IBM and AMD Collaborate on Hybrid Quantum Systems, Q-CTRL Secures DARPA Contracts, New Mexico Seeks Quantum Hub Status, SkyWater Expands Quantum Manufacturing Base.

IBM and AMD partner on hybrid quantum systems, combining quantum processors with AMD's CPUs, GPUs, and AI chips for supercomputing. Q-CTRL wins $38 million DARPA contracts for quantum navigation tools. New Mexico aims to become a US quantum hub with a six-block Innovation District in Albuquerque. SkyWater Technology anticipates 30% revenue growth in 2025, focusing on superconducting design platforms and chip integration.

IBM and AMD have joined forces to develop next-generation computing architectures that combine quantum computers and high-performance computing (HPC). Dubbed quantum-centric supercomputing, this collaboration aims to create hybrid systems capable of solving complex problems beyond the reach of classical computing alone [1].

The partnership leverages IBM's leadership in quantum computing and software, particularly its modular Quantum System Two, and AMD's expertise in high-performance computing (HPC) and AI accelerators. This integration allows quantum computers to handle tasks like molecular simulations in drug discovery, while AMD's HPC infrastructure processes vast datasets and optimizes results [1]. A critical component of this collaboration is real-time error correction, a technical hurdle for scalable quantum computing. AMD's HPC and AI expertise are expected to address this challenge, directly supporting IBM's roadmap to deliver fault-tolerant quantum computers by 2030 [1]. Additionally, open-source ecosystems like IBM's Qiskit will play a role in democratizing access to hybrid algorithms, accelerating adoption across industries [1].

Q-CTRL, a quantum infrastructure software startup, has been awarded a $38 million contract by the US Department of Defense's DARPA agency. The funding is for Q-CTRL’s quantum sensing technologies in high-performance military vehicles, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin. This comes as GPS becomes increasingly vulnerable to attack, with over 1,000 flights a day disrupted by GPS jamming incidents, costing over $1 billion daily. Quantum sensing is seen as a solution in a market that could be worth up to $5 billion by 2030 [2].

In another development, New Mexico aims to become a US quantum hub with a six-block Innovation District in Albuquerque. This initiative is part of the state's broader strategy to attract quantum technology companies and foster innovation in the field [3].

SkyWater Technology (NASDAQ: SKYT) anticipates 30% revenue growth in 2025, focusing on superconducting design platforms and chip integration. The company aims to position itself as a key player in the quantum revolution, providing foundry services for quantum processors [3].

References:
[1] https://www.ainvest.com/news/ibm-amd-collaborate-quantum-centric-supercomputing-2508-83/
[2] https://www.startupdaily.net/topic/quantum-computing/sydney-quantum-startup-q-ctrl-bags-38-million-us-defence-contract-for-gps-free-navigation-sensors/
[3] https://seekingalpha.com/article/4816594-skywater-technology-more-than-a-foundry-a-grounded-bet-on-the-quantum-revolution?source=affiliate_program:stockanalysis.com&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=stockanalysis.com&affid=858&oid=16&transaction=96a77ccef4734b7bb7095232f7ee5b3f