Quantinuum and SoftBank Corp. join forces in pursuing the practical utilization of quantum computing technology
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making impressive strides across various domains, but it faces challenges in complex optimisation problems, deciphering causal relationship analysis, and high-precision simulations based on fundamental equations. To overcome these hurdles, SoftBank Corp. and Quantinuum have joined forces to establish a quantum data center, aiming to unlock solutions beyond the limitations of classical AI.
The partnership between the two companies will see them conduct global market research in the Asia-Pacific region and other regions to explore specific business models for the quantum data center. The initiative is expected to contribute to problem-solving in diverse fields such as healthcare, finance, logistics, and energy.
Advancing hardware and software technologies is crucial to address the technical challenges in the quantum computing sector. The quantum data center will combine CPUs, GPUs, and quantum computers (QPUs) to tackle complex problems more effectively.
Overcoming Hardware Heterogeneity
SoftBank's strategy to address the challenges of hardware heterogeneity involves investing in companies like Classiq, which offers an operating system compatible with various quantum machines, easing deployment and broadening the application scope.
Demonstrating Practical Quantum Advantages
The partnership between SoftBank and Quantinuum has already shown promising results. A proof of concept using an Ising machine showed a 10% increase in downlink speeds and up to 50% increase in data transmission capacity in 5G Radio Access Networks (RAN), providing a clear business use case for quantum computing in telecommunications.
Hybrid Quantum-Classical Computing
The collaboration focuses on hybrid models for AI problems, blending quantum and classical computations for more practical near-term applications. This approach can extend the capabilities of AI by using the unique strengths of each type of processing unit.
Strategic Engagement
SoftBank's investment and partnerships aim to secure footing in large enterprises, government agencies, and academia, addressing the adoption challenge by aligning with key stakeholders.
New Market Opportunities and Technological Innovation
The partnership not only addresses unsolved challenges but also creates new market opportunities and fosters technological innovation across society. Both companies will clarify use cases in quantum chemistry and network analysis, and construct a timeline showing when these use cases will be realized.
Addressing the Challenges Ahead
Despite growth in the quantum computing sector, technical and business challenges need to be addressed to advance the state-of-the-art and use quantum computers to solve practical problems. It is crucial to specifically identify the areas where computations can only be performed by quantum computers and are commercially viable, as well as to predict the timing and scale of these applications.
SoftBank Corp. and Quantinuum will develop software technology that makes effective use of limited hardware resources and explore methods for linking CPUs, GPUs, and QPUs. They will also jointly consider methods to reduce investment risks, such as revenue sharing and cost sharing, for the quantum data center.
Understanding the market size and revenue models through clear examples, especially in areas such as quantum chemical calculations and machine learning, is necessary. Clarification of Revenue Models, including the methods of offering quantum computers and setting usage fees, has not yet been fully realized. Initial Investment and Operational Costs for developing and deploying quantum computers lack concrete cost recovery strategies, suppressing the drive for companies to develop and adopt the technology.
In conclusion, the partnership between SoftBank Corp. and Quantinuum represents a significant step forward in the quest to unlock the potential of quantum computing. The hybrid approach that combines CPUs, GPUs, and QPUs can extend the capabilities of AI, and the partnership aims to be the first in the world to identify problems that can only be solved by quantum computers.
Data-and-cloud-computing technologies will work seamlessly with the quantum data center, allowing for efficient data processing and storage. This integration is crucial for tackling complex AI problems and high-precision simulations.
The collaboration between SoftBank and Quantinuum is not limited to quantum computing; it also harnesses artificial-intelligence to clarify use cases and foster technological innovation across various fields. This combined approach aims to revolutionize industries such as healthcare, finance, logistics, and energy.
