29th Aug 2023
In the realm of technology, quantum computing represents the next frontier. This revolutionary technology promises to dramatically increase computing power, potentially solving problems that are currently beyond the reach of even the most advanced classical computers.
Supercomputers, which have been at the forefront of computational power for decades, are now being challenged by the emergence of quantum computers. While supercomputers use classical bits to perform calculations, quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, which can represent both 0 and 1 at the same time. This allows quantum computers to perform multiple calculations simultaneously, giving them the potential to solve complex problems much faster than supercomputers 1.
As the race to achieve quantum supremacy heats up, tech giants Google, Microsoft, Intel, and IBM are leading the charge, each making significant strides in their quantum computing capabilities. This article explores these developments and their implications for the industry and for investors looking to capitalize on this innovative technology.
Quantum Supremacy: Google’s Sycamore
Google’s quantum computer, Sycamore, has made a significant leap in the quantum computing space. The system, boasting 70 operational qubits, has demonstrated its potential by performing calculations at astonishing speeds. In a recent experiment, Sycamore completed a complex calculation that the world’s most powerful supercomputer, Frontier, would take over 47 years to complete in mere seconds 2. This achievement is a clear demonstration of quantum supremacy, where quantum computers can handle processes beyond the capabilities of even the fastest classical computers.
Microsoft’s Quantum Leap
Microsoft has also made strides in the quantum computing arena. The tech giant has revealed an ambitious plan to build a quantum supercomputer using topological qubits within a decade 3. The quantum supercomputer is projected to reliably execute one million quantum operations per second, a new performance metric introduced by Microsoft. They have achieved a significant breakthrough by demonstrating the ability to create Majorana-based qubits that are robust against environmental noise and decoherence, two significant challenges in quantum computing 3.
Intel’s Aurora Supercomputer
Intel’s Aurora supercomputer is now complete and is theoretically capable of delivering more than two exaflops of computing power, or more than 2 billion calculations per second 4. However, with the advent of quantum computing, this could be a unique supercomputer that paves the way for the future. The supercomputer is made up of thousands of chips, including Intel Xeon Max Series CPUs and Intel Max Series GPUs 4.
IBM’s Eagle Quantum Computer
IBM’s Eagle quantum computer has recently outperformed a conventional supercomputer when solving complex mathematical calculations 5. This marks the first demonstration of a quantum computer providing accurate results at a scale of 100+ qubits. Despite the challenges of quantum computing, such as its susceptibility to outside interference, IBM’s achievement represents a significant step forward in leveraging the power of qubits to advance quantum computing 5
The Quantum Computing Market: A Promising Investment Theme
The quantum computing market is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. According to MarketsandMarkets, the quantum computing market size is valued at USD 866 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to be USD 4,375 Million by 2028 6. Other sources predict the global quantum computing market size to hit around USD 125 billion by 2030 7.
These projections indicate a promising investment theme. With its ability to process complex calculations at an unprecedented speed, quantum computing has the potential to solve problems that are currently unsolvable with classical computers. This has attracted the attention of various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and logistics, which are eager to harness the power of quantum computing to gain a competitive edge 8.
As the market continues to grow and mature, we can expect to see increased investment in research and development as well as partnerships between quantum computing companies and traditional industry players. The future of quantum computing looks bright, and those who seize the opportunity now stand to benefit greatly in the years to come 9.
Final thoughts: A Quantum Leap for Investors
The advancements in quantum computing by Google, Microsoft, Intel, and IBM are pushing the boundaries of computing. Quantum computers are demonstrating capabilities far beyond those of classical supercomputers, which could lead to significant changes in various industries, from medicine and drug discovery to cryptography and climate science 10.
For investors, this presents a unique opportunity to capitalize on the companies advancing this innovative technology. As the quantum computing investment market continues to grow, the potential for significant returns on investment in this space is becoming increasingly apparent.
Investors can choose to invest in various aspects of the quantum computing industry, such as hardware manufacturers, software developers, or even quantum algorithm research. Ultimately, the success of these investments will depend on the ability of companies to develop and commercialize practical quantum computing solutions that can address real-world problems.
1 2 https://www.technologyreview.com/2019/01/29/66141/what-is-quantum-computing/
3 https://techcrunch.com/2023/06/21/microsoft-expects-to-build-a-quantum-supercomputer-within-10-years/
4 https://sg.news.yahoo.com/intels-most-powerful-supercomputer-ready-151300948.html
5 https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/ibms-quantum-computer-beat-supercomputer
6 https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/quantum-computing-market-144888301.html
7 https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/01/06/2584209/0/en/Quantum-Computing-Market-Size-to-Hit-Around-USD-125-BN-by-2030.html
8 https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-quantum-computing
9 https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/quantum-computing-use-cases-are-getting-real-what-you-need-to-know
10 https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-can-instantly-execute-a-task-that-would-normally-take-47-years/