Quantum Computing is Going Mainstream in 2022

The State of Quantum Computing

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Trials, tribulations and progress of quantum computing startups

Hey Guys,

2022 has been a really exciting year for Quantum Computing.

In the race for what may become a key future technology, tech giants like IBM and Google are investing enormous resources into the development of quantum computing hardware. However, current platforms are not yet ready for practical applications.

This ambiguity vs. the promising R&D we are seeing creates an incredible nascent tech atmosphere of anticipation and friction with the current reality.

To understand this seemingly paradoxical point, one should think of a transmon qubit as a kind of pendulum. Qubits interlinked to form a computing structure define a system of coupled pendulums—a system that, like classical pendulums, can easily be excited to uncontrollably large oscillations with disastrous consequences. We are at the brink of a new paradigm, but perilously close to a world full of skeptics.

On the Brink of the Past and the Future

It’s not as if Quantum computing’s roots are exactly new though. Academics have been talking about quantum computing for over forty years. Richard Feynman first speculated about the idea in 1981 and it was formalised by David Deutsch in 1985. Many would date progress on hardware to Alain Aspect’s famous experiments in 1982.

On the public markets perhaps IonQ’s stock best depicts the fragile state of Quantum computing. Just today the stock is?down nearly 13%.? ?Scorpion Capital is an activist investor specializing in taking short positions in publicly traded stocks (and therefore stand to gain if the stock price moves down).?They recently took such a position in IonQ, a leading trapped ion quantum computing hardware company. Their?183-page investigative report ?on the startup earlier is not exactly unexpected, before QC makes it will be under scrutiny.

Read Harsh Report

Scorpion has previously put out reports on Ginkgo Bioworks (biotech), Berkeley Lights (biotech)and Quantumscape (batteries), among others. Many short reports have more than a grain of truth in their arguments.

But the reality is also that an industry which has previously been sitting in research labs and bolstered by grants and VC money is now subject to the same exposures as other public companies is actually tremendous progress.

Rigetti back in March reported 48% revenue growth during 2021, but a larger loss than the year before. It will obviously take quite some time for more consolidation to occur in the?commercialization of quantum computing’s full potential.

Quantinuum Announces Quantum Volume 4096 Achievement

So who are Quantinuum again?

Quantinuum is?the combination of Cambridge Quantum with Honeywell Quantum Solutions, structured to drive the future of quantum computing. By uniting best-in-class software and enabling tools with the best-performing quantum computers, we are delivering on the potential of quantum technology today.

Under the deal,?announced in June ?(of 2021), Honeywell, a pioneer of computing in the 1950s and 1960s but now better known for central heating thermostats, invested US$270-$300 million in the venture.

So what?

Quantinuum has reached another milestone in its quest to build the highest performing quantum computer in the world.

This week, the System Model H1-2 doubled its performance to become the first commercial quantum computer to pass Quantum Volume 4096, a benchmark introduced by IBM in 2019 to measure the overall capability and performance of quantum computers.??

It marks the sixth time in two years that Quantinuum’s?H-Series hardware , Powered by Honeywell, has set an industry record for measured quantum volume.??

Quantum Computing Entered the Mainstream in 2022

The achievement also fulfills a March 2020 promise made by Honeywell Quantum Solutions, which combined with Cambridge Quantum in late 2021 to form Quantinuum, to increase the performance of its trapped ion technologies by an order of magnitude each year for the next five years.???

“This is the second consecutive year we’ve delivered on that promise and our commitment to developing the highest performing quantum hardware available,” said Tony Uttley, president and chief operating officer at Quantinuum.??

You can read the entire?report here . In short, it’s good news.

Quantum computing’s momentum in 2022 is visibly higher with more startups making contributions. Some of these companies will be dead-ends, many will get acquired, some might even be hoaxes - and it really doesn’t matter, this is how innovation works.

Calling IonQ’s claim that it has the world’s most powerful quantum computer “a hoax” and a “quantum Ponzi scheme,” Scorpion said in the report on May 3 that such a machine doesn’t exist and the startup is just one of countless academic projects rather than a company. Venture Capital funds aren’t now going into Quantum computing for nothing, there’s a tremendous amount of utility behind these lab driven experiments.

There are so many approaches to the qubit now and its potential scalability. Perhaps counterintuitively, the superconducting transmon qubit processor—a technologically advanced platform for quantum computing favored by IBM, Google, and other consortia—relies on the same principle: intentionally introduced disorder blocks the formation of resonant chaotic fluctuations, thus becoming an essential part of the production of multi-qubit processors.

Western Quantum Computing Startups Rundown

Quantum Insider recently?outlined 40+ quantum companies , research facilities, and groups that provides a “who’s who” of the quantum world. Let’s now take a look at their UK and USA entities (since we covered the others in our last article.

United Kingdom quantum organizations:

It’s no surprise that the UK is one of the top hotspots for quantum technology. The area has some of the biggest universities that have been looking at this technology for decades. These universities have sprung big names in quantum (Quantinuum, Oxford Quantum Circuits, Oxford Instruments, and more), showing the UK is one of the leaders within this industry.?

The National Quantum Computing Center ?(national centre)?

Many quantum hotspots have research centers that connect both industry and research together in order to form a quantum hub of collaboration. For the UK it’s the NQCC, a research center funded by the UK Research and Innovation, designed to address challenges of quantum computing scalability in order to help develop quantum computers. The Center Director is?Michael Cuthbert, ?and the center itself is located in Oxfordshire.?

Oxford Quantum Circuits ?(hardware)

Based in Reading, Oxford Quantum Circuits prides itself in being one of the leaders in building quantum computers. They work on everything from superconducting qubits to quantum computing circuits. Their website states that they offer the only quantum computer commercially available within the UK.?Ilana Wisby ?is the founding CEO and Director of Oxford Quantum Circuits.?

Universal Quantum ?(hardware)

Universal Quantum is a quantum company looking at developing a million-qubit quantum computer in the next few years. While this is a lofty goal, they are using their state-of-the-art trapped-ion qubits and electronic quantum gates to try and get the job done. Dr.?Sebastian Weidt ?is a co-Founder of Universal Quantum.?

Cambridge Quantum ?(now merged with Honeywell Quantum Solutions to form Quantinuum) (software)

Cambridge Quantum made headlines recently as they announced a large partnership with Honeywell Quantum Solutions to create Quantinuum. Cambridge Quantum itself develops AI-based quantum computing software and tooling. The company is also looking into quantum machine-learning for time-series modeling, setting itself apart as a leader in this industry.?Ilyas Khan ?is the Founder and CEO of this company.?

Oxford Instruments ?(hardware)

Oxford Instruments prides itself in being one of the top developers of tools to help cool down quantum computing systems. From quantum imaging to quantum sensing, this company works to give quantum computers the atmosphere they need in order to function. Leading this big-name company is?Ian Barkshire, ?CEO.?

Riverlane ?(software)

Located in Cambridge, Riverlane stands out as one of the top quantum computing software companies in the UK. It offers an accessible operating system for quantum computers, called Deltaflow.OS?, which is designed to address quantum error correction, one of the biggest problems in quantum computing to date. Heading up this company is CEO and Founder?Steve Brierley. ?

QURECA ?(consulting)?

Setting itself apart from the rest of quantum computing companies, QURECA works to develop the talent needed for the quantum industry. With quantum computing classes, career coaching, and access to thousands of opportunities, QURECA helps to connect companies with the perfect candidates within the quantum industry. The CEO of this company is Dr.?Aracelia Venegas-Gomez

Quantum Computing Startups - United States

USA quantum organizations:

With probably the highest number of quantum companies, the USA is one of the world leaders at developing quantum technology. Because there are so many quantum companies within the country, we are going to split the USA into two sections, east coast and west coast, showing which areas are particular hotspots for quantum technology.?

The East Coast and Chicago?

The east coast has been a buzzing hive of activity when it comes to quantum technology. With colleges like Harvard and Yale University spawning off companies, many big names are located on the east coast of the U.S. Chicago, as we’ll see, has recently become a major hub for quantum activity, thanks mainly to the Chicago Quantum Exchange.?

Aliro Quantum ?(software)?

Coming out of Harvard University and based in Cambridge, MA, Aliro Quantum is one-of-a-kind. The company prides itself in offering a commercial entanglement service for quantum security. From better GPS navigation and accuracy to quantum-secure communications, Aliro Quantum offers multiple solutions to practical problems. At the helm of this innovator is?Jim Ricotta , CEO, and Chairman.?

Raytheon Intelligence & Space ?(hardware)?

Quantum technology is just one branch of the many technologies developed at Raytheon’s Cambridge, MA location. From developing superconducting qubits to integrated photonics, Raytheon is taking a multidisciplinary approach to solving the problems with quantum computing. The President of the company is?Roy Azevedo .?

IonQ ?(hardware and software)?

IonQ is a leader in developing the next quantum computer as it is combining both software and hardware. Their quantum computer uses neutral atoms for qubits as well as linear ion traps on chips to help work on reducing errors to the computation. Based out of Maryland, IonQ is led by the President and CEO?Peter Chapman. ?

Quantum Circuits ?(hardware)?

Located in Connecticut, Quantum Circuits came out of Yale University, led by some of the brightest minds in quantum research. Since then, the company has been working on developing superconducting qubits, trying to make them scalable to address any problem.?Martin Mengwall ?is the President and CEO.?

IBM ?(hardware)?

IBM is a company with a lot of fingers in a lot of different pies. One of them is quantum technology, as IBM recently unveiled their Q System One, the world’s first: “integrated universal approximate quantum computing system designed for scientific and commercial use” in 2019. Since then the company has been making strides to develop better and more accurate quantum technology.?Arvind Krishna ?sits as the CEO and Chairman of this innovator.?

Chicago Quantum Exchange ?(group)

The Chicago Quantum Exchange was founded to connect individuals, companies, and researchers together to work on quantum technology. Based in the Midwest, the Chicago Quantum Exchange sits as a mecca of quantum technology in the middle of the country. With partners like Fermilab, the Argonne National Lab, EeroQ, Quantinuum, Atom Computing, and ASM, the Chicago Quantum Exchange is working to push the barriers of what quantum technology can do. Leading the Exchange is Director David Awschalom.?

EeroQ ?(hardware)?

Based in Chicago, EeroQ is a leader in quantum computing within the Midwest. The company is working on building a large scale quantum computer by using trapped electrons on the surface of superfluid helium, allowing for faster gates and longer coherence times. The CEO of this company is?Nick Farina .?

Colorado, California, and the West Coast:?

Colorado has recently made a name for itself as a leader in quantum computing. With quantum research centers like NIST and JILA located in Boulder, along with companies such as Atom Computing, ColdQuanta, Maybell Quantum, and others having locations nearby, it’s no surprise that Colorado is coming out on top in developing the technology of tomorrow.?

NIST and JILA?

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST ) has been a world leader in physics and quantum research for 60+ years. Located in the heart of Boulder, this research institute works to develop tools for the future, improving precision measurement and developing the technologies behind many daily devices, including gas pipelines and laser surgeries. NIST has helped to develop many companies and helps to foster a community of quantum interested individuals.?

JILA , a partnership between NIST and the University of Colorado Boulder, has several physicists focused on quantum communications and is known for its quantum science. It has housed 3 Nobel laureates and is a world leader in exploring the frontiers of physics. Like NIST, JILA has also helped develop various company spin-offs.?

Maybell Quantum ?(hardware)?

Based in Denver, Maybell Quantum is working toward developing tools for a quantum computer that has fewer resources. Their latest product, “the Icebox,” is a cryogenic platform that can be used to cool quantum processors. While typical cryogenic refrigerators take up a lot of space, Maybell Quantum’s promises to hold more processors in 1/10th the space. This company is led by Founder and CEO?Corban Tillemann-Dick .?

ColdQuanta ?(software and hardware)?

Using cold atoms as a unique method, ColdQuanta has created multiple quantum information platforms that can be applied to many different fields. ColdQuanta is based in Boulder and has ties to JILA, as its CTO is?Dana Anderson , a JILA Fellow who has spent decades studying quantum mechanics. ColdQuanta also offers state-of-the-art quantum devices, ranging from magneto-optical traps to atomic clocks. Leading the company is CEO?Scott Faris. ?

Honeywell Quantum Solutions ?(a part of Quantinuum with Cambridge Quantum) (hardware)?

In developing trapped ion qubits, Honeywell Quantum Solutions has worked to apply its next-level technology to many different industries including oil and gas, telecommunication, manufacturing, finance, and aerospace and defense. In a recent merger with Cambridge Quantum to make Quantinuum, Honeywell Quantum Solutions has now expanded its reach across the globe. The Chairman and CEO of this company is Darius Adamczyk.??

California:?

Like Colorado, California has become a big state for quantum computing, in part due to universities like UC Berkeley and Stanford. With big companies like Google, NASA, Microsoft, and Amazon all having locations in this state, it’s no surprise that California has become a leader in quantum technology.?

Microsoft’s Azure Quantum ?(QCaaS)?

With a rich history of developing the next level of technology, it’s no surprise that Microsoft is working to develop a quantum computer. The quantum branch of the company, called Azure Quantum (in Santa Barbara), is working on the topological qubit, supposed to be faster, smaller, and more reliable than other qubits. Only recently has the company announced a?key scientific breakthrough ?in making this qubit possible. This part of the company, as well as the rest, is led by CEO?Satya Nadella .?

Amazon Web Services ?(QCaaS, hardware, consulting)?

It’s no surprise that after space travel, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is looking to make a mark in quantum technology. The Amazon Quantum Solutions Lab, based in Pasadena, works as a consulting group, connecting individuals with experts to learn more about quantum computing. The Solutions Lab offers various research programs for interested individuals and companies to join, creating a community around Amazon’s offerings. The business also offers cloud access to quantum computers and is researching building quantum computers.?

Atom Computing ?(hardware)

Using neutral atom technology to build reliable qubits, Atom Computing stands out as a market innovator, with locations in Berkeley, California, and Colorado. The company prides itself in creating a stable platform with more error correction. Its Phoenix system has 100 qubits, which users can utilize in its quantum software platform to optimize efficiency. Leading this innovator is?Rob Hays ?CEO and President.?

PsiQuantum ?(hardware)?

Considered a world leader in photonic quantum computing, PsiQuantum uses its expertise to develop some of the next-level hardware needed for error correction in quantum computing. Based in Palo Alto, PsiQuantum is at the center of the Californian quantum community. It is led by?Jeremy O’Brien , CEO.?

Rigetti Computing ?(hardware)?

Located in Berkeley, Rigetti is working on developing quantum processor chips for better and more accurate quantum computing. The company also works on superconducting qubits, as well as has an open-sourced quantum computing platform that a user can take advantage of. Rigetting Computing has already released a line of quantum computer models that also use the cloud. Its website reveals the high accuracy of these models. Rigetti Computing is led by?Alissa Fitzgerald , CEO.?

Google?Quantum AI ?(hardware)

It wouldn’t be fair to not include Google in the discussion of quantum computing. The business goliath’s famous quantum supremacy announcement helped to make the industry more popular, and now the company is developing quantum hardware. It has paired with both NASA and Rigetti Computing to help in NASA’s QuAIL (Quantum Artificial Intelligence Laboratory) projects, working to optimize and solve problems that happen in “NASA’s aeronautics, Earth and space sciences, and space exploration missions.” Google is of course led by Sundar Pichai, CEO.?

I hope this gives you a sense of how things are playing out in Quantum computing in 2022.

I've started a Newsletter for quantum computing news, if this field interests you, you can subscribe?here . I cannot continue to write without tips, sponsorship and community support. (follow the link below).

https://ipotimes.substack.com/subscribe