Harvard Researchers Create Largest Continuous Quantum Machine, Overcoming Key Hurdle

Scientists at Harvard have developed a quantum computer system with over 3,000 qubits that can operate continuously for over two hours without restarting. This represents a significant step towards building supercomputers that could revolutionize science, medicine, finance, and other fields. The system uses neutral atoms and addresses the problem of "atom loss," where qubits escape and lose coded information, allowing for continuous operation and exponential increases in processing power.

Harvard scientists have developed a quantum computer system with over 3,000 qubits that can operate continuously for over two hours without restarting. This represents a significant step towards building supercomputers that could revolutionize science, medicine, finance, and other fields. The system uses neutral atoms and addresses the problem of "atom loss," where qubits escape and lose coded information, allowing for continuous operation and exponential increases in processing power.

Meanwhile, IonQ and Kipu Quantum have announced a record-breaking achievement in quantum computing. The collaboration has successfully solved the most complex known protein folding problem ever executed on a quantum computer. The joint effort involved Kipu Quantum's innovative algorithmic framework and IonQ's state-of-the-art hardware, demonstrating the synergy between the two.

The collaboration solved a 3D use case of up to 12 amino acids, an industry record on its own, and a promising path towards commercial use of quantum computing for drug discovery. Additionally, they tackled all-to-all connected spin-glass problems (QUBO) and MAX-4-SAT problems (HUBO) using up to 36 qubits, obtaining optimal solutions in all instances, another industry record for dense digital quantum computing problems executed on quantum hardware.

The results of this collaboration advance the frontier of near-term quantum computing and have the potential to make a large impact on biology and drug development. The collaboration utilized IonQ’s Forte generation systems and Kipu Quantum’s flagship BF-DCQO (Bias-Field Digitized Counterdiabatic Quantum Optimization) algorithm. The BF-DCQO algorithm provides a non-variational, iterative method that is both accurate and resource-efficient.

“Connectivity between qubits in quantum computing impacts efficiency and accuracy. Having all-to-all connectivity means faster time to solution, with higher quality results, and is a unique characteristic of trapped-ion systems. Combining that with Kipu’s unique quantum algorithms results in unparalleled performance with minimal resources, a sine qua non path to quantum advantage with IonQ’s next-generation system,” said Prof. Enrique Solano, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Kipu Quantum.

Ariel Braunstein, SVP of Product at IonQ, added, “Our collaboration with Kipu Quantum has delivered breakthroughs in both speed and quality that sets a new standard for what’s possible in quantum computing today. This collaboration demonstrates the value of every part of IonQ’s quantum computing stack – from the quality of our qubits and how they are connected, to our compiler and operating system to how error mitigation techniques are applied. Kipu’s capabilities complement IonQ’s cutting-edge systems perfectly and this collaboration is only the first step in our mutual pursuit of near-term commercial value for customers across multiple industries.”

IonQ and Kipu Quantum will extend their collaboration with early access to IonQ’s upcoming 64-qubit and 256-qubit chips, unlocking the potential to address even larger, industrially relevant challenges. Both companies are exploring additional use cases capable of delivering quantum-advantage in the near term across drug discovery, logistics, and material design.

These advancements in quantum computing technology signify a significant step forward in the quest for practical, scalable, and impactful quantum computers. As these technologies continue to evolve, they promise to transform various industries, from pharmaceuticals to finance, by solving complex problems that are currently intractable.