IBM & Pasqal partner to advance quantum-centric computing

Tech giant IBM and quantum computer pioneer Pasqal have entered into a partnership to develop the next generation of supercomputers that utilise quantum computing technology.

The collaboration aims to significantly advance research in materials science and chemistry, fields where quantum-centric supercomputing holds considerable promise.

By leveraging their respective strengths, IBM and Pasqal intend to create a unified solution that integrates both quantum and traditional computing methods. This partnership is seen as a critical move towards the commercialisation and practical use of quantum computers.

The companies will work with leading institutions involved in high-performance computing to lay the groundwork for quantum-centric supercomputing. This integration will meld quantum computing capabilities with advanced classical computing, thus creating supercomputers capable of tackling complex scientific challenges.

A significant objective of the collaboration is to establish the software architecture necessary for a quantum-centric supercomputer. This would harmonise computational workflows across various types of quantum computers and classical computing setups. Both IBM and Pasqal advocate for an open-source approach and intend to involve the wider technical community in this initiative.

The partnership also includes plans to co-host a regional technical forum on high-performance computing in Germany, with aspirations to broaden this effort to other regions. This move underscores the companies' commitment to fostering a collaborative environment conducive to innovation and technological advancement.

A key focus of the partnership between IBM and Pasqal is to drive industry uptake of quantum computing in materials science and chemistry. Recognising the immediate potential of quantum-centric supercomputers in these fields, the collaboration aims to push the envelope in scientific research. By building on their existing expertise in quantum computing, IBM and Pasqal aspire to define best practices for integrating quantum and classical computation in these domains.

Jay Gambetta, IBM Fellow and Vice President of IBM Quantum, expressed optimism about the partnership. "Quantum-centric supercomputing is the future of high-performance computing and is the way to achieve near-term quantum advantage in chemistry, materials science and other scientific applications. This collaboration with Pasqal will ensure that this future is open and agnostic to the hardware modality, creating more value for our clients and users," said Gambetta.

Georges-Olivier Reymond, CEO of Pasqal, also highlighted the significance of this collaboration. "Today marks a significant milestone in the quantum computing industry as we embark on this collaboration with IBM. We look forward to combining efforts for a highly ambitious goal: begin to establish business best practices for quantum-centric supercomputing. Harnessing the strengths of both technologies, we stand ready to match the accelerating pace of our customers' needs and meet their growing demands," said Reymond.

This partnership represents a major step forward in making quantum computing more practical and commercially viable.