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Paris, France March 13, 2024 A Franco-Singaporean collaboration has been announced to benchmark and optimize the energy efficiency of quantum computing. The partnership includes Eviden, the Atos Group business leading in advanced computing, A*STARs Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) in Singapore, and MajuLab, an international research laboratory in quantum physics. Majulab is a joint laboratory of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Universit Cte dAzur (UCA), Sorbonne University (SU), National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

In the context of conventional high-performance computing (HPC) environments, energy optimizations are generally achieved through improved hardware architectures and better cooling systems. However new approaches must be set up to optimize energetic consumption in future quantum computers.

Quantum computing leverages fundamental science to solve complex problems much more efficiently than classical methods: this is known as the quantum computational advantage. While the age of large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computing seems years away, Noisy-Intermediate Scale Quantum (NISQ) devices are already a reality. In such devices, the energy cost to solve a problem on quantum devices could be much less than solving the same problem on a classical HPC system. This offers the possibility that the energy advantage of quantum algorithms may be established before quantum the computational advantage itself.

This research collaboration aims to build a user-friendly framework for accurate benchmarking of energy efficiency in NISQ/near-term quantum computing systems. This framework is based on a novel holistic methodology recently proposed by one of the partners1, to estimate and optimize energy consumption for the full stack of the quantum computer.

The three partners will conduct research on various options to estimate the performance and energy consumption of various algorithms, supported by Evidens quantum emulator Qaptiva 800, which can emulate over 100 qubits depending on the algorithm and emulator used. The collaboration will rely on three main work groups: control parameters and energy benchmarking metric; implementation of resource monitoring within Evidens quantum emulation environment; and application-based benchmarking (VQE).

Dr. Cdric Bourrasset, Global Head of HPC-AI and Quantum Computing, Eviden, Atos Group, said While the power for computing keeps increasing, our commitment to decarbonization and sustainability hasnt diminished. For decades, Eviden has been committed to greener technologies, leading the HPC market with its patented Direct Liquid Cooling. The Group is as equally committed to promoting a greener quantum computing, which we know will be at the heart of computing technologies in the coming years.

Dr. Su Yi, Executive Director, A*STARs IHPC, said Sustainable computing is closely tied to the potential of quantum computing where near-term quantum algorithms offer energy-efficiency and problem-solving potential that could drive quantum technology adoption. A*STARs Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) is working together with our research partners to advance this intersection of sustainability and quantum technologies.

Alexia Auffves, CNRS Research Director, = Director of the MajuLab, and Co-founder of the Quantum Energy Initiative, said The collaboration is aligned with the objectives of the recently launched Quantum Energy Initiative, which aims to keep in check the energy footprint of quantum technologies already at their early stage. It will contribute to set up solid, objectives and figures of merit to really assess if quantum energy advantages can be reached. This kind of work is essential to mitigate the risk of green quantum hype. It directly relates to the new QEI working group P3329 at IEEE, which is currently developing a standard of energy efficiency.

***

About Eviden2

Eviden is a next-gen technology leader in data-driven, trusted and sustainable digital transformation with a strong portfolio of patented technologies. With worldwide leading positions in advanced computing, security, AI, cloud and digital platforms, it provides deep expertise for all industries in more than 47 countries. Bringing together 47,000 world-class talents, Eviden expands the possibilities of data and technology across the digital continuum, now and for generations to come. Eviden is an Atos Group company with an annual revenue of c. 5 billion.

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 95,000 employees and annual revenue of c. 11 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea), and listed on Euronext Paris.

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.

About MajuLab

MajuLab is an international research laboratory that includes French partners the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Sorbonne University (SU), the Universit Cte d'Azur (UCA), and in Singapore, the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) as its signatory institutions. MajuLab leverages 15 years of successful collaboration between France and Singapore in quantum sciences and technologies, operating as a quantum channel connecting these two vibrant ecosystems. Based at the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (NTU) and atq the Center for Quantum Technologies (NUS), MajuLab is structured as an interdisciplinary quantum centre: a compound of basic research and technology developing synergies with computer scientists and quantum physicists, theorists and experimentalists, academia and industry. https://majulab.cnrs.fr/

Press contact

Judith Sautereau - judith.sautereau@eviden.com - +33 6 79 15 17 87

Zohra Dali zohra.dali.external@eviden.com

1 Fellous-Asiani, Hao Chai, Thonnart, Ng, Whitney, Auffves, Optimizing the energetic efficiency of scalable fault-tolerant quantum computers, to appear in PRX Quantum

2 Eviden business is operated through the following brands: AppCentrica, ATHEA, Cloudamize, Cloudreach, Cryptovision, DataSentics, Edifixio, Energy4U, Engage ESM, Evidian, Forensik, IDEAL GRP, In Fidem, Ipsotek, Maven Wave, Profit4SF, SEC Consult, Visual BI, Worldgrid, X-Perion. Eviden is a registered trademark.

Eviden is a registered trademark. Eviden SAS, 2024.

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Eviden explores energy advantages in near-term quantum computing systems through research partnerships - GlobeNewswire

The quantum computing industry is experiencing significant growth, with advancements in both hardware and software making it a key consideration for organizations looking to invest in cutting-edge technology. To this end, we look at some of the top quantum computing stocks to buy as businesses utilize this next-gen technology across various industries.

Major tech players are increasingly interested in making significant investments in quantum computing to align with the rapid pace of technological advancements amid customers current demands, which are seeking innovative computational solutions.

Drawing on data from the quantum market and insights from industry thought leaders gathered in the fourth quarter of 2023, the recent State of Quantum 2024 report noted the transition from theoretical exploration to practical application, highlighted by the emergence of full-stack quantum computer deliveries in national labs and quantum centers.

In 2022, venture investments in quantum technology soared to over $2 billion amid strong investor confidence in this burgeoning field. However, by 2023, these investments saw a sharp 50% drop, sparking debates about a potential quantum winter.

Industry experts argue the decline reflects broader venture capital trends and not a loss of faith in the quantum sectors prospects. Government funding has increasingly filled the gap private investors left, mitigating concerns over the investment slowdown.

The bottom line is the quantum industry is still advancing, albeit at a moderate pace. This emphasizes the need for realistic expectations and a sustained commitment to research and development. Despite the recent dip in investment, the sectors insiders remain cautiously optimistic about its future. This suggests the industry is far from stagnating.

Lets take a closer look at leading quantum computing stocks to buy.

Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), the semiconductor giant, is actively pursuing a turnaround strategy to regain its leadership in the technology industry. The plan involves a significant restructuring of its operations, investment in advanced chip manufacturing technologies and a renewed focus on innovation.

Among other things, Intel is pushing hard to develop its quantum computing products. The chipmaker introduced Tunnel Falls, a quantum computing chip leveraging the companys cutting-edge manufacturing techniques.

The company has collaborated with various government and academic research entities to facilitate the testing of Tunnel Falls. According to Intel, the new chip has a 95% yield rate across the wafer and voltage uniformity.

Quantum computing isnt the core focus of Intels strategy to reclaim its semiconductor industry leadership. However, the initiative represents a potential growth area. Success in quantum computing research could position Intel as a key player in this innovative technology domain in the future. This could make Intel one of the top quantum computing stocks to buy.

Similarly to Intel, Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL, NASDAQ:GOOG) is making significant strides in quantum computing through its subsidiary, Quantum AI. Focusing on developing quantum processors and algorithms, Googles parent company aims to harness quantum technology for breakthroughs in computing power.

Alphabet recently exceeded Q4 earnings expectations with a net income of $20.69 billion and a 13% revenue increase to $86.3 billion. Its advertising revenue of $65.52 billion slightly missed analyst projections.

While fighting Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) on the AI front, Google has also ventured into the quantum computing realm with its proprietary quantum computing chips, Sycamore. In a strategic move, Google spun off its quantum computing software division into a standalone startup, SandboxAQ, in March 2022.

Its dominant position in search drives Googles foray into quantum computing. It aims to develop more efficient, faster and intelligent solutions. The company plays a crucial role in managing vast volumes of digital information. It can gain immensely by enabling various organizations to harness the transformative power of quantum computing and AI.

FormFactor (NASDAQ:FORM), a leading provider in the semiconductor industry, specializes in the design, development and manufacture of advanced wafer probe cards. These probe cards are essential for the electrical testing of semiconductor wafers before cutting them into individual chips.

FormFactor is strategically positioned within the quantum computing ecosystem through its semiconductor test and measurement solutions expertise. The company provides advanced systems essential for developing and testing quantum computing chips. These systems are designed to operate at extremely low temperatures, a fundamental requirement for quantum computing experiments where qubits must be maintained in a coherent state.

Its flagship products include precision engineering solutions like the Advanced Matrix series for high-density applications and the TouchMatrix series for touchscreen panels. FormFactors products enable semiconductor manufacturers to perform reliable and accurate testing at various stages of the production process. This ensures the functionality and quality of the final semiconductor products.

Last month, FormFactor reported a modest top-line year-over-year increase of 1.3%, reaching $168.2 million. Looking ahead, expectations for the first quarter are aligned with the recent quarterly performance, with projected revenue of around $165 million.

On the date of publication, Shane Neagle did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.comPublishing Guidelines.

Shane Neagle is fascinated by the ways in which technology is poised to disrupt investing. He specializes in fundamental analysis and growth investing.

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3 Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy for Real-World Breakthrough - InvestorPlace

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Quantum many-body simulations on digital quantum computers: State-of-the-art and future challenges - Nature.com

image:

Illustration of the cold-atom (neutral-atom) quantum computer in operation atKenji Ohmori group. (Graphic by Takafumi Tomita)

Credit: Takafumi Tomita (Kenji Ohmori group)

Institute for Molecular Science (hereinafter "the IMS"), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, has established a "Commercialization Preparatory Platform (PF)" to accelerate the development of novel quantum computers, based on the achievement of a research group led by Prof. Kenji Ohmori. The launch of the PF was made possible by collaboration with 10 industry partners, including companies and financial institutions.

The 10 partners that joined the PF include (listed alphabetically): blueqat Inc., Development Bank of Japan Inc., Fujitsu Limited, Groovenauts, Inc., Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hitachi, Ltd., and NEC Corporation.

With the PF in place, the IMS will leverage the expertise of the participating companies and seek for advice and support on matters related to commercialization, such as the processes of establishing a start-up company, developing domestically produced quantum computers, and R&D efforts to enable practical application of quantum computers and their associated services. It plans to launch a start-up company by the end of its FY2024 and begin the development of "cold (neutral) atom" quantum computers.

Background Fierce competition is underway globally for the development of quantum computers by various modalities. However, there remain a number of issues that need to be addressed in order to ensure that these computers can be used practically; these issues include the need to expand the scale of these computers and the ability to take measures against errors that may occur during computation. In recent years, the "cold (neutral) atom" modality, which uses individual atoms as qubits, has been attracting attention from industry, academia, and governments around the world as a revolutionary new method to overcome these issues. Another feature of the cold (neutral) atom modality is that it operates at room temperature and does not require any refrigerators, which are necessary for the superconducting qubit and silicon qubit modalities.

The Ohmori group at the IMS is leading the world in developing the cold (neutral) atom quantum computers. The group has a number of technological advantages and core competencies (*1), including "optical tweezers" and microscope technologies to control a large number of high-quality qubits on a flat surface, and "ultrafast two-qubit gates" that use an ultrafast laser to create a quantum entanglement between two qubits in just 6.5 nanoseconds. In particular, the two-qubit gates represent an important core technology that enables the extraordinary computational speed of quantum computers. In 2022, the ultrafast two-qubit gates developed by the Ohmori group achieved a disruptive innovation that accelerates the two-qubit gates of the conventional cold (neutral) atom method by two orders of magnitude at once.

By taking advantage of these technical advances and core competencies of the Ohmori group, the IMS will accelerate the development and commercialization of quantum computers in collaboration with its industry partners.

World's first demonstration of quantum supremacy using superconducting quantum computers in 2019 (*2) Message from Professor John Martinis, University of California, Santa Barbara: "Professor Kenji Ohmori and his team have recently made a major breakthrough to overcome the weakness of the neutral atom method by using ultrafast lasers to drastically accelerate its two-qubit gate by two orders of magnitude. Their optical tweezers and microscope technology for manipulating individual atomic qubits is also outstanding. The team is therefore an extremely promising candidate for the realization of a practical quantum computer in the near future. I would like to actively participate in and contribute to the practical application and commercialization of their quantum computer by making use of my experience."

Message from Yuki Takemori, General Manager, Innovation Promotion Office, Business Planning & Coordination Department, Development Bank of Japan Inc. Project General Manager of PF: "After the bursting of the bubble economy, the Japanese economy spent the 'lost 30 years' without a clue to its further growth. I expect that quantum computing will be a technology that will bring revolutionary evolution to mankind, similar to the Internet and artificial intelligence (AI). It will grow into an extremely important industry for Japan, acting as a catalyst for its development and advancement. The technological capabilities of Professor Kenji Ohmori and his team are a global treasure and a trump card for the revival of the Japanese economy. I expect that this project will spread its wings far and wide."

Message from Professor Kenji Ohmori, Institute for Molecular Science: "I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the support of such distinguished companies for the development of our cold-atom (neutral-atom) quantum computer. Although we have absolute confidence in our basic technology, the development of practical quantum computers requires the integration of a variety of 'enabling technologies' including conventional electronics, software, system engineering, and architecture. With the launch of this commercialization platform, we will further strengthen our development efforts and work hard to create a quantum computer that can contribute to our society as soon as possible."

Notes: (*1) Core competency: a defining capability that distinguishes an enterprise from its competitors (*2) Quantum supremacy: a demonstration of a quantum computer's advantage over classical computers, including supercomputers, to process calculations that would conventionally take a long time to process at unmatched speeds

Research Funding Cabinet Office / JST Moonshot R&D Program (JPMJMS2269) MEXT Quantum Leap Flagship Program (JPMXS0120181201)

Related Links Kenji Ohmori group: https://ohmori.ims.ac.jp/en/

Ohmori quantum computer project at the Moonshot Research and Development Program by the Cabinet Office of Japan: https://www.jst.go.jp/moonshot/en/program/goal6/69_ohmori.html https://ms-ohmoripm.ims.ac.jp/en/

Quantum Leap Flagship Program (MEXT Q-LEAP): https://www.jst.go.jp/stpp/q-leap/en/index.html

Source: Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences

Contact: Kenji Ohmori (ohmori@ims.ac.jp), Kento Igami (igami@ims.ac.jp) Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences Tel: +81-564-55-7459

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

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IMS developing Japan's first "Cold (neutral) atom" quantum computers: new collaboration with 10 industry partners ... - EurekAlert

Ethereum gears up against quantum threats. How does the community react to Buterins new proposal, and how real is the danger?

The exponential advancement of quantum computing technology poses a daunting challenge to the blockchain platforms, potentially undermining the security protocols that form the bedrock of these networks, with Ethereum (ETH) being no exception.

In response to this pressing concern, Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has spearheaded discussions on Ethereum Research, aiming to address and mitigate the vulnerabilities quantum computing introduces to Ethereum.

Buterin foresees a potential quantum emergency, where the advent of quantum computing capabilities could lead to large-scale theft of Ethereum assets.

To counter this impending threat, Buterin proposed a multifaceted approach, starting with the implementation of a hard fork of the Ethereum network.

This hard fork would effectively rewind the network to a state before any potential thefts occurred, requiring users to adopt new wallet software explicitly designed to thwart future attacks.

At the center of Buterins strategy lies the adoption of a new transaction type outlined in Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) 7560. This transaction type leverages advanced cryptographic techniques, including Winternitz signatures and zero-knowledge proof technologies like STARKs, aiming to shield transactions from quantum attacks by safeguarding users private keys from exposure.

Furthermore, Buterin advocates for the integration of ERC-4337 account abstraction for smart contract wallets, increasing security by preventing the exposure of private keys during the signing process.

Account abstraction acts as a smart contracts wallet, enabling users to interact with the Ethereum network without possessing their private keys or needing to maintain Ether for transaction costs.

In the event of a quantum emergency, users who havent executed transactions from their Ethereum wallets would remain shielded, as only their wallet addresses are public.

Buterin also suggested that the infrastructure necessary to enact the proposed hard fork could theoretically commence development immediately.

The Ethereum community is actively discussing Buterins proposal for a hard fork strategy to protect Ethereum from possible quantum attacks. This topic has sparked both interest and concern among members.

While the importance of preparing for quantum threats is recognized, there is skepticism about how effective these measures will be against malicious users with access to quantum computing. DogeProtocol, a community member, has raised questions about identifying legitimate account holders versus attackers in scenarios where quantum computers can break into Ethereum wallets.

DogeProtocol suggested using NIST standardized algorithms combined with classical algorithms. However, this could lead to larger block sizes due to the bigger signature and public key sizes in many post-quantum methods.

Another community member, nvmmonkey, recommends a preemptive strategy. They suggest integrating a machine learning system in Ethereums node network to spot large, suspicious transactions that could indicate unsafe activities, triggering emergency protocols like the Stark emergence fork.

Blockchain technology, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, relies on cryptographic algorithms such as the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) to secure transactions and maintain the integrity of the distributed ledger.

However, quantum algorithms, notably Shors algorithm developed by Peter Shor in 1994, pose a threat by potentially solving the discrete logarithm problem on elliptic curves, which is the basis for ECDSAs security.

This capability could allow a quantum computer to forge digital signatures and, thereby, control any funds associated with those signatures.

Quantum computers could also undermine other cryptographic practices within blockchain technology, including the process of hashing, which is central to mining and the creation of new blocks.

While hashing (e.g., SHA-256 in Bitcoin) is not directly broken by Shors algorithm, Grovers algorithm, another quantum algorithm, could theoretically speed up the process of finding a hashs preimage, though the speed-up is less dramatic than Shors for encryption.

Although current quantum computers are not yet capable of breaking ECDSA on a practical scale, the rapid pace of progress suggests that the threat could become real within the next few years. Google plans to construct a quantum computer capable of handling extensive business and scientific calculations error-free by 2029.

IBM recently presented IBM Quantum Heron, its most advanced quantum processor. This processor stands out for its high performance and low error rates. IBM also unveiled the IBM Quantum System Two, a new modular quantum computer. This system, already in operation in New York, is designed to tackle complex scientific and business calculations.

The quantum threat to current cryptography is a fact widely acknowledged by researchers. There is an increasing emphasis on developing and implementing quantum-resistant or post-quantum cryptographic algorithms.

For example, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has initiated a process to evaluate and standardize quantum-resistant public-key cryptographic algorithms. These could be crucial steps towards maintaining the security and resilience of blockchain and other digital infrastructure in the face of quantum computing.

As quantum computers capabilities evolve, the collaborative engagement of researchers, developers, and policymakers will become essential.

By prioritizing the development and integration of quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions, the blockchain community can safeguard sensitive information, preserve digital trust, and ensure the continued viability of blockchain in the quantum era.

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The quantum emergency: Ethereum's race against time - crypto.news