Japan has made a bold move in the world of technology by launching the first IBM Quantum System Two outside the United States. At the RIKEN Center for Computational Science in Kobe, this groundbreaking quantum computer is now operational and directly connected to Fugaku, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers. This integration signals a transformative moment, positioning Japan at the cutting edge of quantum-classical hybrid computing.
Revolutionary Hardware and Performance
- Advanced Quantum Processor: At the heart of the system is IBM’s 156-qubit Quantum Heron processor, representing a leap forward in quantum technology. With a two-qubit error rate of just 3x10-3, it outperforms previous models by a factor of ten and delivers 250,000 circuit layer operations per second (CLOPS).
- Unmatched Capabilities: The Heron processor enables quantum circuits to tackle problems that classical computers cannot efficiently simulate, opening new possibilities in scientific computation.
- Integrated with Fugaku: The system’s direct, instruction-level networking with Fugaku allows for parallelized workloads and ultra-low latency communication, facilitating the development of sophisticated hybrid quantum-classical algorithms.
- National Collaboration: Supported by NEDO and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, this initiative is part of a broader strategy to create integrated quantum and supercomputing infrastructure for the post-5G era.
Pushing the Boundaries of Hybrid Computing
The partnership between IBM Quantum System Two and Fugaku is setting new benchmarks for high-performance computing. By harnessing the complementary strengths of quantum and classical systems, researchers are developing hybrid workflows capable of solving challenges once thought insurmountable.
Projects like modeling the electronic structure of iron sulfides in chemistry showcase the system’s ability to address real-world problems without waiting for fully fault-tolerant quantum computers. Recent breakthroughs published in Science Advances highlight the tangible impact of this hybrid approach.
Implications for Japan and the World
This deployment not only strengthens IBM’s global quantum capabilities but also cements Japan’s leadership in computational science. During the system’s inauguration, representatives from IBM, RIKEN, and Japanese government agencies reaffirmed their dedication to advancing quantum-HPC workflows.
The integration is engineered to accelerate progress across academia and industry, enabling the development of algorithms that offer true quantum advantage delivering solutions faster, more accurately, and more affordably than traditional computing methods.
Accelerating Discovery Across Disciplines
The IBM and RIKEN collaboration is a decisive step toward a quantum-centric future. By marrying the most advanced quantum processor with world-leading classical infrastructure, this initiative is poised to revolutionize fields ranging from materials science to pharmaceuticals. As quantum and classical computing become increasingly intertwined, researchers can tackle scientific and engineering challenges previously considered out of reach.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of IBM Quantum System Two in Japan, seamlessly linked with Fugaku, sets the stage for unprecedented innovation in hybrid computing. This partnership promises to accelerate quantum research and empower scientists worldwide to address society’s most complex problems, shaping the next chapter of technological progress.
Source: IBM Newsroom
Japan Emerges as a Global Leader with IBM Quantum System Two and Fugaku Integration