Quantum Computing Takes Center Stage at MWC Leave a comment

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—Barcelona. At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 event in Barcelona, Spain, several sessions and a startup competition win highlighted the growing importance of quantum computing and the diverse perspectives shaping its development.

During one of the main keynotes, Oxford Quantum Circuits CEO Ilana Wisby emphasized how quantum algorithms could significantly improve network optimization and fraud detection, and enhance subscriber experience in the telecom sector. This paints a compelling picture of a future where quantum computing drives greater efficiency, security, and personalization across various industries.

Algorithms can provide “fundamentally not possible today” solutions in a “matter of moments” rather than thousands of years, according to Wisby. Quantum computing could facilitate tailored services, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

As an example, she cited a conundrum of calculating how many cities a traveling salesperson could visit in the shortest time. She explained that while this is “classically a solvable problem up to a certain amount,” there comes the point where doing so would take “longer than the entire amount of time known in the universe.”

Europe wants to take the lead

During the “Quantum Computing as a Service” session, Tommaso Calarco, director of the Institute of Quantum Control at Forschungszentrum Jülich, provided a comprehensive overview of Europe’s initiatives in quantum computing. His speech highlighted both the progress made and the challenges that remain.

He showcased the Quantum Flagship initiative, a €9 billion (about $9.8 billion) project aiming to:

• Establish a competitive European quantum industry: This initiative aims to attract external investment and foster a robust ecosystem for quantum technologies in Europe.
• Address diverse application fields: While the focus is on quantum computing, other areas like sensing, metrology, and communication are also being explored.
• Seven Quantum Sisters: A network of seven supercomputing centers across Europe providing access to quantum simulators and computers through a “quantum computing as a service” model.

Calarco acknowledged Europe’s past shortcomings in capturing the full economic potential of quantum technologies. However, he outlined significant efforts to address these challenges, including initiatives like Quantum Computing as a Service (QCaaS) and seven geographically distributed Quantum Competence Centers, providing access and expertise to users across Europe.

He also highlighted the recent extension of the Quantum Flagship program and the signing of a “quantum pact” by 16 European member states, demonstrating continued commitment to the field.

Quantum computing commercial availability far off

The road to achieving quantum advantage has its challenges. In an exclusive interview with EE Times at MWC, Kristin Gilkes, EY Global Innovation Quantum Leader and one of the top experts in the field, highlighted two significant challenges: hardware development and error correction. These require substantial technological advancements to build and maintain reliable quantum computers, and workforce development to ensure that individuals possess the necessary skills to utilize and manage this complex technology effectively.

“There are two things that are really challenging right now. One is on the hardware middleware side with that whole error correction, so we’re not quite there yet,” Gilkes said. “As an industry with technology, we don’t just need more physicists. Okay, we have a shortage of that, but you might have heard me say that quantum will be integrated; it’s a massive transformation throughout an organization. So, it’s going to be more than just a technology transformation. It’s going to be a cultural transformation.”

Western strategy vs. China’s investment

During the interview, Gilkes mentioned the challenges of staying ahead in development. While the U.S. and the E.U. have taken strides in policy, China is reportedly leading in terms of investment. This raised concerns about potential technological imbalances and the need for international collaboration to ensure responsible development and prevent malicious use.

“No one’s matching the investment that China is making in quantum,” Gilkes said. “So, if we were to think about, you know, the pace is just based on investment, then certainly China has the most investment going into quantum that we’re aware of.”

Double-sided coin in security

The MWC sessions also highlighted the crucial role of security considerations—particularly in the context of the post-quantum era. Existing encryption methods may become vulnerable to quantum computers, necessitating the development of new, robust algorithms to protect data and ensure secure communication in the future.

“The NSA released a guidance called Commercial National Security Algorithm Suite 2.0, or simply NSA 2.0. Organizations and businesses will need to meet these set standards or won’t be able to contract with the government,” Gilkes said.

She also warned that there are other security challenges besides encryption. “We still need to remember the side doors. We still need to do some basic foundation and security work.”

Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech wins top 4YFN award

During MWC, the rising interest and dynamism in the quantum computing landscape were further highlighted by the selection of Barcelona’s Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech as the winner of the 4YFN startup competition. This spinoff of the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) focuses on maximizing current technology capabilities to provide a practical quantum advantage in a shorter time frame.

Qilimanjaro will install a Quantum Computer at the BSC to work alongside the recently launched MareNostrum 5 supercomputer.

A collaborative future for quantum computing

The discussions and developments at MWC 2024 paint a picture of a dynamic and evolving quantum computing landscape. While challenges remain, significant progress is being made in hardware development, post-quantum security, software advancements, and infrastructure building.

As the field continues to evolve, one thing is certain: quantum computing has the potential to redefine the technological landscape in the years to come. Whether it’s optimizing networks, simulating complex molecules or accelerating drug discovery, the possibilities are vast—and the journey toward harnessing this potential is underway.