IBM has announced the launch of two new quantum processing units (QPUs), Condor and Heron. The Condor QPU has 1,121 qubits and is currently the second-fastest in the world, while the smaller Heron QPU has 133 qubits and can be combined with other QPUs. IBM has already operationalized a new quantum computer, Quantum System Two, at its lab in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., which runs three Heron QPUs. These advancements keep IBM on track with its public roadmap and position the company as a leader in the quantum computing race.
According to Gartner analyst Chirag Dekate, around 300 of the world’s largest enterprises, including Boeing, BMW, and Goldman Sachs, are investing in quantum computing strategies. While these companies are not yet using quantum computers for their operations, they are assessing processes that could benefit from quantum’s capabilities in the future, such as workflow optimization in areas like business processes and manufacturing design.
Experts emphasize that the development of a functional and efficient quantum computer is highly sought after by major players like China, IBM, Google, Microsoft, and Honeywell. The nation or company that successfully achieves this milestone will have a major advantage in the global economy.
Furthermore, businesses that are researching quantum computing are not only analyzing the suitability of their processes for these technologies but also figuring out how to develop applications that can run on quantum computers. This proactive approach will give them a competitive edge when quantum computing becomes more widely available.
IBM’s commitment to its public roadmap and the hardware’s potential has captured the attention of enterprises. This week, the company extended its roadmap to 2033. Other companies like Google, IonQ, Microsoft, and Quantium are also developing quantum systems, albeit mostly in vendor labs or academic institutions. The Cleveland Clinic, for instance, installed an IBM quantum computer on-site earlier this year for cancer research.
Although quantum computers are not currently well-suited for running generative artificial intelligence (AI), they can be used to write application code for quantum computing. However, quantum computers could excel in machine learning processes that could accelerate drug discovery or aircraft design.
Enterprises seeking an innovation edge and future dominance in quantum technologies are advised to start investing in quantum and building their core capabilities today. Quantum systems are not expected to replace classical computers but rather to work alongside them.
Overall, the advancements in quantum computing are attracting significant interest from enterprise organizations, and those that get ahead in this arena are likely to have a competitive advantage in the future.