IBM and AMD Partner to Advance Quantum Computing for Drug Discovery and Climate Modeling

IBM and AMD are partnering to advance quantum-centric supercomputing, combining IBM's quantum hardware and software expertise with AMD's strength in high-performance computing and AI acceleration. The collaboration aims to build scalable, open-source platforms that integrate quantum and classical systems to solve problems beyond the reach of traditional computing. Target applications include drug discovery, climate modeling, and advanced optimization. The move comes as momentum in quantum computing accelerates globally, with the quantum technology market projected to grow from $4 billion in 2024 to $97 billion by 2035.

IBM (NYSE: IBM) and AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) have announced a strategic partnership to develop next-generation computing architectures that combine quantum computers with high-performance computing systems. This collaboration aims to leverage IBM's expertise in quantum hardware and software with AMD's strength in high-performance computing and AI acceleration to create scalable, open-source platforms. The goal is to integrate quantum and classical systems to solve complex problems that are currently beyond the reach of traditional computing.

The partnership will focus on integrating AMD's CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs with IBM's quantum computers to accelerate a new class of algorithms that neither quantum nor classical computing could efficiently handle independently. This hybrid approach could significantly enhance the capabilities of both technologies, enabling more efficient problem-solving in various fields, including drug discovery, climate modeling, and advanced optimization.

IBM's Chairman and CEO, Arvind Krishna, emphasized the potential of quantum computing, stating, "Quantum computing will simulate the natural world and represent information in an entirely new way. By exploring how IBM quantum computers and AMD's advanced high-performance compute technologies can work together, we will build a powerful hybrid model that pushes past the limits of traditional computing."

AMD's Chair and CEO, Dr. Lisa Su, echoed this sentiment, noting, "High-performance computing is the foundation for solving the world's most important challenges. As we partner with IBM to explore the convergence of high-performance computing and quantum technologies, we see tremendous opportunities to accelerate discovery and innovation."

The initial demonstration of this hybrid quantum-classical workflow is scheduled for later this year. Additionally, the companies will explore how open-source ecosystems, such as Qiskit, could support the development of algorithms that leverage this hybrid approach. IBM has already taken steps toward integrating quantum and classical computing through partnerships with organizations including RIKEN, Cleveland Clinic, and Lockheed Martin.

AMD currently powers the world’s two fastest supercomputers according to the TOP500 list: Frontier at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and El Capitan at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. This partnership comes as momentum in quantum computing accelerates globally, with the quantum technology market projected to grow from $4 billion in 2024 to $97 billion by 2035 [1].

References:
[1] https://newsroom.ibm.com/2025-08-26-IBM-and-AMD-Join-Forces-to-Build-the-Future-of-Computing
[2] https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/ibm-and-amd-partner-to-develop-quantumcentric-supercomputing-93CH-4210428