In the rapidly advancing world of technology, quantum computing stands out as a particularly complex and promising frontier. IBM, a leading company in this field, is spearheading the development of sophisticated quantum computers with the largest number of quantum machines globally. Jay Gambetta, an IBM Fellow and Vice President of IBM Quantum, is a key figure in this ambitious project that aims to revolutionize computing.
IBM’s journey into quantum computing started in 2016 when they made a quantum computer available in the cloud, opening doors for researchers worldwide. Since then, IBM has built over 70 quantum computers, with around 20 accessible through cloud services. These superconducting qubit-based machines operate at temperatures colder than outer space and have made a substantial impact on scientific research, resulting in thousands of papers and trillions of quantum circuits run by users.
Gambetta emphasizes the importance of not just building hardware but also creating user-friendly software that combines classical and quantum computing technologies. The future, in his perspective, envisions a collaboration between traditional bits, neurons, and qubits, with various processing units working in harmony as an integrated system.
IBM’s efforts in building quantum data centers and installation of systems worldwide signal the company’s commitment to the advancement of quantum computing. However, the transition to widespread adoption faces technical challenges, such as debugging quantum computers and understanding quantum operations that differ from classical computing.
To bridge this gap, IBM developed Qiskit, an open-source quantum computing framework that has gained traction globally, especially in India, which has become a significant user base. As the demand for skilled professionals in quantum computing grows, Gambetta stresses the importance of a blend of mathematical expertise and coding skills to navigate the changing computing landscape.
Looking to the future, IBM aims to achieve quantum error-correcting machines by 2029, enabling complex quantum calculations involving hundreds of qubits. Nonetheless, the timeline for industry-wide adoption hinges on the discovery of breakthrough algorithms, which could potentially spawn new companies and create opportunities akin to the classical computing era.
In India, IBM’s quantum team collaborates with academic institutions and government entities to advance the national quantum mission, emphasizing the significance of a collaborative ecosystem to drive quantum technology forward. As the quantum computing field continues to progress, IBM’s leading role suggests that the quantum future might be closer than anticipated, promising transformative possibilities that could reshape industries and push the boundaries of human knowledge.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/times-techies/ibm-is-at-the-forefront-of-quantum-computing-tech/amp_articleshow/111619851.cms