IBM, Riken switch on new quantum computer in Japan

IBM and Japanese national research lab Riken have deployed the first IBM Quantum System Two outside of the United States and beyond an IBM quantum data centre.

The new system, which features IBM’s 156-qubit IBM Quantum Heron chip, is collocated with Riken’s Fugaku supercomputer within the Riken Centre for Computational Science, Japan’s high-performance computer centre. According to IBM, the computers are linked through a “high-speed network at the fundamental instruction level” to be used for “quantum-centric” supercomputing to speed advanced algorithm research, such as fundamental chemistry problems.

“This low-level integration allows Riken and IBM engineers to develop parallelised workloads, low-latency classical-quantum communication protocols, and advanced compilation passes and libraries,” IBM explained.

“Because quantum and classical systems will ultimately offer different computational strengths, this will allow each paradigm to seamlessly perform the parts of an algorithm for which it is best suited.”

Unique partnership: classical supercomputer & quantum computer

“The future of computing is quantum-centric and with our partners at Riken, we are taking a big step forward to make this vision a reality,” said IBM Quantum VP Jay Gambetta.

“The new IBM Quantum System Two powered by our latest Heron processor and connected to Fugaku, will allow scientists and engineers to push the limits of what is possible.”

IBM and Riken expect the installation to expand previous achievements by Riken and IBM researchers.

“By combining Fugaku and the IBM Quantum System Two, Riken aims to lead Japan into a new era of high-performance computing,” said Mitsuhisa Sato, division director of the quantum-HPC hybrid platform division at Riken Centre for Computational Science.

“Our mission is to develop and demonstrate practical quantum-HPC hybrid workflows that can be explored by both the scientific community and industry. The connection of these two systems enables us to take critical steps toward realizing this vision.”

The deployment of the new computer is supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO), an organisation that sits under the jurisdiction of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

Its hope? To enhance Japan’s infrastructure in a post-5G world and put it at the leading edge of information and communication systems.

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