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Paris, 23 June 2020 Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, extends its portfolio of quantum solutions with Atos QLM Enhanced (Atos QLM E), a new GPU-accelerated range of its Atos Quantum Learning Machine (Atos QLM) offer, the world's highest-performing commercially available quantum simulator. Offering up to 12 times more computation speed, Atos QLM E paves the way to optimized digital quantum simulation on the first, intermediate-scale quantum computers to be commercialized in the next few years (called NISQ - Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum).

By promising to apply, in the near-term, computation capabilities that are beyond the reach of even the most powerful existing computers to solve complex, real-life problems, NISQ devices will play an important role in determining the commercial potential of quantum computing. Herein lies a double challenge for the industry: developing NISQ-optimized algorithms is as important as building the machines, since both are required to identify concrete applications.

Integrating NVIDIA’s V100S PCIe GPUs, Atos QLM E has been optimized to drastically reduce the simulation time of hybrid classical-quantum algorithms simulations, leading to quicker progress in application research. It will allow researchers, students and engineers to leverage some of the most promising variational algorithms (like VQE or QAOA) to further explore models fostering new drugs discovery, tackling pollution with innovative materials or better anticipation of climate change and severe weather phenomena, etc.

Bob Sorensen, Chief Analyst for Quantum Computing at Hyperion Research, said: Atos’ continues to play a key role in the advancement of the quantum computing sector by offering yet another world-class digital quantum simulator with increasingly powerful capabilities, this time through the inclusion of leading-edge NVIDIA GPUs. This latest Atos QLM offering uses a quantum hardware agnostic architecture that is well suited to support faster development of new quantum systems and related architectures as well as new and innovative quantum algorithms, architectures, and use cases. Since launching the first commercially available quantum system in 2017, Atos has concentrated its efforts on helping an increasing base of users better explore a wide range of practical business and scientific applications, a critical requirement for the overall advancement and long-term viability of the quantum computing sector writ large. The launch of the Atos QLM E is an exciting step for Atos but also for its clients and potential new end users, both of whom could benefit from access to these leading-edge digital quantum simulation capabilities”.

Agns Boudot, Senior Vice President, Head of HPC & Quantum at Atos, explained: We are proud to help imagine tomorrow’s quantum applications. As we are entering the NISQ era, the search for concrete problems that can be solved by quantum computing technologies becomes critical, as it will determine the role they will play in helping society shape a better future. Combining unprecedented simulation performances and a programming and execution environment for hybrid algorithms, Atos QLM E represents a major step towards achieving near time breakthroughs”

Atos QLM E is available in six configurations, ranging from 2 to 32 NVIDIA V100S PCIe GPUs. Atos QLM customers have the possibility to upgrade to Atos QLM E at any moment.

The Atos QLM user community continues to grow. Launched in 2017, this platform is being used in numerous countries worldwide including Austria, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Senegal, UK and the United States, empowering major research programs in various sectors like industry or energy. Atos’ ambitious program to anticipate the future of quantum computing the Atos Quantum’ program was launched in November 2016. As a result of this initiative, Atos was the first organization to offer a quantum noisy simulation module within its Atos QLM offer.

***

About Atos Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with 110,000 employees in 73 countries and annual revenue of 12 billion. European number one in Cloud, Cybersecurity and High-Performance Computing, the Group provides end-to-end Orchestrated Hybrid Cloud, Big Data, Business Applications and Digital Workplace solutions. The Group is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and operates under the brands Atos, Atos|Syntel, and Unify. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea), listed on the CAC40 Paris stock index.

The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

Press contact

Marion Delmas | marion.delmas@atos.net | +33 6 37 63 91 99 |

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Atos takes the most powerful quantum simulator in the world to the next level with Atos QLM E - Stockhouse

For parents who can afford it, companies are offering cutting-edge technology courses. But are they worth it?

Education is very much on the minds of many parents, particularly if, in times of coronavirus, they have had to deal with home classes.

But what topics should young people study that can help them prepare for the future?

Several parents enrolled their children in The Knowledge Society, TKS (something like the Knowledge Society), a part-time school for teens, which gives them the opportunity to learn things not taught in a traditional school.

In my regular school we dont talk about cryptography or quantum computing, they are not in the curriculum, so for years I had to find time to learn these subjects alone, says Jack McDonald, 15, one of the young people who they are part of the project.

Jack was enrolled by his parents, Tim and Kelly. Before learning about TKS, the teenager was interested in becoming a neurosurgeon.

TKS was recently declared as One of the schools of the future by the World Economic Forum, which mainly offers training programs in Artificial Intelligence, among other technology-related programs.

Classes at this school have around 40 students and have sessions twice a week, each lasting three hours.

And it is not a cheap program: the annual registration has a cost that goes from $ 5,000 dollars at $ 8,000 dollars, depending on the city from where it is taken.

McDonald Family Jacks parents wanted him to learn subjects beyond school classes.

Programs currently offered in various US cities are expected. expand to Latin America in 2021 (Courses are being advanced virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic).

The TKS program focuses on nearly 40 areas, including 3D printing, bionics, wireless electricity, and more. And it can last for three years.

But, Should schools offer areas of specialization so ambitious?

Matthew McKean, director of education for the Conference Board of Canada (the most important independent investigative body in that country), you are not so sure.

We run the risk of teaching young people to use technologies that may be obsolete by the time they enter the workforce, said McKean, who added that human skills, such as communicating or building relationships, are more durable and transferable.

Also, how many people need to learn how to code or program, for example?.

McKean argues that automation and emerging technologies will only increase the need for a deeper understanding of the human.

Our research confirms that the future of learning and work its social and emotional, not technical. Employers increasingly ask for human skills, such as social and emotional intelligence, collaboration, creativity, intercultural competencies, relationship building, resilience and adaptability, which places new demands on our skill training systems, said the expert.

For his part, David Shrier, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), indicates that schools like TKS are important to stimulate young people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

A 13-year-old boy learning genetics is a very good starterHe explained. But it must be done without ignoring the argument that his field of research could be totally different in three or four years.

What are you going to do if you dont have a strong foundation for critical thinking?

JEREMIE DUPONT Currently TKS operates in Canada and the United States.

One of the founders of TKS, Nadeem Nathoo, points out that his particular system also teaches critical thinking.

And he notes that the courses teach young people how to organize and write their thoughts, as well as how to speak in public.

But he defends the direct study of technical areas.

If they were not exposed to this type of content or problems in TKS, it would not be realistic to think that they can solve them , Nathoo pointed out.

I think we need to train on the intention of solving technical problems from an early age, showing them that these problems exist and that they have the power to tackle them, he added.

Now, is this model one that impresses employers in high-tech companies, who have to choose from multiple talented graduates?

Anne Martel, co-founder of Element AI, that adapts Artificial Intelligence to be used in business, believes that a degree in computer literacy and problem solving skills should be the priority for the youngest.

And he thinks that learning about advanced technologies can be a good way to do it.

When we teach our children about Artificial Intelligence, we teach them a technical language and we lead them into the field of probability and statistics. I think that is incredibly relevant to their future, he said.

Element AIAnne Martel seeks curiosity, creativity and value.

Although she welcomes the specialized technology courses offered by TKS, she indicates that the ranges of skills to be learned need to be expanded, to include aspects such as curiosity and creativity, which are things that she takes into account when hiring someone. .

The TKS its certainly expensive And many outstanding students could expect to excel in their fields without spending all that money.

But Nathoo argues that about half of the students earn paid internships that cover the cost of tuition in less than a year.

And is it really healthy for teens to spend seven days a week studying?

I think there is a misconception that this is like a sweatshop for children. Its not like that. They love doing this, Nathoo defended.

There is no pressure on them, But it is a school for people who want to accelerate their trajectory, and we are going to take advantage of its potential.

Jack McDonalds parents say their son spends 15-20 hours a week at his TKS job, adding to his usual school hour load.

It is definitely not a model fit for all children.

But for Jack, its more valuable than all the rest of my education put together

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Should children be taught quantum computing and other sciences that are studied in college? - Explica

Its like an episode from Homeland.

In December 2018 Canadian officials arrested Meng Wanzhou, the CFO of Chinas biggest telecom equipment company Huawei, following an extradition request from the United States. The charge against Meng was violating sanctions against Iran, but she is no ordinary corporate executive.Shes also the daughter of Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei, which meant Beijing was bound to fire back.

So nine days later two Canadians, former diplomat Michael Kovrig and entrepreneur Michael Spavor, were sandbagged by Chinese police.Theyve been held without charges ever since.In January Canadian embassy officials were denied access to both men, on the flimsy excuse of COVID restrictions.

Now after 550 days in prison without access to lawyers or family, Kovrig and Spavor have been charged with espionage.No one is fooled by this charade.Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said Chinese officials made it clear the twin arrests were retaliation for Mengs arrest: and that their fate depends on what happens to Meng (a Canadian court had ruled in May that her extradition process will continue).

Theres much more at stake here than just Cold War-style spy versus spy tit-for-tat, however.The arrests come against the backdrop of Americas push to keep its closest allies, including Canada, from allowing Huawei to build their future 5G wireless networks. If Canada joins the Huawei bandwagon, that would significantly bolster Chinas bid to dominate this technology for the rest of this century.

In short, the Kovrig and Spavor ordeals are part of Beijings effort to bully Canada into line, even though the evidence continues to mount of Huaweis working with Chinese government-backed spying and cyber mischief (Huawei has repeatedly denied such charges).Innovation, Science, and Industry minister Naveep Bains has admitted publicly that the Chinese have been applying pressure to make Canada adopt Huawei's 5G technology. The charges against Kovrig and Spavor are just the latest push.

Beijing knows getting Canada to give way would drive a wedge into the U.S.-Canada strategic alliance. Although Huawei once supplied Canadas 4G LTE wireless networks, giving the tech monolith access to 5G would have far more serious security consequences. It might even threaten Canadas status as a member of the ultra-exclusive Five Eyes intelligence network, which includes Britain, Australia, and New Zealand (both Australia and New Zealand have joined the U.S. in banning Huawei from developing 5G, while Britain has avoided an outright ban by limiting Huaweis future role out of security concerns).

Fortunately, Washington and Ottawa both realize the big stakes involved in the Kovrig-Spavor case.Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Monday, These charges are politically motivated and completely groundless. The United States stands with Canada in calling on Beijing for the immediate release of the two men and rejects the use of these unjustified detentions to coerce Canada."

Prime Minister Trudeau has been unbowed by Beijings bullying, while Canadas telecom carriers are also moving in the right direction. This month Telus announced it will use Western companies Ericsson and Nokia, not Huawei, for its 5G buildout; Bell Canada and Rogers Communications are also working with Ericsson to roll out their 5G networks (Bell Canada also has an arrangement with Nokia).

If Canada continues to stand firm, the U.S.-Canada alliance will score a double win.

First, telling Beijing and Huawei where to get off will encourage Britain to do the same, and bolster Australia and New Zealands commitment to the Huawei ban.

Second, Canada is Americas perfect ally for securing 5G with the virtually unhackable security systems of the future, using quantum technology such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and advanced software solutions that will stand up against attacks by a future quantum computer. For example, the Canadian company ISARA Corporation has been developing and deploying algorithms that will protect against quantum assault.The Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo-Ontario, which was founded by Blackberry co-founder Mike Lazaridis, has been leading the world on cutting-edge developments in quantum technology, that would benefit both U.S. companies and the U.S. government.

Canada is also a leading developer of artificial intelligence technology, which will be crucial for building strong resilient 5G networks.

Full disclosure: Ive been working for the past three years to build a broad-based U.S.-Canada alliance in quantum technology. By defying Huawei and Beijings blackmail, Ottawa will signal that our two nations are destined to be invincible partners on the high-tech frontier, not only for 5G but for our quantum future.

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Canadas 5G Moment Of Truth - Forbes

Traditional network infrastructures and cybersecurity standards will be compromised if quantum computing becomes viable, the reason why quantum R&D is a key factor of EUs digital strategy

Our most sensitive information, say banking or browsing data, is kept secure by rather resilient encryption methods. With current computing capabilities, it is a very difficult task for a computer to run the necessary math in order to extract information from encrypted data. That is not the case, however, with quantum computing.

At their smallest, computers are made up of transistors, which process the smallest form of data: bits or 0s and 1s. Contrary to regular machines, which operate in bits, quantum computers process qubits, which carry not one of those two values, but any of those two. Because they operate in qubits, they are able to process data unseemingly faster.

If a regular computer were to guess the combination of two bits, it would take, at worst, four different tries (22 00, 01, 10, 11) before guessing it. A quantum computer would only require the square root of that, because each qubit carries any of the two values. When processing large numbers this makes a huge difference.

While it is not expected that quantum computers will be commercially viable or even sufficiently developed anytime soon to squander computing as it is today, a number of the encryption algorithms used today are not quantum-resistant.

Having considered the above, it is not uncalled for that organizations are rethinking their cybersecurity standards in order to protect their data in view of new developing technologies, namely quantum computing.

Portugal signed up for EU's Quantum Communication Infrastructure initiative ("EuroQCI"). The initiative trusts on developing a network over the next ten years for sensitive information to be shared. As with anything that may be ill-used, quantum computing poses a serious cyberthreat. EuroQCI will use quantum technologies to ensure the secure transfer and storage of sensitive information. As computer parts are now as small as the size of an atom and current computing is reaching its physical limits, the EuroQCI aims at making quantum computing and cryptography a part of conventional communication networks, which is in line with Portugal's strategy to strengthen the country's digital ecosystem.

Objective number one of Portugal's National Cybersecurity Strategy is to ensure national digital resilience by leveraging inclusion and cooperation in order to bolster the security of cyberspace in view of threats which may jeopardize or cause disruption of networks and information systems essential to society. Currently, the EU's Study on the System Architecture of a Quantum Communication Infrastructure (within the EuroQCI initiative) is open for contributions on the future of quantum network infrastructures. The consultation is open until 10 June 2020.

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Quantum computing is the next big leap - Lexology

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Quantum is no longer an experimental science for the UK.

The UK government has highlighted 38 UK run quantum projects that will receive a share of a 70 million investment that aims to develop technologies ranging from new electric vehicle batteries to advanced imaging systems that detect cancer.

Quantum technologies could potentially bring about technological breakthroughs in the field of cryptography as quantum computers are expected to be exponentially faster than HPC system operating today.

This round of investment will go to 80 companies and 30 university that are working on the 38 quantum projects. Enterprise and universities are collaborating on many of the projects like the University of Manchester which is working with the medical imaging firm Adaptix to develop a sensor that can differentiate between cancers tissues and healthy ones.

UK Research and Innovation Challenge Director Roger McKinlay commented that: About one third of the projects concern quantum computing, demonstrating that the UK is becoming the go-to place for this game changing technology, with a growing community of thriving spin-outs, led by world-class teams. Quantum computers will be exponentially faster than classical computers at certain kinds of complex problems, solving in seconds what would take the best classical computers thousands of years.

Last year the UK government committed 153 million towards the development of quantum technologies, bringing total investment into the nascent technology to 1 billion. This weeks allocation of funding to the 38 projects is part of that larger investment.

Through the National Quantum Technologies Programme the 153 million is expected to be matched with a 200 million investment from the private sector. Overall the UK government hopes to increase research and development investment to 2.4% of GDP.

The UK is also establishing a National Quantum Computing Centre, this centre will be delivered by the UK Research and Innovation body which works in collaboration with industry and universities.

At the time of the investment Science Minister Chris Skidmore commented that: This milestone shows that Quantum is no longer an experimental science for the UK. Investment by government and businesses is paying off, as we become one of the worlds leading nations for quantum science and technologies. Now industry is turning what was once a futuristic pipedream into life-changing products. This is our modern Industrial Strategy in action taking the most innovative ideas from our world-leading researchers and showing how they can be applied, from diagnosing diseases to detecting gas leaks.

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UK Increases Quantum Investment with Funding of 38 New Projects - Computer Business Review