IBM and Illinois Team Up to Propel Quantum Computing with the National Quantum Algorithm Center

December 12, 2024 – In a significant stride toward advancing quantum computing, IBM, alongside Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, has announced a collaborative initiative to establish the National Quantum Algorithm Center. This center will be strategically located in the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) in Chicago. This development heralds a new era in computing, as it aims to foster the growth of quantum-centric supercomputing and drive the discovery of useful quantum applications across various industries.

The cornerstone of this ambitious project is the deployment of IBM’s cutting-edge quantum computer, the IBM Quantum System Two, at the IQMP. This state-of-the-art system is expected to be operational in Chicago within the next year. It will be powered by IBM Quantum Heron, a processor capable of executing utility-scale algorithms, which surpass the limitations of conventional brute-force classical simulation methods.

The IBM Quantum System Two will be integrated with Qiskit, IBM’s high-performance quantum software. Qiskit is engineered to extend the length and complexity of quantum circuits, enabling it to produce precise outcomes for problems of scientific and research significance. This advanced capability is set to benefit Illinois’ thriving ecosystem of quantum researchers and innovators, spanning academia, national laboratories, and various industries. It provides a platform to explore how quantum-centric supercomputing can address intricate industry challenges.

Quantum-Centric Supercomputing: The Next Frontier

IBM envisions quantum-centric supercomputing as the next evolution in high-performance computing. This approach integrates quantum and classical computers with performant software, allowing each system to tackle parts of complex algorithms best suited to their respective architectures. This hybrid approach aims to enable users to run applications that are either inaccessible or challenging for each computing paradigm individually.

Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We are proud of the progress we have made to bring useful quantum technology to the world. This new partnership with the State of Illinois and its thriving innovation ecosystem brings us one step closer to defining the future of computing. With IBM’s best performing quantum hardware and software at the heart of Illinois’ innovation network, we can truly unlock the potential of quantum computing to solve the world’s hardest problems."

Governor JB Pritzker echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the transformative potential of the National Quantum Algorithm Center. "We’re making Illinois the global quantum capital and the center for job growth in the quantum industry – a true center of innovation with the power to solve the world’s most pressing and complex challenges and create jobs and investment for our state," said Pritzker. "The groundbreaking National Quantum Algorithm Center in Illinois represents a transformative step forward, whose impact will reverberate throughout the tech industry and beyond."

Collaboration and Innovation at the Core

The National Quantum Algorithm Center will serve as a collaborative hub where quantum information experts, experimentalists, and domain specialists from various industries converge to pursue a unified objective: uncovering previously unknown algorithms that leverage quantum-centric computing. These teams will engage in rigorous experimentation to determine how to execute workloads for complex industry challenges within future hybrid supercomputing architectures.

IBM will leverage its pioneering role in bringing practical quantum computing to the world, drawing on its existing relationships with Illinois academic and industry leaders. Notable collaborations include partnerships with the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, as well as affiliations with the Chicago Quantum Exchange and the U.S. Economic Development Administration-designated Bloch Quantum Technology Hub.

Paul Alivisatos, President of the University of Chicago, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, "IBM’s decision to engage more deeply with our vibrant Illinois quantum ecosystem marks a new phase in the development of quantum information technologies. UChicago faculty and students will be able to deepen and expand their work in this area in collaboration with IBM scientists, colleagues from other universities, and many interested companies. The development of new algorithms is the next step to demonstrating effective quantum computations across a wide range of important problems and sectors."

Similarly, Harley Johnson, Director and CEO of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, expressed excitement about the initiative. "We’re thrilled to partner with IBM to bring the National Quantum Algorithm Center to life and look forward to hosting its state-of-the-art Quantum Computer as part of the IQMP," he said. "The IQMP is building upon Illinois’ strong existing ecosystem of top-tier talent, research centers, universities, and more to further establish our state as a global hub for quantum, and all of the economic growth and technological advancement that comes with it."

The Path Forward for Quantum Innovation

The announcement of the National Quantum Algorithm Center marks a pivotal moment in Illinois’ journey to becoming a world leader in quantum research and development. John Atkinson, Chairman of Intersect Illinois, highlighted the strategic importance of this initiative, stating, "The announcement of the National Quantum Algorithm Center in collaboration with IBM and some of our brightest higher education institutions is a pivotal moment in Illinois’ trajectory toward becoming a world leader in quantum research and development."

This initiative underscores the collaborative spirit that characterizes Illinois’ quantum ecosystem, uniting universities, national labs, industry leaders, and state government. Rashid Bashir, Dean of The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, emphasized this collaborative ecosystem, stating, "The great promise of quantum innovation is being realized through powerful partnerships with industry leaders like IBM connecting further to our universities, national labs, and state government. Our collaborative ecosystem is perfectly positioned to lead the National Quantum Algorithm Center through world-renowned faculty and students, and an entrepreneurial spirit that answers the most pressing questions of our time."

About IBM

IBM is a leader in global hybrid cloud and AI, providing consulting expertise to clients in over 175 countries. The company helps organizations capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge in their industries. With more than 4,000 government and corporate clients in critical infrastructure sectors such as financial services, telecommunications, and healthcare, IBM’s hybrid cloud platform, powered by Red Hat OpenShift, facilitates efficient and secure digital transformations. IBM’s groundbreaking innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions, and consulting offer open and flexible options to clients, backed by a long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity, and service. For more information, visit ibm.com.

In conclusion, the establishment of the National Quantum Algorithm Center in Illinois marks a significant step forward in the journey towards realizing the full potential of quantum computing. This collaborative effort between IBM, Illinois, and various academic and industry partners sets the stage for groundbreaking advancements in quantum research and development. As quantum-centric supercomputing continues to evolve, the world can anticipate transformative solutions to some of its most complex challenges, driven by the power of quantum innovation.

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