Quantum computing in the cloud – Xanadu discovered in Toronto – Diginomica
(Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay )
Moore's Law may not be sufficient when it comes to processing power. Some believe that computers are not getting faster fast enough for the emerging tasks that are expected of them, whether it's crunching vast data sets or looking for probabilistic connections within much smaller ones.
In areas such as drug discovery, particle physics, genomics, and materials research, quantum computing is increasingly proposed as a better model for the IT industry, alongside related quantum technologies such as timing, imaging, sensing, communications, and security. Yet all these are hard tech, which demands patient capital: long-term, speculative investment coupled with an appetite for risk and uncertain reward.
There are three key challenges facing all quantum innovators:
Canada isn't the first country that springs to mind as a potential leader in this space alongside the likes of the US, China, and the UK, but Toronto-based 2016 startup Xanadu aims to change that. It has launched what it claims is the world's first photonics-based quantum computing platform available commercially in the cloud.
According to an announcement from the company, the Xanadu Quantum Cloud currently gives developers access to eight- and 12-qubit processors, and soon a 24-qubit machine. As a photon- (light) based system for quantum calculations - as opposed to superconductor or ion-trap systems - these processors can operate at room temperature and could potentially integrate more easily with fibre-optic based telecommunications.
To date, Xanadu has raised $45 million from investors, alongside grants from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Developers can already access its open-source tools Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane on GitHub, revealing a Beatles fan in its leader. That may suggest global ambitions.
So does the company plan to become a huge private fiefdom, like the Xanadu in Citizen Kane? Has a new computing Kublai Khan emerged to found a quantum dynasty? I spoke to founder and CEO Christian Weedbrook to find out.
First, is Xanadu a true quantum system, or merely using quantum elements to speed up processing within classical systems? He says:
It's the world's first photonics-based quantum computing cloud platform and we are truly excited about it. Every other cloud platform essentially uses electronics. Instead of photonics they use electrons - matter - and they have a very different approach to scaling up to a fully functioning, fault-tolerant quantum computer.
We decided to take a unique, alternative approach using light. One of the biggest advantages is the extremely low amounts of power that are needed to run these devices. We're leveraging the weird properties of quantum physics to do things that traditional computers, classical computers, would never be able to do. Or they could do it but it would take them hundreds of years.
A familiar message in terms of the time-saving element. But when it comes to commercialising it, is quantum computing a solution in search of a problem, or has Xanadu identified specific opportunities? Weedbrook says:
The world can always use more computing power. One way to think about the quantum computing landscape at the moment is you can break it up into two lines. The first is what we can do in the next three to five years with qubits that are noisy and don't have that fault tolerance or error correction. And the second is what can we do after that with a fully functioning, fault-tolerant quantum computer. But that's a very difficult machine to build.
In the near term, what differentiates Xanadu using a photonics-based approach is the things that we can do now, which have business applications - network planning, logistics, things of that nature.
Our plan is to get early adopters that we can build an ecosystem around: government labs in the US and here in Canada, financial institutions, large corporations - pharma and materials design are classic examples - and logistics. All these industries have problems that get more and more difficult, that don't scale well, so you need a quantum computer to help solve them. We have paying customers already on the platform.
What's remarkable in the last couple of years is that large corporations and banks such as Goldman Sachs have been forming small quantum computing teams, because they don't want to get left behind. But it's a unique skill set that only a few people in the world currently understand.
Indeed, some have suggested that is a concern. When technology becomes too abstract for most people to comprehend, then transparency and auditing are difficult. Who could explain or justify decisions made by quantum neural nets, for example?
That's a valid criticism. We have to be careful, particularly with a technology that may be the missing link to a singularity event. I don't think ethics and quantum computing should just be presented to you. It's something that the whole community should be converging on thinking about. But building a quantum computer that's fault tolerant - the end game - is extremely hard. It's not going to be built tomorrow, which gives us some time.
Does he see quantum computing as a distinct alternative to the classical world, an evolution of it, or simply a component for solving specific problems?
First, it's a safe bet that it will complement traditional computing whatever happens, in the same way that GPUs complement CPUs, or special-purpose chips complement other types. A computer will naturally access the CPU or the quantum processor when each is needed.
This is a personal view, but more and more I'm leaning towards quantum computing replacing old' computing. One reason is that, if you look at our photon-based approach, roughly speaking you can press a button and make this computer classical by making qubits act like normal bits of information. If quantum computing can infiltrate all computers, then you can just simulate a traditional computer, which means there is an opportunity to really take over all of the computing industry - up to a point.
The company's global ambitions seem evident. But until then, physics and history combine to pose some tricky problems. For example, putting a quantum computer in the cloud could put a brake on its power, given the slow speeds, latency, and poor reliability of some broadband infrastructures.
Yes, with quantum cloud quantum providers you do see that slowdown in retrieving the asset. I would say that there are some solutions to that, such as a hybrid system where you actually have a quantum chip on premise alongside AWS or Azure, for example.
But the ultimate goal is to have a quantum computer that can solve problems that a classical computer could never do, or would take thousands of years to solve. So slowing something down by an hour versus a thousand years is irrelevant. As you're scaling up and getting more powerful quantum computers through fault tolerance and error correction, any slowdown is going to be negligible compared to the size of the problem solving.
Are real applications emerging yet for such systems?
A lot of applications have been inspired by what's been done classically, and the thinking has been how do we make them quantum. But I think the true revolution will be in thinking about it from the quantum side of things. There's an analogy here with the PC revolution: people didn't really know what applications would be useful, there was no idea about the internet. I think there'll be something similar for quantum: we really don't know the full extent of what a quantum computer can do.
With a team that now numbers 58 - many of whom have PhDs - what drives Weedbrook and his colleagues: the academic research glory of pushing back the boundaries of human knowledge? Or something more commercially focused - given those Beatles allusions and the name itself, Xanadu? Both speak of lofty ambition...
I think often you see with startups, it's a clich to really want to solve huge, world-changing problems. Our mission statement has a hint of that, but to be honest it's too much of a clich now to really believe it. So, our mission statement is to make quantum computers, make them useful, and available to people everywhere.
It's how do you start in helping customers solve problems - like in drug discovery. How do you find the best candidates significantly faster in order to synthesise them? That problem's not going to change. So how best to solve it?
This may be correlated with the fact that we're working on subatomic particles, but it's in very small systems that you make real change in the world. The common examples are helping with global warming, curing cancer by identifying drugs, these are really important problems for humanity.
But taking a different approach, how do you stay excited on an individual, personal level each day? That gives you the best chance of solving truly important problems.
According to the 80s song, Xanadu is the place where "a million lights are dancing". That's photons for you. And it turns out it's not in China, but Toronto.
Read this article:
Quantum computing in the cloud - Xanadu discovered in Toronto - Diginomica
- Turkey Launches First 5-Qubit Quantum Computer, Called QuanT, Marking National Technology Breakthrough for the Country - Quantum Computing Report - November 23rd, 2024 [November 23rd, 2024]
- Toshiba and RIKEN Achieve 99.90% Fidelity with Double-Transmon Coupler for Superconducting Quantum Computers - Quantum Computing Report - November 23rd, 2024 [November 23rd, 2024]
- IBM and Pasqal to Advance Quantum-Centric Supercomputing with a Unified Framework - Quantum Computing Report - November 23rd, 2024 [November 23rd, 2024]
- Up 43% Today, This Quantum Computing Stock Has More Than Tripled In November - Barchart - November 21st, 2024 [November 21st, 2024]
- Quantum computing making leap from theoretical to practical - Hamburg Invest - November 21st, 2024 [November 21st, 2024]
- Google Unveils AlphaQubit: AI-Driven Breakthrough in Quantum Error Correction - Quantum Computing Report - November 21st, 2024 [November 21st, 2024]
- Lightsynq Comes Out of Stealth with $18 Million in Series A Funding to Scale Quantum Computing - The Quantum Insider - November 21st, 2024 [November 21st, 2024]
- How Clean Does a Quantum Computing Test Facility Need to Be? - HPCwire - November 21st, 2024 [November 21st, 2024]
- Alice & Bob Launch Dynamiqs: A GPU-Accelerated Library for High-Speed Quantum Simulations - Quantum Computing Report - November 21st, 2024 [November 21st, 2024]
- Microsoft and Atom Computing Are Taking Orders for a Fault Tolerant Quantum Computer with 1K (Physical) / 50 (Logical) Qubits for Delivery Next Year -... - November 21st, 2024 [November 21st, 2024]
- Nurturing The Emerging Ecosystem Of Industry-Academia Collaboration In Quantum Computing - NDTV Profit - November 21st, 2024 [November 21st, 2024]
- Microsoft and Atom Computing leap ahead on the quantum frontier with logical qubits - GeekWire - November 21st, 2024 [November 21st, 2024]
- Quantum Computing and the Evolving Cyber Threat Landscape - The Soufan Center - November 16th, 2024 [November 16th, 2024]
- What is quantum computing and how might it impact financial services? - Lloyds Banking Group - November 16th, 2024 [November 16th, 2024]
- Quantum Computing to sell 16M shares at $2.50 in registered direct offering - TipRanks - November 16th, 2024 [November 16th, 2024]
- How 'clean' does a quantum computing test facility need to be? - Phys.org - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- Quantum Computing Shares Are Up By More Than 70%: Here's What You Need To Know - Benzinga - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- In step forward for quantum computing hardware, IU physicist uncovers novel behavior in quantum-driven superconductors - IU Newsroom - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- Closing in on quantum computing with error mitigation - ComputerWeekly.com - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- IQM unveils roadmap focused on fault-tolerant quantum computing by 2030 - Scientific Computing World - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- Quantum Computing is Coming - Is the Insurance Industry Ready? - - Insurance Edge - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- Could Diamonds Unlock Improved Qubits for Quantum Computing? - Securities.io - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- Enterprise Quantum Computing Market on Track for 29.7% CAGR | Key Growth Drivers and Future Opportunities - openPR - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- Equal1s Quantum Computing Breakthough with Arm Technology - Arm Newsroom - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- Quantum Algorithms Institute Partners with AbaQus and InvestDEFY to Enhance Financial Forecasting with Quantum Computing - Quantum Computing Report - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- SemiQon and SDT Partner to Scale Quantum Computing with Silicon-Based QPUs - Quantum Computing Report - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- The CIO's quantum leap into the cloud: Integrating quantum computing into cloud infrastructure - ITPro - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- Massachusetts Invests $5 Million in New Quantum Computing Facility in Holyoke - This Week In Worcester - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- Hamad Bin Khalifa University and Quantinuum Partner to Advance Quantum Computing in Qatar - The Quantum Insider - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- Hamad Bin Khalifa University Partners with Quantinuum to Boost Quantum Computing Research in Qatar - Quantum Computing Report - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- Singtel Expands Quantum-Safe Network with Palo Alto Networks and Fortinet Integration - Quantum Computing Report - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- Quantum Computing Company to Part With General Counsel - Law.com - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Researchers from the University of Sydney demonstrate more effieicnt quantum error correction - Scientific Computing World - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Quantum computing will be the next big tech trend to have a major impact on marketing, says Citi CMO Alex Craddock - Business Insider - November 10th, 2024 [November 10th, 2024]
- A Look At The Official Opening of UKs National Quantum Computing Centre - The Quantum Insider - November 10th, 2024 [November 10th, 2024]
- IonQ Partners with imec to Advance Quantum Computing with Photonic Integrated Circuits and Chip-Scale Ion Traps - Quantum Computing Report - November 10th, 2024 [November 10th, 2024]
- BTQ Technologies and Macquarie University Partner to Drive Quantum Computing and Secure Communications - Quantum Computing Report - November 10th, 2024 [November 10th, 2024]
- IonQ to Acquire the Assets of Qubitekk to Strengthen Its Position in Quantum Networking Technology - Quantum Computing Report - November 10th, 2024 [November 10th, 2024]
- From nuclear to quantum computing, how Big Tech intends to power AI's insatiable thirst for energy - CNBC - November 10th, 2024 [November 10th, 2024]
- Quantum Computing and Critical Infrastructure - The Quantum Insider - October 16th, 2024 [October 16th, 2024]
- A Superconducting Waltz: Elia Strambini on the Quantum Future of Computing - The Quantum Insider - October 16th, 2024 [October 16th, 2024]
- Quantum computing and photonics discovery potentially shrinks critical parts by 1,000 times - Phys.org - October 16th, 2024 [October 16th, 2024]
- Nu Quantum Announces the Qubit-Photon Interface for Modular and Scalable Distributed Quantum Computing - The Quantum Insider - October 16th, 2024 [October 16th, 2024]
- How to Invest in Quantum Computing Companies (Updated 2024) - Investing News Network - October 16th, 2024 [October 16th, 2024]
- IBM pitches camp in Germany to prepare Quantum Computing for the real world - diginomica - October 16th, 2024 [October 16th, 2024]
- Purifications, Fidelity & the Future of Computing - The Quantum Insider - October 16th, 2024 [October 16th, 2024]
- Making quantum computing more accessible and applicable to real-world challenges - Scientific Computing World - October 16th, 2024 [October 16th, 2024]
- The future of quantum computing and cybersecurity in telecommunications - Telefnica - October 16th, 2024 [October 16th, 2024]
- Chinese Quantum Computing Threat Highlights Urgency for Quantum eMotion's Quantum Security Solutions - Newsfile - October 16th, 2024 [October 16th, 2024]
- Qunova Computing Achieves Chemical Accuracy in Quantum Chemistry Simulations with Innovative Hardware-Agnostic Algorithm on NISQ Devices - Quantum... - October 16th, 2024 [October 16th, 2024]
- Quantum Computing Transformed by Breakthrough Photonic Technology - SciTechDaily - October 12th, 2024 [October 12th, 2024]
- How Is Quantum Computing Being Used in Healthcare? - HealthTech Magazine - October 12th, 2024 [October 12th, 2024]
- IBM Quantum Roadmap Guide -- Scaling And Expanding The Usefulness of Quantum Computing - The Quantum Insider - October 12th, 2024 [October 12th, 2024]
- Toyota and Xanadu Partner to Bring Quantum Computing to Advanced Materials Science and Sensing Applications - The Quantum Insider - October 12th, 2024 [October 12th, 2024]
- 'Invisibility' and quantum computing tipped for physics Nobel - Yahoo! Voices - October 12th, 2024 [October 12th, 2024]
- Airbus Selects Multiverse Computing to Build Quantum-inspired Gesture Recognition Software For Fighter Pilots - The Quantum Insider - October 12th, 2024 [October 12th, 2024]
- From Legacy to Innovation: Banks' Path to Cloud, AI, and Quantum Computing - Finextra - October 12th, 2024 [October 12th, 2024]
- IBM Executive Stories: Bringing Useful Quantum Computing to the World - IBM - October 7th, 2024 [October 7th, 2024]
- Quantum Computing Market to Soar to $7.1B by 2031 with 30.7% CAGR - openPR - October 7th, 2024 [October 7th, 2024]
- Quantum Computing Market Is Going to Boom | Major Giants IBM, Google, Rigetti, Microsoft, Intel - openPR - October 7th, 2024 [October 7th, 2024]
- Will IBM's Focus on Quantum Computing Propel the Stock? - Yahoo Finance - October 7th, 2024 [October 7th, 2024]
- Nu Quantums Platform For Networking Quantum Computers Hosted at The UK's National Quantum Computing Centre - The Quantum Insider - October 7th, 2024 [October 7th, 2024]
- Quantum Computing for Real-world Applications with Professor Naoki Yamamoto of Keio University - The Quantum Insider - October 7th, 2024 [October 7th, 2024]
- University of Queensland (UQ) is Receiving $29 million AUD ($19.7M USD) in Funding for Quantum Research and Scholarships - Quantum Computing Report - October 7th, 2024 [October 7th, 2024]
- History of quantum computing: 12 key moments that shaped the future of computers - Livescience.com - October 3rd, 2024 [October 3rd, 2024]
- Quantum Sensors: Atom Interferometry. Part 3: Space is the Place - Quantum Computing Report - October 3rd, 2024 [October 3rd, 2024]
- D-Wave and Japan Tobacco Collaborate on a Quantum AI-Driven Drug Discovery Proof-of-Concept - Quantum Computing Report - October 3rd, 2024 [October 3rd, 2024]
- March-Ins on Quantum Computing is the Newest of Threats to Free Enterprise - ShortGo - October 3rd, 2024 [October 3rd, 2024]
- Quantum computing and the future of cryptography: Understanding the imminent threat - Backend News - October 3rd, 2024 [October 3rd, 2024]
- Quantum for AI: Weather Forecasting. Are we There Yet? - Quantum Computing Report - September 28th, 2024 [September 28th, 2024]
- US Implements Controls on Quantum Computing and other Technologies - HPCwire - September 28th, 2024 [September 28th, 2024]
- IBM opens its quantum-computing stack to third parties - Ars Technica - September 28th, 2024 [September 28th, 2024]
- G7 cyber group warns financial sector to prep for quantum computing risks - The Record from Recorded Future News - September 28th, 2024 [September 28th, 2024]
- IonQ Signs a $54.5 Million Contract with AFRL for Research in Both Quantum Computing and Quantum Networking - Quantum Computing Report - September 28th, 2024 [September 28th, 2024]
- Quantum computing what you need to know - Information Age - September 28th, 2024 [September 28th, 2024]
- AI and Quantum Computing Form Strong Bond to Power Materials Discovery Innovation -- SandboxAQ, EY Researchers Report - The Quantum Insider - September 28th, 2024 [September 28th, 2024]
- University of Iowa Technology Institute researcher secures nearly $1 million grant to advance quantum computing - Corridor Business - September 28th, 2024 [September 28th, 2024]
- Quantum Computing vs. Blockchain: Will It Break the System? - CCN.com - September 28th, 2024 [September 28th, 2024]
- The Pervasiveness of Machine Learning in Quantum Technology - Quantum Computing Report - September 28th, 2024 [September 28th, 2024]
- BlueQubit Launches Plugin for Pennylane to Enable Quantum Simulations on BlueQubits Platform - Quantum Computing Report - September 28th, 2024 [September 28th, 2024]