Articles tagged with "quantum-computing"
Startups Weekly: Still running
The "Startups Weekly: Still running" article provides a comprehensive roundup of recent developments in the startup ecosystem, highlighting key funding rounds, strategic moves, and emerging trends. Notably, design company Figma is preparing for an IPO that could raise up to $1.5 billion, signaling strong investor interest. Meanwhile, startups like Cluely are gaining traction with aggressive marketing and growing revenues, and fintech entrepreneur Darragh Buckley has achieved a significant milestone with his new venture, Increase. The newsletter also touches on corporate challenges in adopting AI tools, with insights from Brex illustrating broader industry struggles. On the venture capital and funding front, several notable deals are underway: Revolut is seeking a new funding round, SpaceX is raising capital, and micromobility and climate-focused startups like Terra CO2 and Tulum Energy are making strides in sustainability. Genesis AI is advancing foundational models for robotics, while Israeli quantum startup Qedma secures investment from IBM, emphasizing collaborative progress in quantum
robotAIstartupsenergyhydrogen-technologyquantum-computingmaterialsPhysicists double qubit coherence, opening door to faster quantum computing
Researchers at Aalto University in Finland have achieved a breakthrough in quantum computing by doubling the coherence time of transmon qubits, reaching an echo coherence time of 1 millisecond—significantly surpassing the previous record of approximately 0.6 milliseconds. Coherence time measures how long a qubit can maintain its quantum state without errors caused by environmental noise, which is critical for performing complex quantum operations with high fidelity. Longer coherence times reduce the reliance on extensive quantum error correction, a major hurdle in scaling quantum computers to practical, fault-tolerant devices. The team fabricated high-quality transmon qubits using superconducting materials sourced from Finland’s national research institute, VTT, and utilized advanced cleanroom facilities at Aalto University. This advancement not only marks a significant scientific milestone but also strengthens Finland’s position as a global leader in quantum technology. Supported by initiatives like the Finnish Quantum Flagship and the Academy of Finland’s Centre of Excellence in Quantum Technology, the researchers anticipate that industrial and commercial
materialsquantum-computingqubitssuperconducting-materialscoherence-timequantum-technologyquantum-error-correctionScientists isolate lone spinon in breakthrough for quantum magnetism
Scientists have achieved a significant breakthrough in quantum magnetism by isolating a lone spinon, a quasiparticle previously thought to exist only in pairs. Spinons arise as quantum disturbances in low-dimensional magnetic systems, particularly one-dimensional spin chains, where flipping a single electron spin creates a ripple that behaves like a particle carrying spin ½. Historically, spinons were observed only in pairs, reinforcing the belief that they could not exist independently. However, a new theoretical study by physicists from the University of Warsaw and the University of British Columbia demonstrated that a single unpaired spin can move freely through a spin-½ Heisenberg chain, effectively acting as a solitary spinon. This theoretical finding gained experimental support from recent work led by C. Zhao, published in Nature Materials, which observed spin-½ excitations in nanographene-based antiferromagnetic chains consistent with lone spinon behavior. The ability to isolate and understand single spinons has profound implications for quantum science, as spinons are closely
quantum-magnetismspinonsquantum-materialsmagnetic-materialsquantum-computingnanographenequantum-entanglementFirst zero-temp symmetry break hits 80% fidelity in quantum test
An international team of researchers from China, Spain, Denmark, and Brazil has achieved a significant breakthrough by simulating spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) at absolute zero temperature using a superconducting quantum processor. This marks the first time SSB has been simulated at zero temperature with about 80% fidelity, representing a major milestone in condensed matter physics and demonstrating new quantum computing applications. SSB is a fundamental phenomenon in physics that explains the emergence of complex structures and conservation laws, but observing it at near absolute zero is challenging due to material immobility. Classical computers have struggled with such simulations, which are typically limited to temperatures above zero and require extensive processing time. The researchers leveraged quantum computing’s unique capabilities—entanglement and superposition—to overcome these limitations. Unlike classical computers that process computations sequentially, quantum processors handle multiple possibilities simultaneously, exponentially speeding up simulations. The experiment used a quantum circuit of seven superconducting qubits made from aluminum and niobium alloys, operating near one millikelvin
quantum-computingsuperconducting-qubitsquantum-simulationmaterials-sciencecondensed-matter-physicsquantum-processorslow-temperature-physicsIsraeli quantum startup Qedma just raised $26 million, with IBM joining in
Israeli quantum computing startup Qedma has raised $26 million in a Series A funding round led by Israeli VC firm Glilot+, with participation from existing investors like TPY Capital, new investors including Korean Investment Partners, and notably IBM. Qedma specializes in quantum error mitigation software, particularly its flagship product QESEM (quantum error suppression and error mitigation), which analyzes and reduces noise-induced errors in quantum computations both during execution and in post-processing. This approach enables more accurate quantum circuit runs on current hardware without waiting for full error correction advancements at the hardware level. IBM’s involvement reflects its strategy to foster a collaborative quantum ecosystem by partnering with companies focused on software layers, complementing its own hardware and software development efforts. IBM’s VP of Quantum, Jay Gambetta, emphasized the importance of community efforts to achieve scientifically accepted definitions of “quantum advantage”—the point where quantum computers demonstrably outperform classical ones. Qedma’s CEO, Asif Sinay, expressed optimism that the company could
quantum-computingerror-correctionquantum-softwareIBMquantum-advantagequantum-hardwarematerials-scienceQuantum ‘translator’: A tiny silicon chip links microwaves and light like never before
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a tiny silicon chip that acts as a highly efficient quantum "translator," converting signals between microwaves (used in quantum computing) and light (used in communication) with up to 95% efficiency and almost zero noise. This conversion is crucial because microwaves, while integral to quantum computers, cannot travel long distances effectively, whereas optical photons can. The chip achieves this by incorporating tiny magnetic defects in silicon that trap electrons; these electrons flip states to mediate the conversion without absorbing energy, preserving the fragile quantum information and entanglement necessary for quantum communication. This innovation addresses a major challenge in creating a quantum internet, enabling quantum computers to remain entangled over long distances, potentially across cities or continents. Unlike previous devices, the UBC chip works bidirectionally, adds minimal noise, and operates with extremely low power consumption using superconducting materials. While still theoretical and requiring physical realization, this design represents a significant advance toward secure, ultra-fast quantum networks that
quantum-computingsilicon-chipquantum-communicationmicrowave-to-optical-conversionquantum-internetquantum-materialsphotonicsCryo chip runs qubits at -273°C using just 10 microwatts of power
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a cryogenic control chip capable of operating directly alongside quantum bits (qubits) at near absolute zero temperatures (milli-kelvin range) while consuming just 10 microwatts of power. This chip, designed using standard CMOS technology, controls spin qubits—data stored in the magnetic orientation of single electrons—and maintains qubit coherence and fidelity without measurable degradation compared to conventional room-temperature setups. The chip’s low power consumption and minimal noise interference enable scalable quantum computing systems potentially reaching millions of qubits without significant energy increases. Led by Professor David Reilly, the team demonstrated that their cryogenic chip causes negligible fidelity loss in single- and two-qubit operations and does not reduce coherence times, overcoming a major hurdle in building large-scale quantum computers. The research is driving commercial interest, with Emergence Quantum, co-founded by Reilly and Dr. Thomas Ohki, aiming to bring this technology to market. This advance supports efforts to integrate silicon qubits with
energyquantum-computingcryogenic-technologylow-power-electronicssilicon-chipqubitsquantum-controlUltra-efficient amplifier slashes quantum computer's power use by 90%
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a novel amplifier for quantum computers that reduces power consumption by 90% compared to existing models. This breakthrough addresses a critical challenge in quantum computing—decoherence, which occurs when heat and electromagnetic interference from amplifiers disrupt qubit states during measurement. The new amplifier activates only when needed, significantly cutting heat generation and thus minimizing errors in qubit readout. This advancement could enable the construction of larger, more stable quantum computers with increased numbers of qubits and improved computational performance. The key innovation lies in the amplifier’s pulse-operated functionality, which allows it to switch on briefly and precisely to read qubit signals without continuous power use. The team overcame the challenge of rapid activation by implementing a smart control system using genetic programming, enabling the amplifier to respond within 35 nanoseconds. This highly sensitive, low-noise semiconductor amplifier represents the most efficient transistor-based design currently achievable and is expected to help overcome a major technical bottleneck in scaling quantum computers.
energyquantum-computingamplifier-technologypower-efficiencydecoherence-reductionmicrowave-electronicssemiconductor-amplifiersJapan connects quantum and classical in historic supercomputing first
Japan has unveiled the world’s most advanced quantum–classical hybrid computing system by integrating IBM’s latest 156-qubit Heron quantum processor with its flagship Fugaku supercomputer. This historic installation, located in Kobe and operated by Japan’s national research lab RIKEN, represents the first IBM Quantum System Two deployed outside the U.S. The Heron processor offers a tenfold improvement in quality and speed over its predecessor, enabling it to run quantum circuits beyond the reach of classical brute-force simulations. This fusion of quantum and classical computing marks a significant step toward “quantum-centric supercomputing,” where the complementary strengths of both paradigms are harnessed to solve complex problems. The direct, low-latency connection between Heron and Fugaku allows for instruction-level coordination, facilitating the development of practical quantum-classical hybrid algorithms. Researchers at RIKEN plan to apply this system primarily to challenges in chemistry and materials science, aiming to pioneer high-performance computing workflows that benefit both scientific research and industry
quantum-computingsupercomputinghybrid-computingmaterials-sciencehigh-performance-computingIBM-QuantumRIKENWorld’s first quantum satellite computer launched in historic SpaceX rideshare
The world’s first quantum satellite computer was launched into orbit on June 23, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter 14 rideshare mission. Developed by an international team led by Philip Walther at the University of Vienna, this compact photonic quantum processor is designed to operate approximately 550 kilometers above Earth. The satellite aims to test the durability and performance of quantum hardware in the harsh conditions of space, including extreme temperature fluctuations, radiation, and vibrations. The device was assembled rapidly in a clean room at the German Aerospace Center, marking a significant engineering achievement. This quantum computer’s primary advantage lies in its ability to perform edge computing in orbit, processing data onboard rather than transmitting raw data back to Earth. This capability can enhance applications such as forest fire detection by reducing energy consumption and improving response times. Utilizing light-based optical systems, the processor efficiently handles complex computational tasks like Fourier transforms and convolutions. The system is adaptable for future missions and holds
quantum-computingsatellite-technologyspace-technologyenergy-efficiencyedge-computingEarth-observationphotonic-quantum-computerMIT builds new superconducting chip to power future quantum computers
Researchers at MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center have developed a superconducting diode (SD)-based rectifier chip that converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) at cryogenic temperatures, aiming to streamline power delivery in superconducting classical and quantum computers. This innovation addresses a critical challenge in quantum computing: reducing thermal and electromagnetic noise caused by numerous wires connecting ultra-cold components to ambient temperature systems. By integrating four superconducting diodes on a single chip, the team achieved efficient AC to DC conversion, potentially enhancing qubit stability and reducing interference, which is vital for the practical realization of quantum computers. Beyond quantum computing, the superconducting diode technology has broader applications, including serving as isolators or circulators to protect qubit signals and playing a role in dark matter detection circuits used in experiments at CERN and Berkeley National Laboratory. This advancement promises to make superconducting electronics more energy-efficient and practical, potentially revolutionizing computing power in the era of increasing demands from technologies like artificial intelligence. The
energysuperconducting-electronicsquantum-computingsuperconducting-diodepower-efficiencycryogenic-technologyMIT-researchNew approach allows to insert, monitor quantum defects in real time
Researchers from the UK’s universities of Oxford, Cambridge, and Manchester have developed a novel two-step fabrication method that enables the precise insertion and real-time monitoring of quantum defects—specifically Group IV centers such as tin-vacancy centers—in synthetic diamonds. These quantum defects, created by implanting single tin atoms into diamond with nanometer accuracy using a focused ion beam, serve as spin-photon interfaces essential for storing and transmitting quantum information. The process is activated and controlled via ultrafast laser annealing, which excites the defect centers without damaging the diamond and provides spectral feedback for in-situ monitoring and control during fabrication. This breakthrough addresses a major challenge in reliably producing Group IV quantum defects, which are prized for their high symmetry and favorable optical and spin properties. The ability to monitor defect activation in real time allows researchers to efficiently and precisely create quantum emitters, paving the way for scalable quantum networks that could enable ultrafast, secure quantum computing and sensing technologies. The method’s versatility also suggests
quantum-defectsdiamond-materialsnanoscale-engineeringquantum-computingquantum-sensingmaterials-sciencequantum-technologyWorld’s first fault-tolerant quantum PC from IBM to launch by 2029
IBM plans to launch the world’s first large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer, named Quantum Starling, by 2029. This system will feature 200 logical qubits capable of performing over 100 million quantum operations, representing a 20,000-fold increase in operational capacity compared to current quantum computers. Starling will be developed at a new IBM Quantum Data Center in Poughkeepsie, New York, and will serve as the foundation for a more advanced system, Quantum Blue Jay, which aims to have 2,000 logical qubits and execute one billion operations. The development of fault-tolerant quantum computers hinges on creating logical qubits from clusters of physical qubits to detect and correct errors, enabling large-scale quantum computations without faults. IBM is advancing this goal through innovations such as quantum low-density parity check (qLDPC) codes, which significantly reduce the number of physical qubits needed for error correction by about 90% compared to other methods. IBM’s roadmap also includes intermediate milestones like the Quantum Loon processor (testing qLDPC components in 2025), Quantum Kookaburra (a modular processor integrating quantum memory and logic in 2026), and Quantum Cockatoo (linking Kookaburra modules into a networked system by 2027). These efforts aim to unlock practical, scalable quantum computing with applications in drug discovery, materials science, and chemistry.
quantum-computingIBMfault-tolerant-quantum-computerlogical-qubitsquantum-operationsmaterials-researchenergy-efficient-computingTiny quantum processor outshines classical AI in accuracy, energy use
Researchers led by the University of Vienna have demonstrated that a small-scale photonic quantum processor can outperform classical AI algorithms in machine learning classification tasks, marking a rare real-world example of quantum advantage with current hardware. Using a quantum photonic circuit developed at Italy’s Politecnico di Milano and a machine learning algorithm from UK-based Quantinuum, the team showed that the quantum system made fewer errors than classical counterparts. This experiment is one of the first to demonstrate practical quantum enhancement beyond simulations, highlighting specific scenarios where quantum computing provides tangible benefits. In addition to improved accuracy, the photonic quantum processor exhibited significantly lower energy consumption compared to traditional hardware, leveraging light-based information processing. This energy efficiency is particularly important as AI’s growing computational demands raise sustainability concerns. The findings suggest that even today’s limited quantum devices can enhance machine learning performance and energy efficiency, potentially guiding a future where quantum and classical AI technologies coexist symbiotically to push technological boundaries and promote greener, faster, and smarter AI solutions.
quantum-computingphotonic-quantum-processorartificial-intelligenceenergy-efficiencymachine-learningquantum-machine-learningsupercomputingNew laser crystals boost quantum tech and cut rare earth reliance
materialslaser-technologyquantum-computingrare-earth-elementsoptical-materialsfiber-opticsenvironmental-monitoringRare graphite flakes behave as both superconductor and magnet at 300 K
materialssuperconductivitygraphenemagnetismenergyquantum-computingresearchScientists turn simple clay into base for quantum computer in Norway
materialsquantum-computingclaysemiconductor-propertiesenvironmental-sustainabilitysuperconductorsresearch-collaborationWorld’s fastest quantum switch built by US team for ultra-fast AI
materialsquantum-computinggrapheneultrafast-computingAI-hardwaretransistorslaser-technologyCông ty Mỹ tuyên bố khai thác helium-3 trên Mặt Trăng
robotenergyhelium-3lunar-miningspace-resourcesadvanced-reactorsquantum-computingCan Quantum Computers Handle Energy’s Hardest Problems?
energyquantum-computingNRELenergy-storagepower-grid-reliabilitycomputational-problemsadvanced-computingMeet the companies racing to build quantum chips
quantum-computingquantum-chipstech-startupstechnology-innovationqubitscybersecuritymaterials-science