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President Joe Biden signs the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 into law on Aug. 9, 2022. The Commerce Department is launching the application process for cities to receive a total of $500 million in grants to become tech hubs of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotech and other fields. (AP photo/Carolyn Kaster)

WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. Commerce Department on Friday launched the application process for cities to receive a total of $500 million in grants to become technology hubs.

The $500 million is part of a $10 billion authorization from last years CHIPS and Science Act to stimulate investments in new technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and biotech. Its an attempt to expand tech investment that is largely concentrated around a few U.S. cities Austin, Texas; Boston; New York; San Francisco; and Seattle to the rest of the country.

This is about taking these places on the edge of glory to being world leaders, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told The Associated Press. My job is to enhance Americas competitiveness.

The Biden administration has made it a priority to set an industrial strategy of directing government investment into computer chips, clean energy and a range of other technologies. Officials say that being leaders in those fields will foster economic and national security, reflecting a belief that the best way to compete against Chinas ascendance will come from building internal strength.

The tech hubs are meant to build up areas that already have major research specialties but lack the access to financing that could fuel stronger growth and business formation in those fields. Pockets of the U.S. already have leading-edge tech such as medical devices in Minnesota, robotics in Pittsburgh and agricultural technology in Fresno, California. But the challenge has been finding ways to boost those fields so that government investment leads to more support from private capital.

To qualify for the tech hub money, each applicant will need a partnership that includes one or more companies, a state development agency, worker training programs, a university and state and local government leaders. Roughly 20 cities are expected to be designated as tech hubs with 10 eventually receiving funding.

President Joe Biden hopes to broaden the funding over time, requesting in his budget proposal that Congress appropriate another $4 billion for it over the next two years. Raimondo said that she expects a large number of applications from across the political spectrum.

The tech hubs program, formally the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program, ties into a political message that Biden has delivered in speeches. The Democratic president has said that people should not feel forced to leave their hometowns to find good jobs nor should opportunity cluster in just a few parts of the country while other regions struggle.

You shouldnt have to move to Silicon Valley if youre a scientist with a great idea, Raimondo said.

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Grants worth $500M to fund tech hubs across US - Journal Record

A young Indian scientist and his colleagues have come out with what may be the building block of a practical quantum computer, opening a new door to realise the long-awaited number cruncher that may be more commonly available than the few machines that now exist in secluded laboratories around the world.

What the trio of Michael Kues, Hatam Mahmudlu and Raktim Haldar and their colleagues in Germany and Netherlands have done is to come out with an ultra-small, robust, stable and scalable chip to produce photonic qubits (quantum equivalent of bits) using a novel and tricky architecture for designing.

The photonic chip they created can operate in room temperature and does not need a super-cold environment close to Absolute Zero (minus 273 degrees Celsius) that most of the current crop of quantum computers including the ones made by IBM requires. Googles Sycamore quantum processor also needs a similar cryogenic condition.

Also read |Scientists use brain scans and AI to 'decode' thoughts

We developed the world's first fully-integrated on-chip quantum light source that works at room temperature. The chip can be commercially-viable bringing the required stability and scalability for a quantum computer, Halder, who graduated from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur and currently researching in Germany told DH.

The chip whose size is less than a one euro coin contains a fully operating laser and noise filter. Such tiny and compact qubit sources can be used as a building block of any quantum processors, or can reduce the payload of quantum satellites, he added.

For decades, scientists have been exploring different avenues to come up with quantum computers with little success. Last month India also announced a Rs 6,000 crore national mission to develop quantum computers, communication and sensors.

There are multiple routes to develop quantum computers, but the commonest approach is using a super-conducting platform as qubits can be controlled easily in such a platform.

However, on the downside, creating a super-conducting state requires huge investment to create a cryogenic environment. Tech giants like IBM and Google followed such an approach.

A second route using photons (light particles) is also being probed as photonics doesnt require cryogenic temperatures and hence is an advantage over systems that need stringent cooling.

The photonic qubit architectures are quite different and in principle can lend itself to more scalability, provided technical issues are resolved, explained an Indian quantum scientist not associated with Halders project.

Photonic quantum computers need special photonic chips, which are not new. But the problem with the current generation of such chips is that they needed to be connected to bulky lasers as big as a table and big filters to work.

The entire process is cumbersome, requires a laboratory and an expert hand to operate the laser. In addition such chips are also unstable.

Halder and his team at the Institute of Photonics at Leibniz University have overcome this fundamental challenge. They have been able to cram an entire laser and a filter onto a single chip, which have not been possible before.

Moreover, due to an efficient filter, the chip is capable of delivering qubits without errors by efficiently removing noise, which is essential for building quantum computers. In addition, it is very small, light, easy to carry and above all doesn't require any special skills to operate.

"Our breakthrough allowed us to shrink the laser size by a factor of more than 1000 allowing reproducibility, stability over a longer time, scaling, and potentially mass-production. All these characteristics are required for real-world applications such as quantum processors, said Michael Kues who heads the Institute of Photonics.

The study has recently been published in Nature Photonics.

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Indian scientist among those who made building blocks of quantum computer - Deccan Herald

Cryptocurrencies are here to stay, there is no doubt about it. Over the past few years, cryptocurrency has surged in its adoption and development. The likes of Bitcoin and Ethereum are on the cusp of mainstream recognition, with the global cryptocurrency market cap surpassing the $2 trillion mark in 2021, rivaling even the biggest companies in the world like Apple AAPL.

Although traditional cryptocurrencies offer numerous benefits and use cases, the vast majority of investors have seemingly overlooked a looming danger quantum risk. Indeed, the security of popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum is threatened in the medium-to-long term, with advances in AI poised to collapse those timelines even further.

Enter the Quantum Resistant Ledger, or QRL the world's leading post-quantum store of value at the forefront of tackling this industry-wide risk. In the following article, we will delve deep into the threats of quantum computing and examine how QRL offers a solution.

Before diving into the quantum threat to Bitcoin and Ethereum, it's worth understanding what quantum computers are and how they work.

Quantum computers are superpowered computers. They use principles of quantum mechanics the study of tiny particles to perform complex calculations much faster than classical computers.

The security of traditional cryptocurrencies is based on intricate mathematical processes known as hashing algorithms, as well as digital keys that employ public-key cryptography. Together, these systems discourage tampering by making it extremely expensive and challenging for malicious users to exploit the system.

The emergence of quantum computers threatens to upend this security paradigm. Due to their unmatched processing capabilities, quantum computers are expected to ultimately enable bad actors to bypass the disincentives against tampering with alarming ease.

Ethereum (ETH) is the most well-known altcoin in the cryptocurrency space and the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. Ethereum is a publicly shared global computer network it provides a decentralized and secure network for developers to build applications.

Fortunately, quantum-centric computers with 50 to 1,000 qubits of power, such as IBM's IBM Quantum Osprey, pose a limited threat to Ethereum at the moment. However, if they continue to develop and amass more processing power in the form of qubits, the implications are scary.

According to a recent study by Deloitte, about 65% of all ether coins are vulnerable to a quantum attack, and this number has been continuously increasing. There are two types of attacks that have the potential to exploit this vulnerability:

Bitcoin is the most secure and decentralized cryptocurrency in the market. While Bitcoin may be largely considered as safe for now, many other less decentralized and secure cryptocurrencies cant say the same.

In light of these potential threats to Bitcoin, Ethereum and the broader cryptocurrency market, the Quantum Resistant Ledger (QRL) emerges as an innovative solution.

QRL ensures the long-term security of digital assets by employing a cryptographic technique called eXtended Merkle Signature Scheme (XMSS), recognized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). While its underlying processes can require some study to grasp, whats important to know is that it is designed to allow for secure and efficient transaction authentication when taking into account the capacities of quantum computers.

Moreover, QRL's unique blockchain technology not only protects transactions but also secures communications. Combining advanced techniques such as on-chain lattice key storage and layer-to-internode communication, QRL creates a highly secure messaging system that remains safe from quantum computer threats.

If blockchain technology wants to stay ahead of the quantum risk in the next 10-15 years, current blockchains need to evolve into quantum-resistant ledger systems. Unfortunately, it isnt feasible or possible for many current blockchains to make this shift before the threat arrives.

This is why blockchains like QRL could be the future, taking into account the quantum risk posed by quantum supercomputers. QRL is a promising solution, with a rich API and user interface, and it offers an effective defense against ever-evolving quantum computers.

Featured Photo by Towfiqu Barbhuiya on Unsplash

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Why Traditional Cybersecurity Measures Likely Won't Cut It For ... - Benzinga

WISeKeys Semiconductors Subsidiary SEALSQ Technology and Services Provide Countries the Ability to Develop Their Own Semiconductor Personalization Centers

WISeKeys Semiconductors Subsidiary SEALSQ T echnology and S ervices Provide Countries the Ability to D evelop T heir O wn S emiconductor P ersonalization Centers

GENEVA May 4, 2023: WISeKey International Holding Ltd. (WISeKey) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), aleading global cybersecurity, AI, Blockchain, and semiconductors company, today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiarySEALSQCorp(SEALSQ) is offering countries via a PPP the technology and services the ability to develop their own semiconductors personalization centers. The objective of this initiative is to reduce dependency on semiconductors manufacturing and deployment of microchips.

With the ongoing global shortage of semiconductors, countries around the world are realizing the importance of securing their supply chains for critical technologies. In response to this need, WISeKey via SEALSQ.com is offering a comprehensive solution that will enable countries to establish their own semiconductor personalization centers via a Public Private Partnership. These centers will provide local production and customization of SEALSQ microchips, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and enhancing supply chain security.

"We are excited to offer this solution to countries looking to reduce their dependency on foreign semiconductor manufacturers via SEALSQ.com," said Carlos Moreira, CEO of WISeKey. "By establishing their own semiconductor personalization centers, countries can take control of their supply chains and ensure the security and reliability of their critical technologies."

WISeKey via SEALSQ's solution includes a range of services and technology, including secure elements, root of trust, cryptographic keys, and hardware security modules. The company will provide the necessary hardware, software, and training to establish and operate the personalization centers, as well as ongoing support and maintenance.

The solution is particularly relevant for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and health, where the need for secure and reliable microchips is critical. By establishing local personalization centers, countries can ensure that their industries have access to the necessary microchips, even during times of global shortage. The establishment of personalization centers will also create jobs and boost local economies. This initiative will not only enhance supply chain security, but also contribute to the economic development of participating countries.

WISeKey via SEALSQ is currently in discussions with several countries regarding the establishment of semiconductor personalization centers. The company is committed to providing a comprehensive solution that meets the unique needs of each country. Earlier this year, WISeKey via SEALSQ started offering its Security Services and Semiconductors to IoT device manufacturers adopting Matter Protocol, the leading standard for smart home devices from the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). WISeKeys Root Certificate Authority (CA) has been approved by the CSA for Matter device attestation and becomes a Product Attestation Authority (PAA).

Matter, an industry-led effort of the CSA, brings together the world's leading manufacturers and service providers to achieve secure, reliable and seamless use of smart home devices. Matter enables IP-based networking and communication across smart home devices, mobile applications and smart home ecosystems. Matter devices offer consumers assurances of secure use through a consortium-led standard for authenticating device identity that only allows Matter-certified devices to connect to the network. Device attestation process allows existing Matter devices to locally confirm new ones when recognized by the local network, and quickly remove non-compliant devices when needed.

With the widespread adoption of Matter certification, the demand for semiconductors is expected to increase. This is because smart home devices require a range of semiconductors, including microcontrollers, sensors, and wireless communication chips. The implementation of Matter certification will lead to the development of more smart home devices, which will require the production and deployment of more semiconductors. Furthermore, as the smart home market continues to grow, the demand for semiconductors will increase. The global smart home market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 29.3% from 2020 to 2027, according to a report by Allied Market Research. This growth is driven by factors such as the increasing adoption of smart home devices, the rise in demand for energy-efficient devices, and the growing awareness of home security and safety.

SEALSQ is also making great progress on post quantum technology. The SEALSQ Post-Quantum engineering team has been able to carry both Kyber and Dilithium CRYSTAL quantum-resistant NIST selected algorithms and the appropriate APIs on the MS6003, a WISeKey Common Criteria EAL5+ Certified secure hardware platform powered by an ARMSC300 core and featuring an USB interface, thus creating the first Quantum-Resistant USB Token demonstrator. This demonstrator marks a substantial milestone for the QUASARS project and takes the team one step closer to achieving their goal of building a Post-Quantum Hardware Security Module and Root-of-Trust.

WISeKey, through SEALSQ, has taken affirmative steps to implement its QUASARS project. The QUASARS project, is a radically innovative solution, based upon the new WISeKey Secure RISC V platform that is paving the way for the Post Quantum Cryptography era, offering hybrid solutions compliant with ANSSIs (Agence nationale de la scurit des systmes dinformation, the National Cybersecurity Agency of France) recommendations. Of note, SEALSQ has received strong support from the French SCS (Secured Communicating Solutions) Cluster for its QUASARS project.

Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) refers to cryptographic methods that are secure against an attack by a quantum computer. As quantum computers become more powerful, they may be able to break many of the cryptographic methods that are currently used to protect sensitive information, such as RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). PQC aims to develop new cryptographic methods that are secure against quantum attacks.

One example of a Post-Quantum technology is the lattice-based cryptography, a type of public-key cryptography based on the hardness of a mathematical problem called the Shortest Vector Problem (SVP) which is thought to be too difficult for a quantum computer to solve. Lattice-based cryptography can be used for tasks such as digital signatures, key exchange, and encryption.

Another example is code-based cryptography, which is based on the difficulty of decoding certain algebraic structures called error-correcting codes. These codes can be used to create digital signatures, key exchange, and encryption schemes that are secure against quantum attacks. It is worth noting that PQC is still in its early stages of development and there is ongoing research to identify and improve the most promising post-quantum techniques.

WISeKey is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) project, a new secure platform, that will help define best practices for performing trusted network-layer onboarding, and aid in the implementation and use of trusted onboarding solutions for IoT devices at scale.

Additional information on this consortium can be found at: http://www.nccoe.nist.gov/projects/trusted-iot-device-network-layer-onboarding-and-lifecycle-management .

About SEALSQ

SEALSQ is a wholly owned subsidiary of the WISeKey Group that focuses on developing and selling Semiconductors, PKI and Post-Quantum technology hardware and software products. Our Post-Quantum solutions include Post-Quantum microchips and devices that can be used in a variety of applications, from Multi-Factor Authentication devices, Home Automation, and IT Network Infrastructure, to Automotive, Industrial Automation and Control Systems.

Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) refers to cryptographic methods that are secure against an attack by a quantum computer. As quantum computers become more powerful, they may be able to break many of the cryptographic methods that are currently used to protect sensitive information, such as RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). PQC aims to develop new cryptographic methods that are secure against quantum attacks. For more information, visit http://www.sealsq.com .

About WISeKey

WISeKey (NASDAQ: WKEY; SIX Swiss Exchange: WIHN) is a leading global cybersecurity company currently deploying large scale digital identity ecosystems for people and objects using Blockchain, AI and IoT respecting the Human as the Fulcrum of the Internet. WISeKey microprocessors secure the pervasive computing shaping todays Internet of Everything. WISeKey IoT has an install base of over 1.5 billion microchips in virtually all IoT sectors (connected cars, smart cities, drones, agricultural sensors, anti-counterfeiting, smart lighting, servers, computers, mobile phones, crypto tokens etc.). WISeKey is uniquely positioned to be at the edge of IoT as our semiconductors produce a huge amount of Big Data that, when analyzed with Artificial Intelligence (AI), can help industrial applications to predict the failure of their equipment before it happens.

Our technology is Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKeys Swiss based cryptographic Root of Trust (RoT) provides secure authentication and identification, in both physical and virtual environments, for the Internet of Things, Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence. The WISeKey RoT serves as a common trust anchor to ensure the integrity of online transactions among objects and between objects and people. For more information, visit http://www.wisekey.com .

Press and investor contacts:

Disclaimer: This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or a listing prospectus within the meaning of the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

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WISeKey's Semiconductors Subsidiary SEALSQ Technology and ... - InvestorsObserver

Oak Ridge National Laboratory Manufacturing Demonstration Facility. (Source: ORNL.)

Producing products quickly, efficiently and at low cost is a focal point for the manufacturing sector. There are a number of technologies that companies are using to achieve those goals including high performance computing (HPC) and supercomputing. The allure of cheap design and production optimization is strong, but a central barrier is the upfront costs of an enterprise owning an HPC or supercomputing machine.

Thats why in 2021, The U.S. Department of Energy began providing companies with HPC access via the High Performance Computing for Energy Innovation program. In addition to providing funding opportunities, the program allows companies to partner with national laboratories that have advanced computing resources up to 100 times more powerful than typical enterprise systems available for private sector use.

HPC and supercomputing technologies could usher in a manufacturing revolution marked by faster product development, improved product quality, reduced costs and increased efficiency.

Ideas sometimes work better in theory than in practice. Being able to visualize how a part or product will behave in the real world prior to the production process can save design teams a lot of headaches.

HPC and supercomputing technologies enable manufacturers to simulate and model products and production processes at a scale that was previously impossible. This allows manufacturers to design better products and optimize manufacturing processes. For example, in the automotive industry, manufacturers use HPC to simulate vehicle crashes and predict the behavior of materials under extreme conditions, which helps in designing safer and more durable vehicles.

A recent example is Tesla building its custom Dojo supercomputer to expand neural net training capacity using video data to advance computer vision technology to make self-driving vehicles safer.

In the aerospace industry, manufacturers use HPC to simulate how certain aircraft components will perform under varying conditions. Such simulations help manufacturers design more fuel efficient and reliable aircraft. For the semiconductor industry, HPC can help optimize performance through design simulation. Even complex systems such as cross-regional transportation networks can benefit from HPC simulation.

Design simulation is a primary area where HPC and supercomputers can help the manufacturing process. However, advanced simulation technologies have other uses during production and post-production.

Once products and systems are up and running, they need to be maintained. Simulation technologies can help pinpoint what maintenance needs to be performed in order to prevent equipment failures, which can be costly.

HPC and supercomputing simulations can help optimize the production process by helping manufacturers identify bottlenecks and efficiencies. For example, in the chemical industry, manufacturers use simulation and modeling technology to optimize the production process for chemicals such as polymers and plastics. This enables them to reduce the amount of raw materials and energy required to produce a given amount of product, resulting in significant cost savings. Similarly, advanced simulation technologies can help manufacturers like automakers simulate the performance of systems such as brakes under stressful, real-world-like conditions to correct any defects or deficiencies that the models identify.

In high-risk factory conditions, advanced simulations can also help train employees on equipment and tasks prior to their doing so in a real production environment. This can help reduce the risk of accidents while also enhancing worker productivity.

Getting products to market as fast as possible is a top concern for manufacturers. HPC and supercomputers can help companies stay ahead of the competition. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, they can accelerate drug discovery by simulating the behavior of molecules and predicting their effectiveness at targeting diseases. This helps quicken the pace that drugs can move to clinical trials and ultimately enter the market.

Several studies and case studies demonstrate the benefits of using HPC and supercomputers to accelerate product development in manufacturing. A study conducted by the Council on Competitiveness found that the use of HPC and supercomputers in product design and development can reduce product development time and reduce the number of physical prototypes needed.

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) High Performance Computing for Manufacturing program has funded several projects that demonstrate the benefits of using HPC and supercomputers in manufacturing. The Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe (PRACE) has also funded several projects in the same vein.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise has made its HPE Cray portfolio available to the enterprise. The new HPE Cray EX and HPE Cray XD supercomputers speed up time-to-insight with massive performance and AI-at-scale benefits, delivered in a smaller data center footprint and at a lower price point. This allows manufacturers and other industries to harness insights, solve problems and innovate faster by delivering energy-efficient supercomputers in a smaller form factor and at a lower cost.

The simulation and modeling power of HPC and supercomputers helps reduce manufacturing costs by enabling the avoidance of errors during prototyping, reducing the time and resources needed for design and development and optimizing the supply chain.

The Council on Competitiveness found that using HPC and supercomputers can reduce design and development costs. By optimizing designs through simulation and modeling, manufacturers can avoid costly mistakes that may arise during physical prototyping and testing.

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is helping manufacturers by developing innovative approaches to using its Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) supercomputer and the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) to allow researchers to examine microstructures to better design new materials and fabrication methods, and leverage multidisciplinary expertise for the development of new bio-based materials. These efforts are geared toward driving economic competitiveness, energy efficiency and productivity.

HPC and supercomputing systems are also being combined with robotics and automation to enhance manufacturing.

The technologies can analyze real-time data from sensors in factory environments so that robots can use the insights to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining accuracy and efficiency. The data analysis can also be used to optimize robotic systems for greater performance and efficiency. HPC and supercomputers can be used for virtual commissioning, allowing manufacturers to test and optimize robotic systems in a virtual environment before they are deployed in the real world. Supercomputers are also used to train and deploy machine learning models that can direct robots and autonomous systems to make more precise movements and decisions without human intervention.

A number of companies are using this approach, including GE, who has developed a software platform called Predix that combines HPC and supercomputers with the Internet of Things (IoT) to optimize the performance of its manufacturing equipment. This has helped to reduce downtime and improve overall efficiency. Siemens is using HPC and supercomputers to develop virtual commissioning tools such as the Tecnomatix Process Simulate Commissioning and Tecnomatix Plant Simulation Commissioning, which enable manufacturers to test and optimize robotic systems in a virtual environment.

The manufacturing sector is poised for a revolution driven by HPC, supercomputers and AI. Part of that will likely involve the advancement of quantum computing, which has applications for the manufacturing sector as well. Because quantum computers make simultaneous calculations versus the sequential calculations of classical machines, they could enable factory robots to move with greater efficiency and precision, driving better throughput for more complicated tasks. Quantum computers could also advance the creation of new materials for use as semiconductors, industrial production catalysts, electronic components, sustainable fuels, pharmaceuticals and consumer products. As these technologies continue to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more advanced and innovative applications in the manufacturing sector.

This story is one in a series underwritten by AMD and produced independently by the editors of engineering.com.Subscribe hereto receive informative infographics, handy fact sheets, technology recommendations and more in AMDs data center insights newsletter.

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Revolutionizing Manufacturing with High-Performance Computing and Supercomputers - ENGINEERING.com