IBM researchers claim that quantum computing is beginning to fulfill its potential as a crucial tool in scientific research, addressing concerns that the technology might not meet the high expectations set for it. The company is set to reveal 10 projects demonstrating the capabilities of quantum calculation when combined with established methods like traditional supercomputing, according to Dario Gil, IBM’s head of research.
Gil stated in an interview that they now have sufficiently large and capable systems for practical technical and scientific work, marking a significant step forward. These projects, a collaborative effort between IBM and partners such as Los Alamos National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Tokyo, primarily concentrate on areas like simulating quantum physics and solving problems in chemistry and materials science.
While substantial funding has flowed into quantum systems with hopes of imminent commercial use, the delay in business applications has raised concerns about a potential “quantum winter,” causing a decline in investor confidence and financial support.
IBM’s recent announcements imply that quantum computing’s primary applications have not yet fully encompassed the wide array of commercially viable computing tasks envisioned by many in the field. Jay Gambetta, IBM’s vice president of quantum, emphasized that transitioning from scientific value to business value will take time, although the gap between research and commercialization is narrowing.
Despite the uncertainty about when quantum computing will become mainstream in the commercial arena, IBM’s researchers remain confident about its long-term potential. They have outlined a 10-year roadmap aiming for significantly more capable “error-corrected” systems.
Quantum computing leverages the unique properties of sub-atomic particles, allowing them to exist in multiple states simultaneously. This capability enables quantum machines to perform numerous calculations simultaneously, potentially solving problems beyond the scope of traditional computers. However, the qubits forming these systems are unstable and maintain their quantum states for very brief periods, leading to errors or “noise” in calculations.
IBM indicated that the new scientific applications for its systems mark the end of the initial experimental phase, which focused on linking sufficient qubits, controlling them for practical measurements, and developing the first algorithms over the past seven years.
Theoretically, quantum computers excel in modeling the sub-atomic behavior of substances, suggesting potential applications in discovering novel materials, addressing energy challenges, and developing new pharmaceuticals. Additionally, IBM researchers are exploring using quantum systems to identify correlations in extensive data sets and solve optimization problems to enhance business processes.
Despite the limited progress in commercial uses, Gil noted that companies incorporating IBM’s quantum systems into their research and development activities continue to invest consistently in the technology, reflecting a robust industrial interest.
