Is quantum the next evolution of AI (artificial intelligence)? Not exactly. Here’s the hard reality. AI will at some point hit its ceiling in terms of what it can do with energy, optimization, etc. This is where quantum will enter the equation. Quantum is a complementary layer to artificial intelligence, not a replacement. It will help with optimization, ultimately exceeding the speed and capability of classical computers.
At its core, quantum computing uses quantum mechanics to solve computer problems. Simply, it enables computers to do their work faster. Quantum qubits will be what is going to be key. Qubits are the fundamental unit of quantum information. Think of the classical bits like a 0 or 1, except there is one big difference. Qubits can also act as a supposition of both states simultaneously. This means qubits can hold significantly more information and power.
Ultimately, this means quantum computers could solve more complex problems faster than ever before. Quantum systems can help us tackle real-world problems in multiple areas such as navigation, supply chain, industrial manufacturing, healthcare, and more. McKinsey & Co., estimates the potential economic value from quantum computing could be between $0.9-$2 trillion across four industries by 2035, including chemicals, life sciences, finance, and mobility.
Simply put, with this innovation, the world of data will change forever.
Topological qubits are theorized to be more stable than any other qubit engineered to date because quantum information is stored in the topological properties of a physical system rather than in the properties of individual particles or atoms. Microsoft is building topological qubits that store quantum information in the two ends of a superconducting nanowire.
Last year, Microsoft made a big announcement in this area when it introduced Majorana 1, which is a quantum chip powered by a new Topological Core architect. In the same way that the invention of semiconductors made today’s smartphones, computers and electronics possible, topoconductors and the new type of chip they enable offer a path to developing quantum systems that can scale to a million qubits, according to Microsoft.
Meanwhile, many companies are also taking a step forward with quantum. For instance, IBM unveiled IBM Quantum Nighthawk, which is a higher-connectivity quantum processor powering complex algorithms.
Also, NVIDIA has developed a high-speed GPU-QPU interconnect in collaboration with Argonne, Brookhaven, Fermi, Lawrence Berkeley, Oak Ridge, Sandia National Laboratories, and other industry leaders. NVQLink allows the integration of quantum processors with AI supercomputing for tackling challenges like quantum error correction.
It isn’t just the large companies working toward quantum. If you caught my Constructech blog earlier this week, then you saw there are new up and comers in this space as well. For example, PsiQuantum is on a mission to build a useful quantum computer.
All of this momentum is particularly important as we move toward bridging classical AI and quantum acceleration. In future weeks, we will look at the implications of quantum in vertical markets and implications for the future. Make sure to join again this month, as we take a deeper dive into quantum.
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