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Quantum-centric computing is already solving high-value chemistry challenges

Quantum-centric computing is already solving high-value chemistry challenges
Source: interestingengineering
Author: @IntEngineering
Published: 8/22/2025

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IBM and Japan’s RIKEN Center have achieved a significant milestone in quantum chemistry by simulating the energy states of a complex molecule using a 77-qubit quantum processor—the largest number of qubits applied to a real-world quantum chemistry problem to date. This breakthrough was accomplished through a hybrid quantum-classical computing approach, combining IBM’s Heron quantum processor with RIKEN’s Fugaku supercomputer. This collaboration demonstrated that quantum-centric supercomputing, where quantum processing units (QPUs) work alongside classical CPUs and GPUs, can solve challenging chemistry problems previously thought to require fully fault-tolerant quantum computers. Their findings were published in Science Advances, highlighting that this hybrid model is not merely transitional but may represent the most effective near-term use of quantum computing. The hybrid approach leverages the strengths of both quantum and classical computing: quantum processors handle complex calculations that scale exponentially, while classical systems excel at tasks like data entry, memory access, and rendering graphics. Experts emphasize that classical computing remains highly

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quantum-computinghybrid-computingsupercomputersquantum-processorsmaterials-researchenergy-simulationchemistry-challenges