As we head into the busy autumn months, this issue highlights recent advances in quantum technology. Starting with our personal and latest highlight, hosting the Quantum Industry Day Switzerland 2024 (QiDIS). Read about Quantinuum's accelerated roadmap towards universal quantum computing, the latest error reduction technologies with Q-CTRL's Fire Opal, and other industry updates including Australia's new export controls and more. The future of quantum computing is here, and we are excited to share these cutting-edge advances with you.
Best regards,
Your team from QuantumBasel
MONTLHY QUANTUM MYTH
"Quantum computers need a lot of energy"
Quantum computers are often believed to be energy guzzlers. However, the benefits of quantum computers may, in fact, be at least partly in energy efficiency. In 2020, a study argued that a quantum computer would require a factor of 50’000 less energy to solve a certain math puzzle than a supercomputer would. While top-performing classical supercomputers often operate in the MW regime, a quantum computer may operate in the kW range. Given recent energy consumption increases due to the rise of (generative) AI, such potential energy advantages of quantum applications are being more and more intensely researched.
It’s a wrap! Yesterday, together with uptownBasel, we had the honor of hosting the Quantum Industry Day Switzerland 2024 (QiDIS) together with uptownBasel. QiDIS of the biggest annual industry events in Switzerland that brings together the brightest minds in academic and industrial R&D, encouraging collaboration and accelerating the development of breakthrough quantum technologies. With inspiring keynote speeches, dynamic panel discussions and valuable networking opportunities, it once again served as a hub for innovation. QiDIS is truly an event that enables attendees to meet new and old contacts. It thrives on the fact that you can plan business meetings in advance and that the entire agenda is designed to encourage active networking. With over 400 attendees, it was truly a visionary gathering that is driving the development of future technologies. We would like to thank the entire QiDIS team for their great collaboration and the Streetfood Company for their excellent food and location management.
QUANTUM NEWS
Quantinuum Unveils Accelerated Roadmap to Achieve Universal, Fully Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing by 2030
Quantinuum, in collaboration with Microsoft, is advancing toward quantum supremacy by achieving milestones like 12 logical qubits and demonstrating an integrated scientific workflow using AI, HPC, and quantum technology, all steps on the path to building a quantum supercomputer.
That kind of major update to the roadmap of a leading technology means that (the holy grail of) fault-tolerant quantum computing is getting closer.
Q-CTRL Integrates Fire Opal with Four Leading Quantum Computing Hardware Platforms to Deliver Unprecedented Capabilities to End Users
Q-CTRL announced the native integration of its performance-management software, Fire Opal, into four major quantum computing platforms, including IBM, Rigetti, Oxford Quantum Circuits, and Diraq. This integration enhances quantum computing performance by reducing errors, enabling more complex algorithms, and improving usability. A broader native availability of leading error-suppression technology means that an increasing number of complex problems can be tackled with today's quantum computers.
Based on a recent LinkedIn post, QEDMA’s product QESEM will now be available on IBM’s quantum computers. This means, in addition to Q-CTRL, IBM has also partnered with another error-reduction company, highlighting the increasing attention that noise control is receiving.
Australia’s National Interests Framework to be applied retrospectively to the PsiQuantum deal
The National Interest Framework should be applied retrospectively to the Albanese Labor Government's nearly $1 billion PsiQuantum deal, as concerns grow over the investment's failure to meet standards of probity, fairness, and transparency. Shadow Minister for Science Paul Fletcher calls for further scrutiny, alleging that Labor's decision was biased toward an American company, bypassing Australian quantum firms, and urging the application of the National Interest Framework to ensure value for taxpayers.
Australia has imposed strict export controls on quantum technology, requiring permits for sharing high-level quantum computers (34+ qubits) with foreign individuals, except those from the US and UK. Accidental breaches could lead to up to 10 years imprisonment, with no defense allowed. These penalties are stricter than in other countries, prompting calls for alignment with US laws. Clearly one of the motivations behind QuantumBasel's strategy to also deploy an on-premises system.
In a video on her Youtube channel, Sabine Hossenfelder raises the question that many Quantum computing companies have to answer on a daily basis. Sabine is perhaps not uncontroversial, but it is an interesting topic, with further market shifts being expected.
Join us at our uptowBasel location in Arlesheim or at other events.
IN SEPTEMBER 2024
Swiss Alps Forum
Attended by Dr. Frederik Flöther, CQO QuantumBasel two panels: "The economic revolution through quantum: opportunities and challenges of the quantum economy"
