equipment – “physics department scrap” – he went on to provide experimental evidence that refuted even Einstein’s theories. “I was very sad to see that my own experiment had proven Einstein wrong,” he said. Clauser would go on to win the 2022 Nobel Prize for Physics alongside Alain Aspect and Anton Zeilinger for their groundbreaking experiments with so-called “entangled” particles.

Quantum physicists still despair at the difficulties of explaining their weird world to outsiders. “Many writers fall back on boilerplate that makes physicists howl in agony,” wrote computer scientist Scott Aaronson in The New York Times in 2019. Unfortunately, says Gerard Milburn, a quantum physicist from the University of Queensland, “The quantum world lies beyond the reach of natural language.”

Advertisement

But we’ll give it a go. Chiefly, particles in the quantum realm aren’t tied down to being in one place or state in the way bigger things are in the outside world, such as cats, which tend to be in one place at once. They obey different rules entirely. The first way to understand this oddness harks back to high-school science and how light can behave as both a particle and a wave. Photons – bursts of light – can act like ball bearings, with position and momentum. Yet light also behaves like a wave washing over a beach in a way that a ball bearing can’t. That’s a quantum physics party trick.

What is Schrödinger’s cat?

The most famous primer for quantum mechanics is the paradox of Schrödinger’s cat, a mind experiment devised by Schrödinger in 1935. A hypothetical cat goes into a box with a vial of poison gas, which has a 50-50 chance of killing it. You close the box and can’t see inside. So, without opening the box, you can’t know whether the poison has killed the cat or not. Therefore, posited Schrödinger, puss is neither dead nor alive but both – until you open the box.

In quantum mechanics, this state is called “superposition”. It’s impossible to describe properly without a background in higher-level mathematics, which we lack, but it generally means not knowing whether, say, an electron is over here, or over there, or – cat-like – in both places at the same time. Another way of looking at it is to visualise a coin spinning on its side. Until it stops and lands on one side or another, it’s not heads or tails but both.

At least, kind of.

Advertisement

“Every explanation we give in lay terms is in some way wrong,” says Stephen Bartlett, a theoretical quantum physicist and director of the University of Sydney Nano Institute. “People often say a quantum superposition is in the value zero and the value one at the same time. That’s sort of right, and sort of not right.” Says Morello: “This is where language is failing us, right? If you’re trying to say that in plain English, it sounds really weird. But if you actually think about, you know, the mathematics of it, and the actual physical embodiment of that, it actually makes perfect sense.” Suffice to say, a real cat cannot find itself in “superposition”: this is a state that can exist only in the subatomic world.

How is this useful (and what’s a qubit)?

In a conventional computer, information is encoded as voltages that pass around the system thanks to millions of tiny transistors – essentially, gates or switches that turn on and off. A quantum computer is similar except that instead of using transistors as switches it uses subatomic particles, such as electrons or photons, that can have many more states than simply on or off, according to their position, momentum, spin direction and polarisation. Once harnessed – and there are many ways of doing that – these particles-as-switches are called “qubits”, a play on the word “bit”, the smallest unit of data that a computer can process and store.

Loading

Information can be encoded on qubits in various ways: for his computers, Morello uses silicon and strong magnetic fields like those found in MRI machines. “The stuff that I build in my lab is actually a small silicon chip the size of a fingernail,” he says, “but the whole infrastructure around it is quite fancy. It’s a very powerful refrigerator that cools down the chip to [just] above absolute zero.

Critically, qubits can relate to other qubits in a state called “entanglement”. This enables quantum computers to perform multiple calculations simultaneously – which is their superpower. Schrödinger described entanglement as “the characteristic trait of quantum mechanics, the one that enforces its entire departure from classical lines of thought”. Sceptical Einstein called entanglement “spooky action at a distance”. Gerard Milburn says entanglement is great for building a computer “because if you want to have all these switches, having them strongly correlated is exactly what you want. And if you can control those correlations, you can do computation.”

Advertisement

It’s these characteristics that have scientists and engineers excited. Not because quantum computers will necessarily take over from the conventional miracles we so rely on today but because they can do some particular things that transistor-based machines either struggle with or fail at completely. Today’s supercomputer might try to simulate molecular behaviour with “brute force”, says IBM’s quantum department. “But as it moves past the simplest, most straightforward molecules available, the supercomputer stalls. Quantum algorithms take a new approach to these sorts of complex problems, creating multidimensional computational spaces.”

‘Calculations that are completely impossible … would rapidly become possible on a quantum computer.’

This might include modelling how a drug might affect a virus, how new materials in aeroplanes might react to stress, or the exact process necessary to create a perfect chemical reaction.

“Calculations that are completely impossible – not just on present-day conventional computers but any conceivable future conventional computer – would rapidly become possible on a quantum computer,” says Andrew Doherty, professor of physics at Sydney University. “These are things where the application of that computer would be transformative to people’s lives without every home, you know, having a laptop quantum computer.”

Whether quantum computing will also revolutionise artificial intelligence is less certain. AI works by drawing from a huge amount of data, which is not something that naturally fits on a quantum computer, says Morello. “The problem with quantum computers in general and, in particular, with applications to AI is that loading data into them and reading data out of them is slow and cumbersome and prone to errors. It’s a bottleneck.”

Why is it so hard to build quantum machines?

Creating the qubits is hard, whatever material you start with. Interfacing with them via tiny wires like the golden lattice in IBM’s machines is hard. Getting accurate information from them is hard: “noise”, in the form of vibration or spurious electromagnetic signals, makes them behave badly and give poor results – “decoherence”, in physics speak.

Much of Andrew Doherty’s team’s work these days is in figuring out how to reduce this noise to acceptable levels and compensating for the errors that noise produces. “Compared to our conventional computers, quantum technology [computers] are very noisy devices,” he says. “They go wrong one time in 1000 as opposed to one time in an astronomically huge number of uses of [normal computers].”

Teams around the world are working on multiple approaches both to building the machines and compensating for their eccentricities, from labs in Australia to the tech giants Google, Microsoft and IBM – its Quantum Lab relies on superconducting qubits made from aluminium and niobiumand the Chinese government.

Some versions, such as IBM’s and Morello’s, chill the atoms to keep them as stable as possible. In contrast, the Australian company Quantum Brilliance is working with synthetic diamonds because they work at room temperature. “Unlike other materials,” says co-founder Marcus Doherty (no relation to Andrew), “diamond’s incredible hardness means that even at room temperature, there isn’t enough thermal energy in the environment to create vibrations that destroy the quantum properties of qubits.”

‘People are working really hard to try to find different mathematical problems that they think maybe quantum computers can’t crack.’

Another key moment in the quantum timeline came in 1994 when US mathematician Peter Shor showed that a quantum computer could crack encryption standards safeguarding everything from national intelligence systems to bank accounts. “He devised an algorithm, in theory, that he would need to run on a quantum computer,” says Bartlett. “And if you could build a quantum computer of sufficient size, then yeah, all information security falls apart.” Cybersecurity experts call that scenario Q-Day. “At the moment, people are working really hard to try to find different mathematical problems that they think maybe quantum computers can’t crack,” says Bartlett.

Loading

In 2001, IBM made a seven-qubit device controlled through radio frequency pulses to demonstrate Shor’s Theorem. IBM’s prototype wasn’t given a huge task, managing to calculate that three times five was … wait for it ... 15. Yet this was considered a great success, even if it had shades of the famous supercomputer Deep Thought from Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, which ponders the question of “life, the universe and everything” for thousands of years before giving the answer: 42.(Adams also dreamed up the Infinite Improbability Drive for a spaceship called the Heart of Gold, which used quantum theory to allow it to cross through every point in the universe simultaneously, allowing interstellar travel without all that “tedious mucking about in hyperspace”.)

Then, in 2019, Google claimed its 54-qubit Sycamore processor had performed a calculation in 200 seconds that would have taken the world’s most powerful supercomputer 10,000 years – a breakthrough some breathlessly likened to the Wright brothers’ first flight in 1903. Others were more sceptical, saying it would be many more years before quantum computers would have enough qubits – and be stable enough – to do anything actually useful. IBM said it could simulate Google’s experiment in two-and-a-half days on a “normal” computer, albeit if it had access to the Oak Ridge Summit supercomputer, a beast occupying an area the size of two basketball courts. IBM’s shimmering Eagle, meanwhile, had just 127 qubits; its successors, Osprey and now Condor, have pushed the bar to over 1000 and it plans for 1386 qubits in its Kookaburra in 2025.

Yet most of these devices are still basically proofs of concept, says Morello, the first step to manufacturing and miniaturising, as we saw with today’s transistor-based computers, which started out as rooms full of valves and cables. In the post-World War II era, says Andrew Doherty, “computers took up office floors of buildings in Manhattan and people put paper cards into them to program them. Out came numbers that even my childhood pocket calculator could have calculated right.” Many hundreds of billions of dollars have gone into developing computer technology, in packaging it for convenience and getting the components to work reliably, he says. “That whole engineering thing has got to grow up around these quantum technologies.”

Already, Marcus Doherty’s Quantum Brilliance has installed a quantum computer at the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre in Perth and is about to export computers, at this stage for customers to experiment with quantum computing and work out how to make it useful. In the future, finding commercial applications for a quantum computer will require tailoring it, at least initially, says UNSW’s Maja Cassidy, a former quantum researcher for Microsoft. “People have to go in and understand a company’s problem, how they’re using classical computing and … work out what section might be enhanced by the quantum computer.”

Who is leading the quantum race?

China is the only other nation giving the United States a run for its money. Its leader, Xi Jinping, put accelerating quantum technology in his 2021 five-year plan. McKinsey & Company estimates China has spent at least $15.3 billion in public funds on quantum research. That partly came to fruition in April with the Chinese Academy of Science’s unveiling of a 504-qubit chip, still half the size of IBM’s biggest.

For its part, Australia got a head start with quantum research in the 1990s. Today, two major spinoffs from UNSW research are pursuing silicon-based quantum computing: Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC), led by Professor Michelle Simmons, and Diraq, led by Professor Andrew Dzurak. SQC’s approach involves embedding phosphorus atoms within a wafer of silicon. Dzurak’s approach involves trapping electrons on silicon transistors. Both have the advantage of silicon chips already being ubiquitous. “Today, in our phones and our laptops, the silicon chips that are in those have upwards of a billion transistors on them,” says Dzurak. “The benefit of the technology that we’ve developed is that we are also able to get millions, and ultimately billions, of quantum bits onto a single silicon chip.”

‘Computers as we know them today are an absolutely mind-blowing achievement. So any technology that has the ambition of being an alternative or being better than that has a phenomenally high bar to clear.’

Other leading players in Australia include Q-CTRL, which is working on controlling and enhancing quantum hardware; quantum security company QuintessenceLabs; and Doherty’s Quantum Brilliance, which used its synthetic diamonds in the world-first integration of a two-qubit quantum device into a supercomputer at room temperature in 2022.

Meanwhile, out of the University of Queensland came early gains in “photonic” quantum computing, which harnesses particles of light – photons – as qubits. In April, the federal and Queensland governments jointly set aside $940 million in share purchases, grants and loans for PsiQuantum, a Silicon Valley company whose founders include Australian professors Jeremy O’Brien and Terry Rudolph. Unlike ions or electrons, photons are not charged, Bartlett says, so are not sent haywire by electromagnetic forces – but they are hard to manipulate and measure.

Loading

Another approach involves “trapped ion” quantum computing, pursued by US company IonQ: physicists take an atom, flick off an electron so it is positively charged, then suspend the resulting ion within an electromagnetic field and manipulate the ion with lasers. But Bartlett says this approach will be hard to scale, given the technology to suspend millions of ion qubits doesn’t yet exist.

In April, the federal government also announced $18 million for the University of Sydney to establish Quantum Australia, a research consortium between several universities headed by Bartlett. “It used to be a small research community,” he says. “You absolutely needed to speak the common language of everyone else, which were the rules of physics. Now we are really seeing quite a bit of specialisation.”

Even if quantum computers develop practical uses, they will likely live in vast, super-cooled server farms where land and power are cheap. We’ll communicate with them through our everyday devices, much as we download and upload data from cloud servers, Netflix, TikTok, DropBox, whatever, today. The real challenge for quantum computing, says Morello, is that the alternative is “really, really good”. “Computers as we know them today are an absolutely mind-blowing achievement. So any technology that has the ambition of being an alternative or being better than that has a phenomenally high bar to clear.”

Get fascinating insights and explanations on the world’s most perplexing topics. Sign up for our weekly Explainer newsletter.

Let us explain

If you'd like some expert background on an issue or a news event, drop us a line at explainers@smh.com.au or explainers@theage.com.au. Read more explainers here.

Most Viewed in National

Loading

What are important areas in quantum research?

Quantum computing may revolutionize encryption, molecular biology, and cancer treatment.

What advantages do quantum computers have over conventional computers?

What fields can quantum computers advance?

Australia is a world leader in the quantum computing gold rush, with nearly a billion dollars in government investment.

The quantum realm has only recently begun to reveal itself, with key moments including John Bell's 1964 theorem.

Quantum computers use subatomic particles as switches that can have multiple states.

Qubits can relate through entanglement, enabling simultaneous calculations.

What advantages do quantum computers have over conventional computers?

extremely fast calculations
extremely complex calculations

In 1994, US mathematician Peter Shor showed that a quantum computer could crack common encryption standards.

What are the potential threats of quantum computers?

threatening national security through breaking encryption

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

What fields can quantum computers advance?

China is the only other nation rivaling the US in the quantum race, having spent an estimated $15.3 billion on quantum research.

How much have countries and blocs invested in quantum computing?

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

Isaac Chuang and Neil Gershenfeld invented the first quantum computer in 1998.

Isaac Chuang and Neil Gershenfeld invented the first quantum computer in 1998.

Isaac Chuang and Neil Gershenfeld invented the first quantum computer in 1998.

Chuang and Gershenfeld's quantum computer utilized quantum superposition and entanglement to perform computations.

Title:

Content: Who invented the first quantum computer?

Who invented the first quantum computer?

**The first quantum computer was invented by a group of researchers led by physicist Isaac Chuang and computer scientist Neil Gershenfeld in 1998.**

Quantum computing has undoubtedly revolutionized the world of technology and opened up new possibilities for solving complex problems. As this fascinating field continues to grow, many people wonder who can be credited with the invention of the very first quantum computer. Well, the answer lies with a group of brilliant scientists who pushed the boundaries of computation to a whole new level.

What were the key contributions of Isaac Chuang and Neil Gershenfeld?

Isaac Chuang, a physicist, and Neil Gershenfeld, a computer scientist, collaborated in the 1990s to create the first practical quantum computer using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques.

How did their quantum computer work?

Chuang and Gershenfeld’s quantum computer utilized the principles of quantum mechanics, including quantum superposition and entanglement, to perform computations.

What breakthroughs did their quantum computer achieve?

Their quantum computer successfully executed Shor’s algorithm, which is capable of factoring large numbers exponentially faster than classical computers.

How did their invention impact the field of quantum computing?

Chuang and Gershenfeld’s invention marked a significant milestone in the development of quantum computers, inspiring subsequent researchers to explore new approaches and technologies for building more scalable and efficient quantum systems.

What limitations did the first quantum computer face?

The first quantum computer faced several limitations, including a high error rate due to the susceptibility of the NMR-based technology to decoherence.

Did Chuang and Gershenfeld receive recognition for their achievement?

Yes, their groundbreaking work gained recognition, and they were awarded the prestigious Richard P. Feynman Prize in Nanotechnology in 2001.

Has quantum computing technology improved since then?

Absolutely! Since Chuang and Gershenfeld’s invention, quantum computing has made tremendous strides with advancements in hardware design, quantum algorithms, error correction techniques, and the emergence of various quantum computing platforms.

Are there other researchers who significantly contributed to quantum computing?

Certainly! A multitude of researchers and scientists around the world has made notable contributions to the development of quantum computing, further expanding our understanding and capabilities in this field.

What are the potential applications of quantum computing?

Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including cryptography, drug discovery, optimization problems, material science, and artificial intelligence.

Are quantum computers currently commercially available?

Although quantum computers are still in the early stages of development, there are some commercially available quantum computers offered by companies like IBM, Google, and Honeywell.

How far are we from achieving quantum supremacy?

Quantum supremacy refers to a point where a quantum computer can perform a calculation that is infeasible for any classical computer. While there have been promising demonstrations, achieving true quantum supremacy at scale is still a significant endeavor.

What are the biggest challenges in quantum computing today?

Some of the significant challenges in quantum computing include quantum decoherence, error correction, scaling up the number of qubits, and improving hardware reliability.

In conclusion, Isaac Chuang and Neil Gershenfeld can be credited for inventing the first quantum computer in 1998, marking a pivotal moment in the history of computing. Their pioneering work has inspired countless researchers, leading to remarkable advancements in quantum computing technology. As we continue to unravel the potential of this exciting field, it is crucial to acknowledge the many researchers who have contributed to shaping the future of quantum computing.

Scroll to Top

What are important areas in quantum research?

Their quantum computer successfully executed Shor's algorithm, factoring large numbers exponentially faster than classical computers.

What advantages do quantum computers have over conventional computers?

extremely fast calculations
extremely complex calculations

What are important areas in quantum research?

What fields can quantum computers advance?

Chuang and Gershenfeld's invention marked a significant milestone in quantum computer development.

What are important areas in quantum research?

Quantum computing has made tremendous strides since Chuang and Gershenfeld's invention, with advancements in hardware, algorithms, error correction, and platforms.

What are important areas in quantum research?

Quantum computers, though still in development, are commercially available from companies like IBM, Google, and Honeywell.

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

What have been the landmark achievements in quantum computing?

IBM's world's first integrated quantum computing system, IBM Quantum System One

Achieving true quantum supremacy is a significant endeavor.

What have been the landmark achievements in quantum computing?

Google's Sycamore quantum supremacy experiment

Quantum computing faces challenges including decoherence, error correction, scaling qubits, and hardware reliability.

What are important areas in quantum research?

What are the challenges in quantum computing research?

sensitivity to environment
high error rates

The UAE is investing in quantum computing, a sector expected to reach $1 trillion globally by 2035.

Title:

Content: Monday, 25 March 2024 02: 58 GMT
UAE invests in ‘ quantum computing ’ to look to the future
(MENAFN- Al-Bayan)
The UAE is investing in the sector of quantum computing, which is expected to reach a global market value of $1 trillion in 2035, as one of the fastest expanding fields of technology in the world and because of its innovative applications capable of solving challenges in many sectors, because of its strength and speed in calculating physical phenomena, compared to traditional computers.
The UAE aims to invest in quantum computing to enable innovation and a knowledge and sustainable economy through the Quantum Research Center and UAE institutes and universities to explore the future of this vital sector. The Institute of Technology Innovation ’ s (TII) Quantitative Research Center is working to build the first quantum computer in the UAE, according to the Interregional Center for Strategic Analytics in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE has quickly realized the benefits of the quantum computing sector in all sectors and fields, especially in the economy and scientific research, as part of the country ’ s long-term strategies to keep pace with the global technological development represented by the fourth industrial revolution and artificial intelligence, which will change the face of the world in the coming years.
IDC expects global investments in quantum computing to reach $16.4 billion by the end of 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.5%, which includes investments by the public and private sectors and R & D spending from technology, services and finance companies.
There is growing interest in quantum computing by global government agencies, with 14 of them (13 countries plus the European Union) announcing multi-year initiatives that will generate billions of dollars for quantum computing research.
The center said that the UAE is among the 50 projects working to create an attractive investment environment for investments in new and future sectors, including quantum computing technology.
According to Accenture Middle East, quantum computing technology is advancing rapidly, making it a promising technology sector.
The US and China dominate the quantum computing sector to take advantage of the features of the new technological revolution that has enabled scientists to study the basic particles of matter, whose applications have multiplied across different fields despite their relative novelty, promising radical transformations for any industry dependent on speed and processing power, including aerospace, automotive, medicine and others.
Quantum computing technologies have a huge market value, with quantum computing alone expected to reach a global market value of $1 trillion by 2035.
Quantum technology has played a role in many areas, including complex mathematical models, simulations, electronic devices, CT scanners and many others, as it has the potential to revolutionize the way humans communicate and process information at record speeds.
The most prominent areas of use of quantum computing can be found in many fields of military, communications and medicine, and can address economic crises and challenges quickly, and there is no doubt that quantum computing technology can change the map of national industries.
Major technology companies are leading efforts to develop quantum computing, with Google Research Lab and IBM, which built one of the largest quantum computers in the field, and the Chinese University of Science and Technology has developed a quantum computer that is 10 billion times faster than the computer developed by Google.
Follow the economic statement via Google News
MENAFN24032024000110011019ID1108015991
Legal Disclaimer:
MENA Financial Services Network provides information "as is" without any representations or warranties...
This disclaims our responsibility for the privacy practices or content of the sites included in our network, including images and videos.
For any queries regarding the use and reuse of this source of information, please contact the provider of the above article.

IDC expects global quantum computing investments to reach $16.4 billion by 2027, growing at 11.5% annually.

Global government agencies are increasingly investing in quantum computing, with 14 announcing multi-year initiatives worth billions of dollars.

The US and China dominate the quantum computing sector.

What seminal quantum computers/ processors have been developed?

China's 113-qubit Jiuzhang 2.0
China's 72-qubit Origin Wukong

Google and IBM are leading efforts to develop quantum computing.

What are important areas in quantum research?

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

What have been the landmark achievements in quantum computing?

IBM's world's first integrated quantum computing system, IBM Quantum System One

Google's Sycamore quantum supremacy experiment

What seminal quantum computers/ processors have been developed?

IBM's 65-qubit Hummingbird
20-qubit "IBM Q System One"

A Chinese university has developed a quantum computer 10 billion times faster than Google's.

What advantages do quantum computers have over conventional computers?

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

Quantum technology has applications in various areas, including mathematical models, simulations, and electronic devices.

The global quantum computing market is expected to grow from $412 million in 2020 to $8.5 billion in 2027 at a 50% compound annual growth rate.

Title:

Content: Save Your Seat for Crypto Icon’s Insider Summit

On February 8, crypto legend Charlie Shrem will reveal a potential $100 trillion explosion in cryptocurrency — and his #1 way to play it.

Tue, February 8 at 7:00PM ET

7 Best Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy in 2022

Quantum computing offers the potential to harness big data, make intricate predictions and use artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize business operations. Many industries such as automotive, agriculture, finance, healthcare, energy, logistics and space will be affected from the growth in this technology. As a result, Wall Street has been paying significant attention to quantum computing stocks.

Once considered science fiction, quantum computing has made significant progress in recent years to solve complex problems at lightning speed. This advanced technology uses the power of quantum mechanics to represent complex problems. These computers can take seconds to calculate equations that normally take days for machines that use a binary framework.

International Data Corporation forecasts that the global market for quantum computing should grow from about $412 million in 2020 to more than $8.5 billion in 2027. This increase would mean a  compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of an eye-popping 50% between now and 2027. Given such metrics, it’s understandable why investors are thrilled about the future of quantum computing stocks.

While it is currently in its early days, Wall Street has already warmed up to long-term prospects of this technology. Besides several pure-play quantum computing stocks going public in 2021, well-known tech names are pouring significant research dollars to invest in this advanced segment.

With that information, here are the seven best quantum computing stocks to buy in 2022:

  • Analog Devices (NASDAQ:ADI)
  • Defiance Quantum ETF (NYSEARCA:QTUM)
  • International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM)
  • IonQ (NYSE:IONQ)
  • Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)
  • Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA)
  • Supernova Partners Acquisition II (NYSE:SNII)

Quantum Computing Stocks: Analog Devices (ADI)

Source: Shutterstock

52-week range: $142.25 – $191.95

Dividend yield: 1.7%

Semiconductor group Analog Devices manufactures integrated circuits that process analog and digital signals. ADI’s chips are used in data converters, high-performance amplifiers and microwave-integrated circuits.

Analog Devices issued Q4 2021 metrics on Nov. 23. Revenue increased 53% year-over-year (YOY) to $2.34 billion. Adjusted earnings soared from $1.44 per share to $1.73 per share. The company generated a free cash flow of $810 million. Cash and equivalents ended the period at $1.98 billion.

Factory automation has fueled demand for sensors and machine connectivity, which increasingly rely on Analog’s chips. In addition, the automotive industry has also become a key growth driver due to the rising use of advanced electronics in electric vehicles (EVs).

In late August, the chipmaker completed the acquisition of Maxim Integrated. The billion transaction should increase ADI’s market share in automotive and 5G chipmaking.

ADI currently trades just under $160, up 7% over the past 12 months. Shares are trading at 21.5 times forward earnings and 8.9 times trailing sales. The 12-month median price forecast for Analog Devices stock stands at $210.

Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM)

Source: Maxx-Studio/ShutterStock.com

52-Week Range: $42.96 – $57.15

Expense Ratio: 0.40% per year

QTUM is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that focuses on the next generation of computing. It offers exposure to names leading the way in quantum computing, machine learning and cloud computing. The fund tracks the BlueStar Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index.

QTUM, which started trading in September 2018, has 71 holdings. The top 10 holdings account for less than 20% of net assets of $161.5 million. Put another way, fund managers are not taking major bets on any company.

Among the leading holdings on the roster are the security and aerospace company Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), French telecommunications operator Orange (NYSE:ORAN) and IBM.

For most retail investors, QTUM could potentially be a safe and diversified place to start investing in quantum computing. As portfolio companies come from a wide range of technology segments, wide swings in the price of one stock will not affect the ETF significantly.

The fund has gained 8.7% over the past year and saw an all-time high in November 2021. However, the recent selloff in tech stocks led to a 10.7% decline year-to-date (YTD). Interested readers could regard this decline as a good entry point into QTUM.

Quantum Computing Stocks: International Business Machines (IBM)

Source: shutterstock.com/LCV

52-week range: $113.17 – $146.12

Dividend Yield: 4.8%

Technology giant International Business Machines (IBM) needs little introduction. The legacy tech name offers integrated solutions and services, including infrastructure, software, information technology (IT) and hardware.

IBM announced Q4 2021 financials on Jan. 24. The company generated revenues of $16.7 billion, up 6.5% YOY. Net income stood at $2.33 billion, or $2.57 per diluted share, up from $1.36 billion, or $1.51 per diluted share, in the prior-year quarter. Cash and equivalents ended the period at $6.65 billion.

After the announcement, CEO Arvind Krishna said, “We increased revenue in the fourth quarter with hybrid cloud adoption driving growth in
software and consulting.”

The company launched its Quantum System One quantum computer in 2019. Around 150 research groups and partner companies currently use IBM’s quantum computing services. These names come from financial services businesses, automakers and energy suppliers.

In June 2021, IBM unveiled Europe’s most powerful quantum computer in Germany. Moreover, the tech giant recently announced a deal with Raytheon Technologies (NYSE:RTX) to provide quantum computing and AI services for the aerospace, defense and intelligence industries.

IBM currently changes hands around $137, up 20% over the past 12 months. Shares are trading at 13.5 times forward earnings and 2.2 times trailing sales. The 12-month median price forecast for IBM stock is $144.50. Interested readers could consider buying IBM shares around these levels.

IonQ (IONQ)

Source: Shutterstock

52-week range: $7.07 – $35.90

IonQ is one of the first publicly traded pure-play quantum computing stocks. It went public via a merger with the special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) dMY Technology Group III in late 2021.

The quantum name released Q3 2021 results on Nov. 15. Its net loss was $14.8 million, or 12 cents loss per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $3.6 million a year ago. Cash and equivalents ended the quarter at $587 million. Wall Street was pleased that at the time, YTD contract bookings came in at $15.1 million.

IonQ is currently developing a network of quantum computers accessible from various cloud services. The technology uses ionized atoms that allow IonQ’s machines to perform complex calculations with fewer errors than any other quantum computer available.

The start-up has the financial backing of prominent investors, including Bill Gates and the Japanese telecommunications company Softbank Group (OTCMKTS:SFTBF). In addition, IonQ has been developing strategic partnerships with Microsoft, Amazon’s (NASDAQ:AMZN) Amazon Web Services and Alphabet’s (NASDAQ:GOOG, NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google Cloud.

While IonQ is taking steps to become a commercialization-stage name, it is still a speculative investment. With its potential for explosive growth, it could be an attractive quantum computing stock for investors looking to take a risk.

IONQ stock hovers around $12. The recent selloff in tech stocks has led to a 26.7% decline YTD. Yet, the 12-month median price forecast for IONQ stock stands at $23.

Quantum Computing Stocks: Microsoft (MSFT)

Source: rafapress / Shutterstock.com

52-week range: $224.26 – $349.67

Dividend Yield: 0.8%

Microsoft is one the largest and most prominent technology firms worldwide. It offers software products and services, including Azure cloud service, the Office 365 productivity suite and the customer relationship management (CRM) platform Dynamics 365.

Meanwhile, the Microsoft Quantum is “the world’s first full-stack, open cloud quantum computing ecosystem” that allows developers to create quantum applications and run them on multiple platforms. The software giant provides quantum computing services via the cloud on Azure.

Management announced robust Q2 FY22 metrics on Jan. 25. Revenue increased 20% YOY to $51.7 billion. Net income surged 21% YOY to $18.8 billion, or $2.48 per diluted share, compared to $15.5 billion, or $2.03 per diluted share, in the prior-year quarter. Cash and equivalents ended the period at $20.6 billion.

On Jan. 18, Microsoft announced plans to acquire Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:ATVI), a leading player in game and interactive entertainment development. It will be an all-cash transaction valued at $68.7 billion. Wall Street expects this deal to provide tailwinds for Microsoft’s gaming business and building blocks for the metaverse.

MSFT stock currently trades just under $310, up 27% over the past 12 months. Shares support a valuation of 32.6 times forward earnings and 12.3 times trailing sales. And the 12-month median price forecast for Microsoft stock stands at $370.

Nvidia (NVDA)

Source: Antonio Baccardi / Shutterstock.com

52-week range: $115.67 – $346.47

Dividend Yield: 0.06%

Santa Clara, California-based Nvidia has become an important name in advanced semiconductor design and software for next-generation computing development. InvestorPlace readers likely know the chipmaker is a market leader in the gaming and data center markets.

Nvidia announced impressive Q3 FY 2022 numbers on Nov. 17. Revenue soared 50% YOY to a record $7.1 billion, fueled by record sales in the gaming and data center businesses. Net income increased 62% YOY to $2.97 billion, or $1.17 per diluted share. Cash and equivalents ended the period at $1.29 billion.

The chipmaker provides the necessary processing power that drives the development of quantum computing. Additionally, Nvidia recently released cuQuantum, a software development kit designed for building quantum computing workflows. It has partnered with Google, IBM and other quantum computing players that rely on cuQuantum to accelerate their quantum computing work.

Given its growing addressable market in cloud computing, gaming, AI, and more recently the metaverse, NVDA stock deserves your attention. Share are changing hands around $245, up nearly 80% over the past year. However, despite an 18% decline YTD, shares are trading at 46.5 times forward earnings and 25 times trailing sales.

Finally, the 12-month median price forecast for Nvidia stock is $350. As the company gets ready to report earnings soon, investors should expect increased choppiness in price.

Quantum Computing Stocks: Supernova Partners Acquisition II (SNII)

Source: Dmitry Demidovich/ShutterStock.com

52-week range: $9.62 – $12.75

Our final stock is Supernova Partners Acquisition II, a SPAC. It is merging with Rigetti Computing, a start-up focused on quantum computer development. As a result of the merger, Rigetti Computing was valued at about $1.5 billion and received $458 million in gross cash proceeds.

Rigetti designs quantum chips and then integrates those chips with a controlling architecture. It also develops software used to build algorithms for these chips.

Rigetti recently announced business highlights for the nine months ended Oct. 31, 2021. Revenue came in at $6.9 million. Net operating loss declined 3% YOY to $26.2 million.

“We believe the time for quantum computing has arrived,” said founder and CEO Chad Rigetti. “Customer demand is increasing as Rigetti quantum computers begin to address high-impact computational problems.”

The start-up launched the world’s first scalable multi-chip quantum processor in June 2021. This processor boasts a proprietary modular architecture. Now Wall Street expects the company to move toward commercialization.

Rigetti collaborates with government entities and technology to advance its quantum processors. For instance, it boasts strategic partnerships with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. Department of Energy. It also works with data analytics firm Palantir Technologies (NYSE:PLTR) and electronics manufacturer Keysight Technologies (NYSE:KEYS).

SNII stock is currently shy of $10, down about 4% YTD. As investors’ interest in quantum computing names grow, shares are likely to become hot.

On the date of publication, Tezcan Gecgil holds both long and short positions in NVDA stock. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.

Tezcan Gecgil has worked in investment management for over two decades in the U.S. and U.K. In addition to formal higher education in the field, she has also completed all 3 levels of the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) examination. Her passion is for options trading based on technical analysis of fundamentally strong companies. She especially enjoys setting up weekly covered calls for income generation.

Article printed from InvestorPlace Media, https://investorplace.com/2022/02/7-best-quantum-computing-stocks-to-buy-in-2022/.

©2022 InvestorPlace Media, LLC

Quantum computing can harness big data and artificial intelligence to revolutionize business operations.

What fields can quantum computers advance?

Scientists have made progress in developing more reliable quantum computers.

Title:

Content: Scientists have made major breakthroughs in quantum mechanics this year, challenging our understanding of the universe and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
The James Webb Space Telescope has captured stunning images of distant galaxies and stars, raising questions about their formation and growth.
In the field of quantum computing, researchers have made progress in developing more reliable quantum computers and improving quantum debugging.
In addition, scientists have made achievements such as remote energy transfer and the discovery of new types of phase transitions in entangled qubits.
These discoveries highlight ongoing progress in understanding the quantum world, and there is much to explore and uncover in the future.
In astronomy, the James Webb Space Telescope provides groundbreaking images of the universe.
The telescope observed the first stars and galaxies in the universe that formed shortly after the Big Bang, challenging our predictions about their size and brightness.
Astronomers are now struggling to understand the rapid growth of these galaxies and the formation of supermassive black holes, which appear earlier and with a larger mass than expected.
At the frontiers of quantum computing, researchers have made great strides in overcoming the challenges of developing reliable quantum computers.
The new approach involves storing information in topological particles called "non-Abelian anions", which are likely to lead to error-tolerant quantum computers.
In addition, progress has been made in correcting quantum errors, paving the way for improved quantum bit stability.
Quantum mechanics has also revealed fascinating phenomena.
Scientists have been able to transfer energy across microscopic distances by exploiting the characteristic properties of quantum vacuum.
Moreover, a new type of phase transition has been discovered in entangled qubits, where the measurement of one qubit affects the state of other qubits.
Understanding these shifts may have implications for information processing and sharing.
As researchers delve deeper into the quantum world, they continue to define “quantum. ”
Additional metrics, such as entanglement and "fermion magic", have been introduced to capture the unique nature of quantum systems that cannot be simulated on classical computers.
These groundbreaking discoveries in quantum mechanics shed light on the enormous complexities and possibilities that exist within the universe.
Although we have made tremendous progress, much remains to be discovered and understood.
As we begin the next phase of exploration, we can expect more profound discoveries about the mysteries of our universe.

What are important areas in quantum research?

Researchers have achieved remote energy transfer and discovered new phase transitions in entangled qubits.

Storing information in 'non-Abelian anyons' may lead to error-tolerant quantum computers.

What are important areas in quantum research?

new types of qubits
implementations of quantum processors

What are the challenges in quantum computing research?

Progress has been made in correcting quantum errors, improving quantum bit stability.

Quantum computing can revolutionize network management by reducing complex computing time.

Title:

Content: Quantum computing expert Ilana Wisby explains how next-generation processing power can help operators revolutionize network management by significantly reducing the time required for complex computing.
The CEO and founder of Oxford Quantum Circuits (pictured) said in a keynote speech that the core rules of quantum entanglement can be used to form the basics of algorithms covering optimization, machine learning and simulation, helping to shorten the time needed to solve various problems.
Algorithms can provide solutions that are “impossible in today ’ s concept ”“ in an instant ” rather than thousands of years.
Using the puzzle of calculating how many cities a traveling salesperson can go to in the shortest amount of time, Wisby explains that while this is “somewhat solvable, ” at some point it will take“ longer than the total time known to the universe. ”
In the quantum state, the algorithm can "effectively encode this to an optimized problem", is a solvable problem, and can "significantly shorten the computation time".
Of course, Wisby believes that quantum computing can bring a wide range of benefits to society, but he also stresses that the challenges surrounding security and ethics remain prominent.

What advantages do quantum computers have over conventional computers?

extremely fast calculations
extremely complex calculations

Quantum entanglement rules form the basis of algorithms for optimization, machine learning, and simulation.

Title:

Content: Quantum computing expert Ilana Wisby explains how next-generation processing power can help operators revolutionize network management by significantly reducing the time required for complex computing.
The CEO and founder of Oxford Quantum Circuits (pictured) said in a keynote speech that the core rules of quantum entanglement can be used to form the basics of algorithms covering optimization, machine learning and simulation, helping to shorten the time needed to solve various problems.
Algorithms can provide solutions that are “impossible in today ’ s concept ”“ in an instant ” rather than thousands of years.
Using the puzzle of calculating how many cities a traveling salesperson can go to in the shortest amount of time, Wisby explains that while this is “somewhat solvable, ” at some point it will take“ longer than the total time known to the universe. ”
In the quantum state, the algorithm can "effectively encode this to an optimized problem", is a solvable problem, and can "significantly shorten the computation time".
Of course, Wisby believes that quantum computing can bring a wide range of benefits to society, but he also stresses that the challenges surrounding security and ethics remain prominent.

What fields can quantum computers advance?

Algorithms using quantum entanglement can provide instant solutions impossible with current computing power.

Title:

Content: Quantum computing expert Ilana Wisby explains how next-generation processing power can help operators revolutionize network management by significantly reducing the time required for complex computing.
The CEO and founder of Oxford Quantum Circuits (pictured) said in a keynote speech that the core rules of quantum entanglement can be used to form the basics of algorithms covering optimization, machine learning and simulation, helping to shorten the time needed to solve various problems.
Algorithms can provide solutions that are “impossible in today ’ s concept ”“ in an instant ” rather than thousands of years.
Using the puzzle of calculating how many cities a traveling salesperson can go to in the shortest amount of time, Wisby explains that while this is “somewhat solvable, ” at some point it will take“ longer than the total time known to the universe. ”
In the quantum state, the algorithm can "effectively encode this to an optimized problem", is a solvable problem, and can "significantly shorten the computation time".
Of course, Wisby believes that quantum computing can bring a wide range of benefits to society, but he also stresses that the challenges surrounding security and ethics remain prominent.

What advantages do quantum computers have over conventional computers?

extremely fast calculations
extremely complex calculations

The global quantum computing market is expected to reach USD 234.06 billion by 2032, growing at a 36.89% CAGR from USD 10.13 billion in 2022.

Title:

Content: Quantum Computing Market was valued at nearly USD 234.06 billion by 2032

Prudour Private Limited

Updated · Mar 06, 2023

Quantum Computing Market Overview

Published Via 11Press: Quantum computing is a rapidly developing market that is revolutionizing how we approach computing and data processing. By employing principles of quantum mechanics to perform computations, quantum computers are capable of solving problems that classical computers may find impossible or impracticable to resolve.

The global quantum computing market size is forecast to reach USD 234.06 billion by 2032 from USD 10.13 billion in 2022, rising at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36.89% during the forecast period.

At present, the quantum computing market is dominated by a few major players such as IBM, Google, Microsoft, and Honeywell. These firms are investing heavily in quantum computing research and development as well as creating quantum computing hardware and software systems.

The quantum computing market is expected to have a profound effect on industries such as healthcare, finance, logistics, and energy. Some key applications of quantum computing include drug discovery, supply chain optimization, financial modeling, and climate modeling.

Though the quantum computing market is promising, it still faces several obstacles such as high costs of hardware, a shortage of skilled experts in this area, and technical difficulties when building large-scale quantum computers. With ongoing research and development efforts, however, these problems should be overcome within the coming years, leading to even greater growth and innovation in this space.

Key Takeaways

  • The global quantum computing market size was valued at USD 234.06 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 36.89% from 2022 to 2032.
  • Quantum computing is capable of solving problems that would be intractable or impossible for classical computers to solve.
  • The quantum computing market is dominated by a few major players, including IBM, Google, Microsoft and Honeywell.
  • The quantum computing market is expected to have a profound effect on numerous industries, such as healthcare, finance, logistics and energy.
  • Quantum computing has many important applications such as drug discovery, supply chain optimization, financial modeling and climate modeling.
  • The quantum computing market remains plagued by several obstacles, such as the high cost of quantum computing hardware, lack of qualified quantum computing experts and technical difficulties in building and running large-scale quantum computing systems.
  • Research and development are expected to overcome these obstacles within the next couple of years, propelling even greater growth and innovation in the quantum computing market.

Request For Sample Report: https://market.us/report/quantum-computing-market/request-sample/

Regional Snapshot

  • North America: North America is currently the leading market for quantum computing, with the United States playing a major role. Major companies such as IBM, Google, and Microsoft are driving this growth through their presence and investment in research and development activities related to quantum computing. This region boasts numerous key players such as IBM, Google, and Microsoft which are driving demand within this region.
  • Europe: Europe is an increasingly important market for quantum computing, with countries such as the UK, Germany, and France investing heavily in research and development. Through partnerships between quantum computing companies and other technology firms as well as the growing adoption of quantum computing across various industries, this region’s market is experiencing rapid expansion.
  • Asia Pacific: The quantum computing market in Asia Pacific is expected to experience significant growth over the coming years due to increased investments in research and development by countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. Furthermore, there have been an increasing number of collaborations between companies using quantum computing with academic institutions as well as its increasing adoption across industries like healthcare and finance – all contributing factors for market expansion within this region.
  • The Rest of the World: Countries such as Brazil, South Africa, and the UAE are expected to experience significant growth in the quantum computing market over the coming years due to increased investments in research and development efforts as well as the growing adoption of quantum computing across various industries. These factors are fueling this region’s meteoric rise in this region.

Drivers

  • Quantum Computing Gaining Adoption in Various Industries: Quantum computing is seeing an uptick in popularity across a range of industries, such as healthcare, finance, logistics, and energy – as companies seek to use their power to solve complex problems and gain an edge in competition.
  • Investments in Quantum Computing Research and Development: Governments, academic institutions, and private companies have made substantial investments in quantum computing research and development, spurring innovation and progress within the field.
  • Growing Number of Partnerships and Collaborations: There has been an uptick in partnerships and collaborations between quantum computing companies and other technology firms, as well as academic institutions and research organizations. This trend is propelling the development of new quantum computing hardware and software systems, as well as its adoption across various industries.
  • Increasing Access to Cloud-Based Quantum Computing Services: The growing availability of cloud-based quantum computing services is making it simpler for companies and researchers to utilize this cutting-edge technology, spurring adoption and innovation within the field.

Restraints

  • Limited Access to Qualified Quantum Computing Experts: Unfortunately, there is currently a shortage of highly experienced quantum computing specialists, making it challenging for companies to construct and sustain quantum computing systems.
  • Technical Challenges in Building and Maintaining Large-Scale Quantum Computing Systems: The development of large-scale quantum computing systems is still in its early stages, so there are numerous technical obstacles that must be overcome, such as noise reduction, error correction, and scalability.
  • Limited Quantum Computing Applications: Although the list of potential applications for quantum computing is growing, the number of practical ones that have been developed and implemented remains limited. This can make it challenging for companies to justify investing in quantum computing technology.
  • Regulatory Challenges: Quantum computing technology may face regulatory restrictions, particularly around data privacy and security. This could create additional obstacles to the adoption and investment in the technology.

Opportunities

  • Growing Number of Partnerships and Collaborations: The growing number of partnerships and collaborations among quantum computing companies, other technology firms, academic institutions, and research organizations is creating opportunities for the development of new quantum computing hardware and software systems as well as its adoption across various industries.
  • Advancements in Quantum Computing Hardware and Software: With the rapid progress being made in the development of quantum computing hardware and software, new opportunities will present themselves for applying this technology across various industries and fields.
  • The growing availability of cloud-based quantum computing services: Cloud-based quantum computing services are making it simpler for companies and researchers to access and utilize quantum computing technology, spurring adoption and innovation within the field.
  • Growth of Quantum Computing as a Service: As more companies and researchers embrace the potential of quantum computing, cloud-based quantum computing services are creating exciting new business opportunities for those offering these solutions.
  • Potential for Breakthroughs in Areas such as Drug Discovery, Finance, and Energy: Quantum computing holds the potential to unravel complex issues in fields like drug discovery, finance, and energy – leading to major breakthroughs and advances. This presents companies with unique opportunities for those who can develop and implement quantum computing solutions in these sectors.

Challenges

  • Technical Challenges in Constructing and Running Large Quantum Computing Systems: As quantum computing systems continue to emerge, numerous technical obstacles must be overcome such as noise reduction, error correction, and scalability. These issues make it challenging for companies to construct and run these massive quantum computers efficiently.
  • Limited Access to Qualified Quantum Computing Experts: There is currently a shortage of highly experienced quantum computing professionals, making it difficult for companies to construct and maintain quantum computing systems. This shortage could potentially restrict the growth of this industry in the coming years.
  • Quantum computing Applications: While quantum computing has many potential uses, the number of practical applications that have been created and implemented remains limited. This could make investing in quantum computing technology and research on practical applications an attractive prospect.

Grow your profit margin with Market.us Get this Report

Recent Developments

  • Google Claims Quantum Supremacy: In 2019, Google claimed to have achieved quantum supremacy by performing a calculation on its quantum computer that even the most powerful supercomputers would take thousands of years to complete. This was seen as an important milestone in the advancement of quantum computing technology.
  • IBM Launches Quantum Computing Program for Students: In 2020, IBM unveiled a quantum computing program specifically tailored towards students that provides them with access to IBM’s resources and tools, as well as a platform for learning and collaboration.
  • Honeywell Achieves Quantum Computer Record Performance: On March 20, 2021, Honeywell revealed its creation of a quantum computer with an astonishing quantum volume of 512. This feat marked an amazing advancement in quantum computing technology and demonstrated how rapidly progress has been made since then.
  • Amazon Web Services Announces Quantum Computing Service: On June 2021, Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced the launch of its own quantum computing service called Amazon Bracket. This offering gives customers access to various vendors’ hardware as well as tools and resources for developing and testing quantum algorithms.

Key Market Segments

Type

  • Hardware
  • Software
  • Services

Application

  • Defense
  • Healthcare & pharmaceuticals
  • Chemicals
  • Banking & Finance
  • Energy & power

Key Market Players

  • D-Wave Systems
  • Google
  • IBM
  • Intel
  • Microsoft
  • 1QB Information Technologies
  • Anyon Systems
  • Cambridge Quantum Computing
  • ID Quantique
  • IonQ
  • QbitLogic
  • QC Ware
  • Quantum Circuits
  • Qubitekk
  • QxBranch
  • Rigetti Computing

Nature Insights

  • Progress is being made in the development of quantum computing hardware: Despite the challenges facing large-scale quantum computing systems, progress is being made on quantum computing hardware. This includes creating quantum processors with increasingly more qubits and creating new materials suitable for use in quantum computers.
  • Quantum computing software is still in its early stages: While progress is being made with quantum computing hardware, software development for quantum computation remains at a standstill. This presents an immense challenge to the industry as developing efficient quantum algorithms is essential to realizing its full potential.
  • Collaboration is essential to the advancement of quantum computing: Collaboration between companies, academic institutions, and research organizations is essential for progress in this industry. This includes joint efforts to develop new hardware and software systems as well as collaborations that promote quantum computing across various industries.

Report Scope

Report Attribute Details
The market size value in 2022 USD 10.13 Bn
Revenue forecast by 2032 USD 234.6 Bn
Growth Rate CAGR Of 36.89%
Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa, and the Rest of the World
Historical Years 2017-2022
Base Year 2022
Estimated Year 2023
Short-Term Projection Year 2028
Long-Term Projected Year 2032

Contact us

Contact Person: Mr. Lawrence John

Market.us (Powered By Prudour Pvt. Ltd.)

Tel: +1 718 618 4351

Send Email: [email protected]

FAQ.

What is quantum computing?

Quantum computing is a type of processing data using quantum mechanics. It relies on principles such as superposition, entanglement, and interference which enable quantum computers to perform calculations that would be impossible with classical computers.

What are some potential applications of quantum computing?

Quantum computing holds great promise for revolutionizing industries such as drug discovery, finance, energy, and logistics. Potential uses include creating new drugs and materials, optimizing supply chains and logistics networks, and even improving weather forecasting models with greater precision.

What are some of the challenges facing the quantum computing market?

The quantum computing market faces numerous obstacles, such as technical difficulties in building and running large-scale quantum computers, high costs associated with quantum computing hardware, a scarcity of highly qualified quantum experts, and an absence of practical applications developed and deployed.

Who are some of the major players in the quantum computing market?

Major companies operating within this space include IBM, Google, Microsoft, Honeywell, Intel, and Rigetti Computing. These firms are actively developing and commercializing quantum computing hardware and software systems.

What is the outlook for the quantum computing market?

Overall, analysts anticipate a bright future for quantum computing, with continued investment and innovation anticipated in the coming years. Though still in its early stages of development, its potential advantages are immense - leading to rapid industry growth over the coming years.

Prudour Private Limited

The team behind market.us, marketresearch.biz, market.biz and more. Our purpose is to keep our customers ahead of the game with regard to the markets. They may fluctuate up or down, but we will help you to stay ahead of the curve in these market fluctuations. Our consistent growth and ability to deliver in-depth analyses and market insight has engaged genuine market players. They have faith in us to offer the data and information they require to make balanced and decisive marketing decisions.

The quantum computing market is dominated by IBM, Google, Microsoft, and Honeywell.

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

Quantum computing has applications in drug discovery, supply chain optimization, financial modeling, and climate modeling.

What advantages do quantum computers have over conventional computers?

What fields can quantum computers advance?

North America, led by the United States, is the leading market for quantum computing.

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

Europe is a growing market for quantum computing, with the UK, Germany, and France investing heavily.

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

The Asia Pacific quantum computing market is expected to grow significantly due to increased R&D investments by countries like China, Japan, and South Korea.

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

Companies in the quantum computing space include IBM, Google, Microsoft, Honeywell, Intel, and Rigetti Computing.

Title:

Content: Register Now : Join us for AWS presents TRANSFORMING A BILLION LIVES webinar on Wednesday, 19th April 2023 | 3.00pm onwards
you are here: HomeNewsBusiness

India is not too late in quantum computing: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research's Rajamani Vijayaraghavan

Investment in quantum tech has crossed $36 billion globally. It is billed to be the next big thing in tech after semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) scientist says India is lagging, but can catch up

April 06, 2023 / 11:23 AM IST

Professor Rajamani Vijayaraghavan

When Professor Rajamani Vijayaraghavan was not present at a quantum tech conference in New Delhi last week, he was missed by his peers.

As scientists, bureaucrats, military officers and startup executives gathered for a conversation on the way forward for India’s quantum technology ambitions, the general feeling was that Vijayaraghavan should have been there.

Quantum computing taps the unique behaviour of quantum physics to solve certain problems that are too complex for traditional computing.

If semiconductor technology was the first giant leap in computing and Artificial Intelligence is the current disruptor, it is probably going to be quantum technology next. Quantum computing, conceived by Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman in the early 1980s, was mostly studied in university labs in the US and Europe until the turn of the millennium.

As advances took place, tech behemoths like Google, International Business Machines (IBM) and Intel threw their hat in the ring with billions of dollars in investment. According to an estimate, China has invested $15 billion even as global funding in the technology has topped $36 billion.

At the New Delhi conclave last week, a senior defence official said the wars of the future will be fought on the quantum front. While sizeable quantum computers do not yet exist, the fear among governments and industry is that it will be a Y2K moment once the technology comes to life.

Apart from strategic affairs, quantum tech is also expected to play a central role in areas like drug discovery, financial modelling, weather forecasting and fighting climate change.

Moneycontrol spoke with Professor Vijayaraghavan, a quantum computing scientist at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) who returned to the country a decade ago after studying at the universities of Cambridge, Yale and Berkeley, to take stock of India’s progress in the area.

Edited excerpts:

At the quantum tech conclave in Delhi last week, it seemed as though most Indian quantum start-ups are working on secure communications rather than quantum computing. Why so?

See, in terms of the technology required for doing quantum key distribution (for secure communications), or associated areas like quantum random number generators, it is now fairly well developed internationally. Also, the essential tools and core pieces of hardware and things you need are relatively low-cost and easily available, compared to quantum computing.

If you shift to quantum computing, even if you just take a very basic estimate, it needs about a million dollars just to set up a very basic lab. This was the kind of funding that was given to me when I started in TIFR about 10 years ago, just to have a very basic setup and do simple experiments.

I'm not even talking about the resources you need to develop prototypes and technology. And even this $1 million is an underestimate, because there are other facilities, which were already existing in the institute for device fabrication, clean rooms, and other tools. If I count all of those, then you are talking about a couple of million dollars, at the very least, to get started.

Now, of course, a company could hire these resources from other places. But such facilities don't exist in India, and as of now, even internationally, they are limited, where a company with no infrastructure of their own, but just the idea and expertise could go to a place and say, hey, you know, here is my design, manufacture this for me, and we will put it together.

Experts say that India first missed the bus in taking a lead in semiconductor technology and now even in artificial intelligence. They say it is now or never if we want to be leaders in quantum computing. What is your take?

I broadly agree with it, but let me expand on that. Before something becomes close to technology, there is decades of basic research where they are not even thinking about technology. I started my PhD in the year 2001, i.e. over 22 years back. And that was a turning point when the field of quantum computing was taking off. That was on the back of basic research in quantum computing from the 1980s.

It is absolutely true that if you want to do this, you have to do it now. And with this particular technology, we are not so far behind. Barring a few areas where things have sort of more or less been figured out, we still need several breakthroughs. Even though it looks like IBM has reached so many qubits (a qubit is the basic unit of information in quantum computing) and Google that many, they still don't have a useful quantum computer today. None of these quantum computers that exist anywhere in the world are really useful in the sense that they can replace something to do the work much better.

At how many qubits do you think we can solve real world problems better than existing supercomputers?

It really depends on what you mean by qubits. So there is this notion of physical qubits and logical qubits. The difference is that physical qubits are unstable. Unlike conventional bits in our regular computers, which are extremely stable, and you don't have to worry about them at all, these things are not stable. They actually randomly change their state and give rise to errors. And this happens over a certain timescale, which can be as short as 10s of microseconds or a few milliseconds.

Today’s quantum computers are essentially limited in how long you can use them, or essentially, what is the longest calculation you can run before you can't trust the results of what the computer is outputting. This is a fundamental problem across all quantum computing platforms today. There are some clear paths to solve this, but it is not clear which particular method would win.

And this is where I want to go back to my earlier point that India is not too late. If we invest now, we could create those breakthroughs that can make this technology useful. If enough people start working, and it's not just one or two people in the entire country, then you can hope that these breakthroughs can happen here. And then that will allow us to take a lead in some areas.

In your estimate, how many people are working on quantum computing in India vis-a-vis the US or other countries?

For superconducting qubit research, as of now, there are four people in India. I was the first one who started about 10 years ago, and then two others started maybe about six and four years ago, and one has just joined.

In the US, there are at least 20 or more academic labs, in addition to Google, IBM, or national labs like Fermilab, and I'm not even counting theoretical groups. Many of them have been working for over 20 years or so. And you know, similarly, in Europe, there will be at least 10 to 15 labs just in superconducting quantum computing.

If you look into some of the other subfields like trapped ion quantum computing, it's even smaller.

One of the major issues in advanced research is brain drain. Many of our best researchers still tend to settle abroad. Is more funding alone going to solve this to an extent? What tipped the scales for you to return?

Decisions about moving back to India can be very complicated, you know. There are all kinds of personal and professional reasons, but the point is very simple. You cannot attract someone to come to India to work in a field that requires a certain level of investment by telling them that we will not give it to you.

For me, I always wanted to come back to India and do something if it is possible. And once I finished my PhD, I started looking around and realised that there are lots of labs, which are fairly high-tech and at the cutting edge. Funding seemed to have improved in the previous few years or decade. It was important that I would be able to do the kind of research I was interested in doing rather than compromise. If that had not happened, I would have taken up a job abroad.

Has the funding scenario gotten better since then?

It's now becoming better, at least among the bigger institutes, but it's still quite a challenge. There is no real guarantee that you will get the kind of funding needed for experimental quantum research, and we are trying to solve this problem with the new funding programmes.

There is a reluctance to invest so much money in a new person. The idea of a startup grant is very clear in the West – your offer letter clearly says that you will get $1 million and you have to spend it in the next four to five years… everything is spelt out. We are not able to do that.  You have to keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best.

This actually does pose a barrier to entry because it's not competitive. If I have offers from an Indian institute, where everything is ambiguous, and some other foreign Institute, where everything is clearly spelt out, then it is very difficult to make a decision in favour of the former. Unless, of course, there are personal reasons to be in the country.

It should be a much more streamlined process for the government to disburse funds now as many new advanced research and academic institutes have come up. What are we missing here?

Oh, no. It is not easy at all. The bigger institutes have some advantages in terms of flexibility of using their funds, but it is not easy to get big grants. Currently, the amount that you can get for a standard Department of Science and Technology (DST) project is Rs 10 lakh-50 lakh. That’s the typical range. Special programmes can provide bigger funding but they are rare.

Usually, it is easier to get big funding when a new institute is being built to set up new facilities. From thereon, things get tougher as you reach a steady state. Look, you need investment if you want to work in quantum tech. Of course, one can make a call that ‘Okay, we cannot afford this research, so we will not do it.’ But if you want to, there is no other option, you have to find ways to support this.

A few years back, the DST started a programme called QUEST (Quantum Enabled Science and Technology) where 50 scientists got funded with a combined funding of about Rs 200 crores. It was the first major effort in funding quantum tech research where an individual group could have hoped to get something of the order of Rs. 5 to 10 crore, which is the minimum you need to set up a lab working in quantum tech.

Was this part of the Rs 8,000 crore quantum national mission announced in the 2020 budget?

No, this was a different programme where the first discussions started in 2017 and the money started coming in  2019-2020. Unfortunately, it was right in the middle of the pandemic, when you know, things were shut, and we couldn't spend the money. On top of that, as part of the pandemic-related things, the government made it very difficult to import things.

The National Mission on Quantum Technology and Applications (NMQTA) with a proposed budget of Rs 8,000 crore is expected to launch sometime soon. Probably, you know, in the next few months. We have been working on it.

Can you tell us more about the import policy?

It was introduced in the summer of 2020. This was not a science policy. This was a government procurement policy. You know, on the face of it, it seems like a good idea. They wanted to encourage Indian industry and push for self-reliance. On paper, it sounds great. And it might even work for certain types of government procurement.

They're basically saying that if you're supported by government funds, you have to prioritise Indian-manufactured goods. And the way they implemented it is by saying that if something costs more than Rs 5 lakh and you want to import it, you have to go through a new procedure and get a waiver before you can even float a global tender.

In the beginning, we were surprised, and we said, okay, maybe they just didn't think about scientific procurement. So, in a few months, they will fix it but it didn't happen. It took about six to seven months before some exception was given. But there is no blanket exception given for scientific procurement.

They reduced the number of signatures required by one and made some exceptions. Unfortunately, even there, because of a lack of clarity, every institute has interpreted the rules differently. And we are definitely facing a lot of problems still. In the best-case scenario, we are still wasting about three months just to get approval to import an item.

Does most scientific procurement happen from abroad?

The problem is to assume that there is an Indian option and we are actively choosing not to use it. That is not the case for 99 percent or even more. It is a well-known fact that for scientific high-tech equipment, there is no manufacturing happening in India… there are no companies which exist. But, we have to now prove it with paperwork to get the waiver. Even if we invest Rs 8,000 crore, it won’t work if these kinds of policies are not fixed. We are wasting a bulk of the time just doing this paperwork, and not actually doing research.

It might be more fruitful if you create opportunities in the nation for companies to come together and manufacture at least some of the things in India. But, when you have not had a manufacturing base in a certain technology for decades, how can you start doing that overnight? And in many cases, it might not even make economic sense for a company because it's a niche market.

Is it possible for India to build an indigenous quantum computer?

In today's globalised world, nothing is going to be fully indigenous. For superconducting qubits, you can innovate the design of the chip and make it here, but the lithographic machines and dilution refrigerators have to come from outside.

There is a section which says we can just use quantum computing on the cloud that foreign tech companies provide. Isn’t there a possibility that the use cases of quantum on the cloud will be limited?

As I said earlier, none of the available quantum computers are doing anything useful better than classical computers at present. When it happens in the future, and it will, you might be able to use cloud-based systems for many applications. On one hand, we can continue to be just a leader in the software layer. One could decide that we will develop the best quantum software in the world, but we will never develop any hardware.

The problem really comes when you start talking about strategic applications – whether the cloud company will provide you with the best systems they have access to. That's the fundamental question we have to ask ourselves.

We don’t have a quantum computer, but startups are providing a solution called quantum key distribution (QKD) for secure communications. How do we know it is really secure if they have not been tested against a quantum computing hack?

QKD fundamentally relies on the fact that if somebody tries to interfere, you will know. And the trick in any secret communication is that if two parties can exchange a key without anybody else knowing, then the information you transmit using encoding based on that key is secure. Quantum key distribution is a method where the laws of physics guarantee that the key you have exchanged has not been intercepted by anybody else. Because the moment somebody intercepts, you will know and you will discard that key. It cannot be broken by even a quantum computer. So you don't need to test it against a quantum computer.

A bureaucrat was saying that enterprises are concerned that they might be sold classical computing solutions in the garb of quantum tech. So the government is trying to bring a quantum certification programme. Would it have the bandwidth to do such accreditation?

You have to look at this slightly differently. There are things in quantum which are impossible in classical. So if whatever you're purchasing is actually carrying out that task, it cannot do it the classical way. And if there are applications where both classical and quantum can do that, then it is unclear why you would bother unless there is a cost advantage or a performance advantage for the quantum solution.

As a business or an enterprise that wants some problem solved, you will put the problem statement, and the quantum company will say this is the solution. So, why do you care what is inside? The bureaucrat was probably referring to quantum communication systems where you want some central body to verify that the system is really secure and meets certain standards. I believe the government is setting up such bodies for various quantum technologies.

Deepsekhar Choudhury Deepsekhar covers tech and startups at Moneycontrol. Tweets at @deepsekharc

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

IBM leads in quantum systems development, prioritizing miniaturization and accuracy.

Title:

Content: 3 Quantum Computing Stocks That Could Grow Your Wealth

Advertisement

  • Quantum computing stocks offer growth potential in emerging technology.
  • IBM (IBM): Leader in quantum systems development, focusing on miniaturization and accuracy.
  • Intel (INTC): Applying transistor-based design to quantum computing with silicon spin qubits.
  • IonQ (IONQ): Developing trapped ion quantum systems with strong technological advantages.

Quantum computing stocks are working toward creating and selling quantum computers and other quantum products. These technologies are based on principles of quantum mechanics. This includes superposition and entanglement to perform operations that a classical processor cannot. These stocks provide a way to enter a field expected to transform many industries.

Thus, investing in quantum computing stocks is quite promising, considering the development of the industry. Some of the breakthroughs in quantum computing hardware include the creation of superconducting qubits and error correction software for larger quantum computers. There has been progress in increasing the qubit coherence times and combining classical and quantum computing to solve real-life problems.

Many of these quantum computing stocks trade at reasonable valuations. Now is a great time for investors to consider these options to grow their wealth. So here are three quantum computing stocks to consider.

IBM (IBM)

Source: shutterstock.com/LCV

IBM (NYSE:IBM) is one of the leading companies in the race toward quantum computing. It’s constantly pushing forward to create efficient quantum systems. The company’s delivery of the first 1,000-qubit quantum chip in 2023 proved incredible advancements are being made in this field.

What’s more, IBM’s approach has changed significantly since the company decided to focus on the miniaturization of quantum chips and their increased accuracy rather than increasing the number of qubits. While quantum computing still has a long way to go before it is practically usable, it has the potential to be used in fields such as cryptography, optimization, and simulation. This is where computing accuracy is paramount.

Thanks to its technical competence, cooperation with other industries, and conceptual approach to the development of quantum computing, IBM has the potential to lead the way forward.

Financially and technically, IBM pays a solid and growing dividend and has a low beta, making it a defensive pick in one’s portfolio.

Intel (INTC)

Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) has become one of the frontrunners in the race to build quantum computers through the application of transistor-based design and semiconductor manufacturing. Thus, by transferring the methods for creating and verifying conventional chips to silicon-based quantum computers, Intel has made a significant leap forward in its creation.

This is because the company is using silicon spin qubits, which are somewhat similar to the familiar semiconductor transistors. This allows the company to use its advanced CMOS fabrication facilities to place millions or even billions of these qubits on a single chip.

Intel’s progress in developing a 12-qubit silicon chip on a 300mm wafer with an impressive 95% yield rate proves its capacity to meet the stability standards of quantum computers. Also, Intel has perfected the cryogenic wafer probing technique. This allows it to test its quantum devices and make necessary adjustments faster.

INTC could be one of the top quantum computing stocks to consider to include an award-winning brand your portfolio.

IonQ (IONQ)

IonQ (NYSE:IONQ) is a leading developer of quantum computing systems using trapped ions. This approach could potentially enhance the reliability of its quantum computations.

IonQ has a strong technological advantage and owns 74 US-issued patents and 163 pending applications covering its quantum computing solutions. It is also engaged in the process of developing its quantum hardware for the commercial market, through which is available on the major cloud platforms and has signed several strategic partnerships,

One of the best things about IONQ is its financials are in good shape. This is more than what can be said for other companies that are exploring more experimental strategies.

As per its Q1 results, IonQ has high gross margins and increasing orders for quantum systems. The company expects to achieve net income before seeking more capital and thus prepare for long-term development. These factors make IONQ one of those quantum computing stocks to buy.

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

Matthew started writing coverage of the financial markets during the crypto boom of 2017 and was also a team member of several fintech startups. He then started writing about Australian and U.S. equities for various publications. His work has appeared in MarketBeat, FXStreet, Cryptoslate, Seeking Alpha, and the New Scientist magazine, among others.

Article printed from InvestorPlace Media, https://investorplace.com/2024/07/3-quantum-computing-stocks-that-could-grow-your-wealth/.

©2024 InvestorPlace Media, LLC

What are important areas in quantum research?

What companies are leading in developing quantum computing?

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

What have been the landmark achievements in quantum computing?

IBM's world's first integrated quantum computing system, IBM Quantum System One

What seminal quantum computers/ processors have been developed?

IBM's 65-qubit Hummingbird
20-qubit "IBM Q System One"

Intel is using silicon spin qubits in quantum computing.

What are important areas in quantum research?

new types of qubits
implementations of quantum processors

What companies are leading in developing quantum computing?

IonQ is developing trapped ion quantum systems.

What are important areas in quantum research?

new types of qubits
implementations of quantum processors

What companies are leading in developing quantum computing?

IBM delivered a 1,000-qubit quantum chip in 2023.

What companies are leading in developing quantum computing?

China has developed its third-generation quantum computer, 'Origin Wukong'.

Title:

Content: People 's Daily Online > > Economy and Technology
"Origin Goku" stable operation shows what
May 12, 2024 08: 54 | Source: Economic Daily
Small number
Original title: "The source of Goku" stable operation shows what
As of May 7, China's third-generation autonomous superconducting quantum computer "Origin Wukong" has attracted more than 8 million visits worldwide.
Previously, it was successfully connected to three supercomputing centers such as the Yangtze River Delta hub Wuhu cluster computing power public service platform, marking the formal completion of China's "four calculations in one" system of general computing, intelligent computing, supercomputing and measurement.
What does the stable operation of "Origin Goku" show?
"Genyuan Wukong" is China's third-generation autonomous superconducting quantum computer, equipped with 72-bit autonomous superconducting quantum chips.
The computer is named "Wukong", which means that it is as powerful as the traditional Chinese mythological figure Sun Wukong and can change 72 times.
"Benyuan Wukong" was independently developed by the Benyuan Quantum team and launched on January 6 this year. Since the launch of the line, the average daily global visit is about 66,700 times, and the average daily completion of nearly 1,500 computing tasks.
Quantum computing is a cutting-edge emerging technology that has great potential in artificial intelligence, biomedicine, financial analysis and other fields.
If the general purpose traditional computer is compared to a bicycle, the quantum computer is like an airplane.
To break down 300 large numbers, it takes 150,000 years to make use of a trillionth of a conventional computer, and 1 second to make use of a trillionth of a quantum computer.
The biggest advantage of quantum computers is their powerful computing power, but compared with traditional computers, the technology is immature, the manufacturing cost is high, and the reliability is not strong.
China's quantum computing technology is in the transition stage from laboratory research and development to industrial application.
"Genyuan Wukong" equipped with hardware, chips, operating systems and application software are autonomous and controllable, and the localization rate is more than 80%, which marks the basic formation of China's superconducting quantum computer industry chain.
In the four months since its launch, "Benyuan Wukong" has successfully completed more than 178,000 computing tasks for users in 120 countries, and countries with quantum computers such as the United States, Japan and Canada have shown great concern for "Benyuan Wukong", among which the frequency of visits by US users is much higher than that of other countries.
In the field of quantum computing, developed countries led by the United States have started early, developed rapidly and have a high degree of industrial maturity, and have gradually established a "quantum computing ecological chain."
For example, in 2017, IBM led the establishment of the Quantum Computing Industry Alliance (IBM Quantum Network), which has more than 250 members from the United States, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Australia and other countries, involving Fortune 500 companies, start-ups and academic institutions.
However, although China started late in the quantum field, it has made rapid progress.
A recent paper on global quantum information technology patents shows that from 2003 to 2022, China's quantum information technology patent applications accounted for 37% of the global total, surpassing the proportion of the United States slightly more than 28%.
"Origin Wukong" is the first large-scale and long-term opening of China's quantum computing power to the world, indicating that China has officially entered the "usable" era of quantum computing power.
Looking forward to the future, let the "Wukong" further play the power of the "source", it will take many efforts.
We should focus on making up for the shortcomings and strength of the weak, so that the key instruments and equipment of quantum computing can be fully replaced in China. We should support the building of the quantum chip industry chain and build a quantum computing power network. To change the situation of shortage of talents in the quantum field.
Computing power is the new quality of productivity in the digital economy era, who has mastered the advanced computing power, who has mastered the "winning chance" of development.
On the international science and technology track of quantum computers, the layout and development of independent industrial chains is an inevitable choice for us to face the forefront of world science and technology, the main battlefield of the economy, and the major needs of the country.
(Editor: Yang Xi, Chen Jian)
Public Number ： People 's Network Finance
Share it so more people can see it.
Back to top

What are important areas in quantum research?

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

What seminal quantum computers/ processors have been developed?

The US, Japan, and Canada are concerned about China's 'Benyuan Wukong' quantum computer, which is most frequently visited by US users.

China accounts for 37% of global quantum information technology patent applications from 2003 to 2022.

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

Global investment in quantum tech exceeds $36 billion.

How large are global investments in quantum computing?

China has invested $15 billion in quantum technology.

How much have countries and blocs invested in quantum computing?

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

India lags behind in quantum computing but can catch up with investment.

The US has over 20 academic labs, plus Google, IBM, and national labs, working on superconducting qubit research.

The US has over 20 academic labs, plus Google, IBM, and national labs, working on superconducting qubit research.

The US has over 20 academic labs, plus Google, IBM, and national labs, working on superconducting qubit research.

Europe has around 10-15 labs working on superconducting quantum computing.

Europe has around 10-15 labs working on superconducting quantum computing.

Europe has around 10-15 labs working on superconducting quantum computing.

India has only four superconducting qubit researchers.

India has announced a National Mission on Quantum Technology with a budget of Rs 8,000 crore.

India has announced a National Mission on Quantum Technology with a budget of Rs 8,000 crore.

India has announced a National Mission on Quantum Technology with a budget of Rs 8,000 crore.

Investments in quantum computing startups reached $2.35 billion in 2022.

Title:

Content: Investments in quantum computing startups reached $2.35 billion in 2022
Quantum technologies have great potential for both science and business, and attract large investments in different countries of the world, including Russia.
This is stated in the analytical report "Quantum Computing: Prospects for Business", which was prepared jointly with the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "VNIIA named after N.L. Dukhov" and the Institute of Artificial Intelligence AIRI.
“Increasing attention in the world is paid to supporting start-ups in the field of quantum technologies.
In 2022, venture investors around the world invested $2.35 billion in them.
Also last year, almost 1,600 patents were issued and published in all subfields of quantum computing: from physical implementations of quantum equipment and error correction to AI [artificial intelligence] and machine learning.
Video of the day
Leading countries, realizing the breakthrough potential of this direction, include quantum technologies in national programs and allocate increasing budgets for research.
The leader is China with $15.3 billion in government funding.
Development programs have the leading technological corporations of the world.
So, which has made a quantum processor for 433 qubits [qubit or quantum bit - the main unit of information in quantum processors and quantum computing], plans this year to increase the number of qubits to 1121, and intends to show a device for a thousand qubits after 2025.
The intention to develop a full stack of technologies for quantum computing announced and has already released to the market quantum chips on spin qubits.
In Russia, work on quantum computing is underway on four key physical platforms: superconducting qubits, photonic circuits, neutral atoms, and trapped ions.
The Russian Federation has also formed a pool of organizations, including companies, scientific institutions and universities that conduct research and development, study the applicability of quantum computing to practical tasks.
“Quantum computing can give the world an impetus to the development of new industries based on the processing of big data.
In addition, they can improve the performance and efficiency of artificial intelligence algorithms, the accuracy of models and simulations of complex systems (such as molecules of new drugs, chemical reactions or physical processes), as well as provide a new level of calculations in finance and logistics, new solutions to climate problems and cryptographic algorithms that will provide a higher level of security.
The authors of the report come to the conclusion that although no one in the world has been able to demonstrate practical quantum superiority, nevertheless, companies should plan today what will happen after its achievement.
Quantum computing is able to integrate seamlessly into data processing workflows, using adaptation tools for popular programming languages and interfaces.

China leads in government funding for quantum technologies with $15.3 billion.

How much have countries and blocs invested in quantum computing?

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?

Russia has formed a pool of organizations for quantum computing research and development.

Russia is working on quantum computing using four platforms: superconducting qubits, photonic circuits, neutral atoms, and trapped ions.

What are important areas in quantum research?

new types of qubits
implementations of quantum processors

Over 1,600 quantum computing patents were issued in 2022.

Google has made significant advancements in quantum computing, including a 433-qubit quantum processor.

What are important areas in quantum research?

new types of qubits
implementations of quantum processors

What companies are leading in developing quantum computing?

What countries and blocs are leading in developing quantum computing?