Quantum Computing Horizons: The Future of Quantum Open Architecture
Introduction to the Future of Quantum Computing
So far in this series, we have explored the evolution of quantum open architecture and the role of specialisation in advancing quantum computing. Now, in this final piece of our blog series, we will look at how quantum open architecture will shape the future of quantum computing.
As we look ahead, the impact of quantum open architecture on quantum computing will be ubiquitous. Quantum open architecture enables companies to specialise in key components such as quantum processors that together constitute increasingly powerful quantum computers. This specialisation boosts efficiency and creates flexibility by combining different company and national strong suits, driving innovation and democratisation. This article explores how continued integration, new capabilities, and global collaboration will shape the future of quantum computing.
Deeper specialisation and Integration Enabled by QOA Accelerate Quantum Computing Development
The same drivers that have heralded the rise of quantum open architecture will enable it to accelerate the advent of utility-scale quantum computing in the future. As technology progresses, the complexity and development cost of each quantum computing component grows exponentially. This provides a strong incentive for companies to down-scope and specialise vertically. Even companies that currently develop most of the quantum computing stack in-house will transition to QOA. As Jay Gambetta of IBM said, “I fundamentally don’t believe the future is a full-stack solution from one provider”.
Effects of Specialisation
The effects of specialisation will be tremendous. Economies of scale enable focused companies to produce more efficiently. This results in the lowering costs of systems and expanding the group of potential users and innovators.
Meanwhile, the increasing number of component providers required to realise a single system will motivate the maturing of interfaces and standards. This simplifies the integration of components developed by different companies. Crucially, it will also allow new niches to arise. Components that were previously inseparably linked will become products in their own right. An early example of this is QuantWare’s Foundry Service. This service creates a new interface allowing a QPU to be designed and fabricated by two separate, specialised companies. This enables new niches to arise that focus exclusively on qubit design without having fabrication capabilities.
A consequence is the global democratisation of quantum computing. Innovation was previously limited to select hotspots with access to quantum fabrication capabilities. Now, new nuclei can grow around regions with expertise in, for example, quantum software development or quantum chip design enabled by access to Foundry Services or QOA QPUs. The Israeli Quantum Computing Centre (IQCC), inaugurated on June 24th 2024, features a superconducting quantum computer powered by QuantWare’s Contralto QPU and enables local innovation in quantum. This facility supports advanced R&D projects for local startups and academia.
Finally, the future will bring horizontal specialisation too. This means that companies will be able to specialise in making quantum computing components for a specific application. This trend can already be seen in cryostats such as those developed by Maybell, FormFactor, Kiutra, and Bluefors. These cryostats are ideally suited for different applications. This gives customers and system integrators the freedom to mix and match components to create new, powerful quantum computers.
New Capabilities Will Expand the Scope of Quantum Open Architecture Quantum Computing
Next-generation components and systems play a pivotal role in advancing utility-scale quantum computing. Scalable quantum processors, like those developed by QuantWare, are essential for building larger, more powerful quantum systems. These processors are designed to integrate seamlessly with up-stack technologies (advanced control hardware and cryogenic systems) and down-stack (novel qubit types and application-specific designs), creating the foundation for robust quantum computing platforms.
Nascent technologies that enable control of qubits at cryogenic temperatures (e.g., SeeQC’s SFQ-based architectures), will lower the cost of quantum computing systems by reducing the complexity of up-chain systems. Paired with improved coherence, fidelities, and novel performance-boosting components, these innovations will bring new algorithms and advanced error correction closer.
These new applications increase the requirements for classical control of quantum computing systems. This expands the scope of quantum open architecture to include integration with classical high-performance computing (HPC). Such hybrid systems are already emerging on the horizon, promising significant advancements in computational power and stability.
QuantWare has been at the forefront of pioneering projects showcasing the integration of quantum and classical computing. For example, the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre features a superconducting quantum computer powered by QuantWare. Similarly, Forschungszentrum Jülich recently launched a new 10+ qubit quantum computing system. Built using the QOA approach, this system integrates top-tier components from leading quantum tech providers such as QuantWare’s Contralto QPU.
This setup also incorporates the QBridge software to seamlessly embed quantum and high-performance computers. QBridge provides a secure and efficient environment for large HPC centres, cloud providers, and research groups. This way, it facilitates modular computing capacity between classical high-performance and quantum computing resources.
These emerging technologies will enable quantum computers to tackle increasingly complex problems. As they mature, they’ll expand the range of quantum computing applications, making it a more versatile tool for industries worldwide.
The Role of System Integrators in Future Quantum Open Architecture
Quantum system integrators will play an increasingly important role in the quantum open architecture market. QPUs become more powerful and the group of users grows rapidly, but so does the required expertise for putting together a functional quantum computing system. Besides physically bringing together the right components, advanced software is required to facilitate tuneup of the qubits and execution of algorithms. The know-how for integrating systems will quickly become a key capability in itself. Quantum system integrators will bridge this gap.
By mixing and matching components from different providers and adding layers of abstraction on top of these, integrators like TreQ and Partec enable ever more users to experiment with and benefit from quantum computers. Open architecture system integrators track a clear path to the ubiquity of quantum computing come the advent of utility-scale systems.
Conclusion
Looking ahead, Quantum Open Architecture is essential to harnessing the full potential of quantum computing. Continued innovation, specialisation, integration, and collaboration will drive the development of transformative quantum computing systems. By working together and leveraging open architecture, we can create a future where quantum computing is widely accessible, solving complex problems, and driving technological progress.