A few days ago, IBM announced in Japan that it will cooperate with the University of Tokyo and the University of Chicago to launch a 10-year, $100 million plan to develop a quantum computer powered by 100,000 qubits. computer.

Quantum-centric supercomputing is a new and so far unrealized era of high-performance computing. A 100,000-qubit system would be the basis for solving some of the world’s most pressing problems that may never be solved by even today’s most advanced supercomputers.

For example, powerful quantum computing systems could enable a new understanding of the dynamics of chemical reactions and molecular processes; could allow researchers to help study climate change by modeling better methods of carbon capture; Achieving cleaner and more sustainable goals; discovering more effective and energy-efficient fertilizers.

This quantum computer is expected to involve innovation at all levels of the computing stack, including the convergence of the fields of quantum computing and quantum communication, and the seamless integration of quantum and classical workflows through the hybrid cloud.

Because this type of computer had never been built before, the first step was to design the blueprints. The design had to integrate classical and quantum computers, a hitherto challenging task, while also breaking new ground in quantum communication and computing technologies.

To achieve this goal, IBM said, the company hopes to have a 100,000-bit system by 2033. By the end of 2023, IBM will introduce three cornerstones of this architecture:

The 133-qubit “IBM Heron” processor; 2. IBM Quantum System Two, which aims to be online by the end of 2023; 3. The introduction of quantum middleware, which is a set of classical processors and quantum processors. Tools for running workloads.

IBM intends to expand these partnerships to include Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab, both of which are members of the Chicago Quantum Exchange and each host two DOE Quantum Centers. Importantly, the capabilities and expertise that these two laboratories provide can facilitate the delivery of technologies envisioned in the race to build a quantum computer.