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Exploring the Synergy between Neuromorphic Computing and Quantum Computing for Advanced AI Applications

The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have created a significant demand for powerful computing systems that can handle the massive amounts of data and complex algorithms involved in these fields. Traditional computing architectures, such as those based on the von Neumann model, are reaching their limits in terms of energy efficiency and processing capabilities. This has led researchers to explore alternative computing paradigms, such as neuromorphic computing and quantum computing, which hold the potential to revolutionize the way we process and analyze information.

Neuromorphic computing is a novel approach that aims to mimic the structure and function of the human brain in order to create more efficient and adaptive computing systems. It is based on the idea of using artificial neural networks, which are composed of interconnected artificial neurons, to process and store information. These networks can be implemented in hardware, using specialized electronic components, or in software, running on conventional computing platforms. Neuromorphic systems are designed to be highly parallel, fault-tolerant, and energy-efficient, making them well-suited for AI and ML applications.

Quantum computing, on the other hand, is a fundamentally different approach that relies on the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computations. Unlike classical computers, which use bits to represent information as either 0 or 1, quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously due to a phenomenon known as superposition. This allows quantum computers to perform certain types of calculations much faster than classical computers, potentially enabling them to solve problems that are currently intractable.

The synergy between neuromorphic computing and quantum computing is an exciting area of research that could lead to the development of advanced AI applications that were previously thought to be impossible. By combining the strengths of both paradigms, researchers hope to create hybrid systems that can tackle complex problems in areas such as natural language processing, pattern recognition, and decision-making.

One of the key challenges in developing such hybrid systems is finding ways to integrate neuromorphic and quantum components in a seamless and efficient manner. Researchers are exploring various techniques to achieve this, such as using quantum-inspired algorithms to train neuromorphic networks, or employing neuromorphic hardware to control and read out the states of qubits in a quantum processor.

Another important aspect of this research is the development of new materials and fabrication techniques that can support the implementation of neuromorphic and quantum devices. For example, researchers are investigating the use of superconducting materials, which can carry electrical currents without resistance, to create energy-efficient neuromorphic circuits and qubits. They are also exploring the potential of nanoscale structures, such as quantum dots and nanowires, to enable the miniaturization and integration of these devices.

As the field of neuromorphic-quantum computing continues to evolve, it is expected to have a profound impact on the future of AI and ML. By harnessing the power of both neuromorphic and quantum computing, researchers aim to develop systems that can learn and adapt in real-time, allowing them to handle complex tasks with greater speed and accuracy than ever before. This could lead to breakthroughs in areas such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and personalized medicine, among others.

In conclusion, the synergy between neuromorphic computing and quantum computing holds great promise for the future of AI and ML applications. By exploring the potential of these two emerging paradigms, researchers are paving the way for the development of advanced computing systems that can tackle some of the most challenging problems in science and technology. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with AI and ML, the integration of neuromorphic and quantum computing will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of these fields.

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The Role of Neuromorphic Computing in the Future of Quantum ... - CityLife

BOSTON, June 6, 2023 Zapata Computing today announced that it has published research with Insilico Medicine, Foxconn, and the University of Toronto which explores the use of hybrid quantum-classical generative adversarial networks (GAN) for small molecule discovery. Not only could the quantum-enhanced GANs generate small molecules, but these molecules had more desirable properties than those generated by purely classical GANs.

As detailed in the research paper, the teams leveraged artificial intelligence and quantum computing techniques to replace each element of GAN with a variational quantum circuit (VQC). The molecules generated by the quantum-enhanced GANs were then compared with those generated by a purely classical GAN according to three qualitative metrics (validity, uniqueness, and novelty) and three quantitative properties (drug-likeness (QED), solubility, and synthesizability (SA)). Researchers found that the small molecules created through the use of a VQC frequently had better physicochemical properties and performance in the goal-directed benchmark than the classical counterpart.

At Insilico Medicine, were always seeking new ways to transform drug design and development through artificial intelligence to help bring life-saving medications to patients, said Alex Zhavoronkov, PhD, founder and CEO of Insilico Medicine. The drug discovery pipeline is traditionally a long and costly process, but recent advances in machine learning and deep learning technologies have proven to help reduce time and costs for pharmaceutical research and development. By working with Zapata and Foxconn, we were able to uncover molecule designs with viable structures that were comparable to those from classical methods.

We are pleased to achieve this milestone in the collaboration with Insilico Medicine. Quantum computing can be used to solve complex computational problems. The application of quantum computing in drug discovery will potentially help reduce the time and lower the cost of research and development, said Min-Hsiu Hsieh, PhD, Director of the Quantum Computing Research Center of Hon Hai Technology Group, Foxconn.

This work with Insilico Medicine and Foxconn is a great example of how quantum-enhanced generative AI can be used to solve real-word problems more effectively, said Yudong Cao, CTO and co-founder at Zapata Computing. Weve seen encouraging evidence that demonstrates the potential of quantum and quantum-inspired generative models, and were excited to see how these quantum-inspired techniques could help further advance the pharmaceutical industry, as well as other industries looking to overcome complex design challenges.

Zapata has a track record of breakthrough research in quantum generative AI. In 2021, Zapata researchers were the first to generate high-resolution images using quantum generative models. In more recent work with BMW, Zapata researchers demonstrated how quantum-inspired generative models could improve upon best-in-class traditional optimization solutions for a vehicle manufacturing scheduling problem.

For more information about Zapatas research with Insilico Medicine, Foxconn, and the University of Toronto, please click here.

About Zapata Computing

Zapata Computing, Inc. builds solutions to enterprises most computationally complex problems. It has pioneered proprietary methods in generative AI, machine learning, and quantum techniques that run on classical hardware (CPUs, GPUs). Zapatas Orquestra platform supports the development and deployment of better, faster, more cost-effective modelsfor example, Large Language Models, Monte Carlo simulations, and other computationally intense solutions. Zapata was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

Source: Zapata Computing

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Zapata, Foxconn, Insilico Medicine, and University of Toronto Study ... - HPCwire

As innovation has progressed through radio, the internet, Wi-Fi, smartphones, and the Internet of Things, we have consistently faced security concerns with each technological milestone. Every new and disruptive technology comes with both opportunities and challenges.

With AI, we are heeding this lesson from the past and proactively addressing the security challenges that will inevitably arise.

Yet while the AI revolution feels like the biggest innovation in a generation, scaled quantum computing is set to disrupt many aspects of technology again and we must prepare for it now.

Quantum computing at scale has the potential to help solve many of the worlds most complex and pressing problems. Whether its addressing food sustainability, developing better batteries, or mitigating climate change via carbon capture, scientists will have unprecedented computing power at their disposal. This transformational computing power capable of driving so much societal good could also be used by bad actors looking to cause disruption and harm. By advancing our security capabilities to meet this moment, people and organizations can reap the profound benefits of quantum computing without succumbing to these threats.

Microsoft embarked on the road to quantum more than 20 years ago and is in a unique position to contribute to a quantum-safe future. The investments we have made in this emerging field help us to understand new risks it may introduce and how to mitigate them early and effectively.

How quantum computing could upend encryption

Today, most security systems in existing IT environments rely on public-key cryptography, which is used almost everywhere from messaging to transactions to securing data at rest. These cryptographic systems are based on mathematical problems that are difficult and time- consuming for classical computers but will be much easier and quicker for quantum computers to solve.

The strength of current cryptographic systems lies in the complexity of certain mathematical problems, one of which involves finding the factor of extraordinarily large numbers a task that would take traditional computers millions of years to solve. This is the core principle behind the RSA algorithm thats been in use since the 1970s. Systems using RSA today range from hardware devices such as smart cards and routers, to software applications such as web browsers and email clients. RSA is also used throughout the supply chain of these systems, from the manufacturing of components to the distribution of software updates.

Yet, the emergence of quantum computers has the potential to dramatically upset this balance. Using Shors algorithm, a quantum computer may be able to unravel these large-number factors in mere minutes, rendering RSA and similar asymmetric algorithms vulnerable. As we progress, algorithm agility, resiliency and flexibility will be needed to easily switch or combine cryptographic approaches a process that will require significant financial investment, changes in existing infrastructure, and timely planning, execution and coordination across supply chains and ecosystems.

Scaled quantum machines are on the way

A quantum machine capable of running Shors algorithm will likely need more than a million stable qubits thousands of times more than todays quantum computers. These powerful scaled machines are on the way and responsible companies will ensure these quantum systems are not used by bad actors.

At Microsoft, our quantum machine will be delivered as a cloud service through Azure. Just as we do with other technologies, Microsoft will deploy technical and operational controls to ensure our quantum machine will not be used maliciously.

But not every quantum machine in the future will be protected in this way. Immediate risks, such as Harvest Now, Decrypt Later scenarios and the potential obsolescence of un-updatable IoT devices, already demand our attention. For these reasons, we must start preparing and acting now, because the transition to become quantum safe for most organizations will take time.Thats why we recommend organizations get ready today, which we explain in more detail below. The risk posed by quantum computers is not imminent nor insurmountable, but the transition to become quantum-safe for most organizations will be a significant undertaking.

Just over two decades ago, the Y2K challenge wasnt insurmountable or unsolvable, but it took a huge, industry-wide effort to get ready for the change. Today cryptographic systems are spread all over the globe, and the distributed and interconnected services, products and platforms handling those systems means there is an immense threat surface that needs to be prepared and updated to become quantum resistant.

The global community is rallying around quantum-safe readiness

The security industry has been preparing for quantum computers and the associated risks to classical cryptography. Governments and the private sector are investing in research, development, and standardization of quantum-safe approaches such as post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms and potential quantum technologies to strengthen security. As a first step toward PQC adoption, the U.S. National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) has been engaged in a years-long effort to solicit, evaluate and standardize quantum-resistant algorithms for broader adoption.

In Europe, the European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI) is assessing quantum-safe cryptographic protocols and standards and their practical implementation. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is evaluating PQC algorithms and has established a technical committee to build collaboration on international standards for PQC.

Microsoft has been investing in PQC research, development, experimentation and collaborations since 2014, playing a role in the emergence of PQC and public standards globally. We are participating in SC27/WG2 international standards efforts and have been in close collaboration with NIST, supporting and contributing to their National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence project on Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography, whose goal is to prepare organizations for the PQC transition.

Microsoft is a core member and supporter of the Open Quantum Safe (OQS) project, and we are leading the PQC working group for SAFECode, a global industry forum for business leaders and technical experts to advance industry standards and help organizations prepare for the PQC transition. We have also been focused on quantum technologies and their impact on security with dedicated research and development of tools.

As the ecosystem progresses, we continue to encourage industry and government to invest in the global adoption of harmonized cryptographic standards and additional quantum-safe measures to facilitate secure global trade in the future.

Quantum-safe across Microsofts ecosystem

Given Microsofts unique position and wide perspective developing both hardware and software along with our experience from past efforts transitioning to new cryptographic algorithms we know that the journey to achieve quantum safety will be a significant undertaking.

This will be an iterative and collaborative process, and we are committed to being a trusted partner across industry and government. Transparency and clarity will be key to success, and as we continue to make progress, we will share learnings and recommendations with the broader community.

One of the best ways for an organization to accelerate their quantum-safe readiness is to move to the hyperscale cloud, but not all our customers and partners are using the cloud. With this in mind, we are taking a comprehensive approach across our platforms and systems.

Today we are taking the necessary steps across our own portfolio and ecosystem to ensure our products and services remain secure against potential risks the technology continues to develop.

We have formed a group of experts from across the company to concentrate on this matter with constant input from regulators, industry partners, vendors and legal experts and research teams. We have also started efforts to create, test, and implement practical cryptographic solutions that can resist potential threats posed by quantum computers. We are deepening our knowledge of quantum-safe algorithms and mitigation options for various use cases, considering hybrid encryption schemes to accommodate adaptive updates in cryptography algorithms, creating a cryptographic inventory to identify vulnerable cryptography in our platforms and services, and developing a multi-phase roadmap to address gaps and prioritize crucial areas.

From the cloud to on-premises environments, we are assessing every piece of technology that connects to Microsoft. Our goal is to make this journey as simple and manageable as possible both for us and for our customers and partners.

The time to prepare is now and Microsoft is here to help

It will take time to implement such sweeping changes, but the sooner you start, the safer youll be. It is essential to raise awareness and deepen all of our understanding of the risks and to start now.

If youre wondering where to begin, creating an inventory of critical data and cryptography technologies can reveal areas where cryptography is implemented incorrectly or in a way thats unsuitable for its intended purposes. It is crucial to identify internal standards and processes and assess all options to update those cryptography protocols and libraries to mitigate potential risks.

Based on those inventories and assessments, we recommend prioritizing your systems and services based on criteria such as criticality, dependencies and cost. From there, develop a transition roadmap.

We are already helping several customers and partners, notably those in risk-sensitive industries, in their quest to be quantum-safe by providing resources and transition strategies. Yet, the urgency for all organizations to embark on this journey cannot be overstated. We encourage customers and partners to act now, and were here to support.

As quantum technology continues to advance and change the world, our commitment to the security of our products and customers has never been stronger. We are dedicated to minimizing the efforts required by our customers and partners to become quantum-safe, using our world-leading research and engineering teams to keep our products and services secure.

Related link: Read more about how we build security into everything we build and deliver at Microsoft.

Tags: Azure, Cloud, quantum computing, Security

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Building a quantum-safe future - The Official Microsoft Blog - Microsoft

Interpublic Group of Companies (IPG) has partnered with D-Wave Quantum to research and develop quantum-computing applications for campaign optimization, Marketing Dive can exclusively share. The news is indicative of growing industry interest in technology areas like quantum computing, a field that promises to solve complex, data-intensive problems including those related to generative artificial intelligence (AI) at a faster pace than classical computing methods can achieve.

The deal will combine the software providers Leap quantum cloud services with data drawn from IPG, which is running the program out of its emerging technology group. Together, the companies aim to help clients identify high-value audiences and deliver more tailored messages at the right time and in the right setting, resulting in improved personalization and performance. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

At IPG, we understand that every customer is unique, with very personal passions, behaviors and motivations, said Philippe Krakowsky, CEO of IPG, in a statement. By working with D-Wave and adopting quantum technology as part of our tech stack, we believe we can uncover an even greater collection of data-driven insights to deliver more relevant and effective marketing for our clients, at scale.

Taking a quantum-computing approach to campaign optimization is another example of how advertisers and agencies are thinking outside the box as they contend with the deprecation of identifiers that have been key for targeting ads, including third-party cookies. Google will begin phasing out cookies for a select number of Chrome users starting early next year.

As ad signal loss intensifies, marketers have focused on first-party data acquisition, but struggles persist in effectively managing and deploying troves of customer information. In the D-Wave announcement, quantum computing was positioned as a way to get more utility from a high volume of data.

Were excited to work with IPG to bring the power of quantum to advertising optimization, more efficiently harnessing a massive amount of data to create hyper-targeted campaigns that drive desired outcomes for brands, said Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave, in a statement.

IPG has been piloting the D-Wave capabilities with a top 20 client, applying optimization equations to enhance marketing efforts in a retail environment. The agency declined to share specific outcomes from the experiment but said that the mathematical modeling used was broadly applicable outside of retail, with results that are very promising and repeatable.

At the high level, quantum computers run on quantum bits, or qubits, to operate. Qubits can exist in a state, known as superposition, of one and zero simultaneously. That differs from classical computing, where bits exist in a binary state of either one or zero. The gist is that quantum computings processing power can solve problems that would take classical computers an impractical amount of time to figure out.

Quantum computing has been positioned as a stepping stone to lowering the enterprise costs of resource-intensive and pricey tech like generative AI, which has also been in the spotlight for agencies following the explosion in popularity of ChatGPT. WPP, an IPG rival, on Monday announced a deal with chipmaker Nvidia around a new content engine supported by generative AI that will help its creatives produce and scale advertising assets faster.

D-Wave formed a relationship with IPG in the first quarter of this year, according to an earnings statement. Other customers of the Canada-based firm include Unisys US and POLARISqb.

Founded in 1999, D-Wave bills itself as the first commercial supplier of quantum computers and the only company building both annealing quantum computers and gate-model quantum computers. The firm went public via a SPAC merger last year but has had a bumpy time on the public markets. It was warned by the New York Stock Exchange over a potential delisting in March, The Register reported.

For IPG, the partnership is another way to get a leg up on data and analytics know-how that has become essential for agencies. The ad-holding group in 2018 acquired the data-marketing unit Acxiom for $2.3 billion.

IPG saw net revenue down 2.3% year-over-year in Q1, hampered by weak demand from tech clients and restructurings at some digital specialist shops. The groups media, healthcare and data-marketing offerings, including Acxiom, performed well over the period. IPG more recently was named lead creative partner for pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, a major account win.

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IPG turns on quantum computing to supercharge campaign ... - Marketing Dive

Researchers are leveraging photonics to develop and scale the hardware necessary to tackle the stringent requirements of quantum information technologies. By exploiting the properties of photonics, researchers point to the benefits of scaling quantum hardware. If or when successful, researchers say quantum hardware at scale will enable long-range networks, interconnections between multiple quantum devices, and large-scale photonic circuits for quantum computing and simulation.

An interdisciplinary team of researchers from Denmark, Germany, and the UK is focusing on the best ways to use photonics and exploit its properties to develop a platform that can scale quantum hardware, Phys.Org reported. To this end, the team developed an integrated photonic platform based on thin-film lithium niobate, whose single crystals are important materials for optical waves and are an ideal modulator for low-loss mode.

Then, researchers interfaced the integrated photonic platform with deterministic solid-state single-photon sources based on quantum dots (semiconductor crystals) in nanophotonic waveguides. The resulting photons produced are processed with low-loss circuits, which according to the researchers are programmable at speeds of several gigahertz. Researchers state that fast reprogrammable low-loss optical circuits are key for performing tasks in photonic quantum information processing.

The high-speed platform paved the way for researchers to achieve several key photonic information processing functionalities. The first processing functionality researchers observed during experiments was on-chip quantum interference. Researchers used the Hong-OuMandel (HOM) effect, which is characterized as when two-photon interference is observed. Figure 1 displays the on-chip HOM experiments performed that tested the performance of the platform for photonic quantum information processing.

Another processing functionality the team demonstrated that is key to photonic information processing is an integrated single-photon router. Researchers demonstrated a fully on-chip photon router for the quantum dot-emitted photons. To accomplish this, they leveraged the platforms capability to integrate fast phase shifters with quantum emitter wavelengths to showcase the integrated single-photon router.

The team also implemented a universal four-mode interferometer, made up of a network of 6 Mach-Zehnder interferometers and 10 phase modulators, as shown in Figure 2. Programmable multimode quantum photonic interferometers are paramount for the implementation of essential functionalities of photonic quantum technologies. And, the researchers said they interferometers are able to realize circuits for quantum computational advantage experiments or analog quantum simulation.

In a research paper published by Science Advances, researchers detailed their development of the high-speed, integrated photonic platform based on thin-film lithium niobate. The paper is entitled High-speed thin-film lithium niobate quantum processor driven by a solid-state quantum emitter.

The authors argue the results showed that integrated photonics with solid-state deterministic photon sources is a promising option to scale quantum technologies in multiple phases. Going forward, the platform can be further optimized to reduce coupling and propagation loss. In particular, fault-tolerant quantum computing architectures (with loss levels of 10% per photon) are a step closer to reality.

The interdisciplinary team of researchers all come from international institutions including the Center for Hybrid Quantum Networks (Hy-Q), Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen (Denmark); Institute of Physics, University of Muenster (Germany); CeNTechCenter for Nanotechnology (Germany); SoNCenter for Soft Nanoscience (Germany); Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London (UK); Ruhr University Bochum (Germany); and Heidelberg University (Germany).

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Researchers Develop Integrated Photonic Platform Based on Thin ... - HPCwire