Have you ever wondered when we’ll finally have a practical quantum computer? I have!
Asking the question is easy, but finding an answer is not. What makes things tricky is that there is no single big rock to climb to the summit, but rather a series of different obstacles: rivers to cross, forests where the path is lost, and vast deserts to test your determination. Out of metaphor, to develop a practical quantum computer, fundamental physics questions intertwine with engineering challenges and computer science problems.
I know that we can’t do it alone. That’s why I am so grateful to be leading a team of incredible innovators at Alice & Bob, working in collaboration with Quantum Machines to make this dream a reality.
A Leap Forward in the Quest for Stable and Scalable Quantum Computing
The challenges facing quantum computing are immense, but we’re making strides every day. Recently we proved how a useful quantum computer could be 60 times smaller than expected. With advancements like the Cat qubit, we’re closer than ever to overcoming the issues of stability and scalability, the two major gaps between today’s quantum computers and tomorrow’s universal and fault-tolerant ones. These breakthroughs are truly amazing, but they’re only part of the puzzle.
Alice & Bob and Quantum Machines: Collaborating to Deliver Unmatched Performance and Efficiency
We also need the best tools available to run and control these qubits, and that’s where Quantum Machines come in. Their OPX platform is a game-changer, providing advanced control of complex quantum systems and enabling higher accuracy and reproducibility of quantum operations. Our collaboration with Quantum Machines means we can focus on developing our qubits and hardware architecture without worrying about the control system.
Like a car manufacturer, we rely on specialized suppliers to provide us with components such as cooling systems, key engine parts, transmissions, and electronics – but for quantum computing.
Thanks to our collaboration with Quantum Machines, we can accelerate our development process and bring practical quantum computers closer to reality. The possibilities are endless, but we know that significant advancements in qubit technology, error correction, control systems, and the development of new quantum algorithms and applications are needed to make it happen. There’s a whole ecosystem to develop, which is as important as resolving fundamental scientific problems.
The Road Ahead
When there are many challenges and the stakes are this high, joining forces with like-minded partners is essential. And thankfully, with the solutions we’re building, we’re one step closer to making quantum computing a reality for everyone.
How much closer? Well, lacking a crystal ball, we’ll have to settle for an educated prediction. In the near term, say two to five years; we can expect to see more progress in building quantum computers that can perform practical tasks beyond simple proof-of-concept demonstrations. But in the longer term, perhaps before the end of a decade, quantum computers will be a “standard feature” in every high-performance computing (HPC) center. Beyond that, we expect quantum technology to have a major impact on many areas of science and industry, including materials science, chemistry, cryptography, and machine learning.
There’s still much work, and we remain humble, knowing we’re just a small part of this exciting and rapidly developing field. But we’re also ambitious, dreaming of a future where quantum computing is one of the most powerful systems in humankind’s toolbox.
It’s an honor to be a part of this journey, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us.
