Quantum computing is an emerging field that harnesses the properties of quantum physics to solve complex computational problems faster than classical computers. Major technology companies, startups, and research institutions around the world are racing to develop practical quantum computers. Here are 5 of the top quantum computing companies that I believe are worth watching in the coming years:
1. IBM
IBM is one of the leading companies at the forefront of quantum computing research and development. Some key facts about IBM’s quantum computing efforts:
- IBM unveiled its first commercial quantum computer Q System One in 2019. The system has a 20-qubit processor.
- IBM offers cloud-based access to its quantum computers through the IBM Quantum Experience platform. Users can run experiments and test algorithms.
- IBM continues to rapidly advance its quantum technology. They recently announced a 127-qubit quantum processor, the largest yet.
- IBM Quantum Network connects IBM’s quantum computers with a number of Fortune 500 companies and research labs for real-world testing. Members include Daimler, Samsung, JP Morgan, and Oxford University.
- IBM has a strong patent portfolio with over 130 patents related to quantum computing. This highlights their deep R&D in this field.
With continued progress in expanding qubit count and stability, IBM is poised to be a leader in commercial quantum computing. The availability of its quantum systems over cloud also gives it an edge.
2. Google
Google is investing heavily in developing quantum computers to shape the future of technology and maintain its lead in the computer industry. Key facts:
- Google launched its 72-qubit quantum computer Sycamore in 2019. It was a major step forward demonstrating quantum supremacy over classical computers.
- Google claims Sycamore took just 200 seconds to perform a complex calculation that would take even the fastest traditional supercomputers around 10,000 years! This underscores the immense potential of quantum computers.
- Google’s Bristlecone quantum processor with 72 qubits followed in 2020. Google said it demonstrates much lower error rates than any previous quantum technology.
- Google’s research lab Google AI Quantum is focused on developing quantum algorithms and applications in areas like chemistry and machine learning.
- Google offers access to its quantum processors via Google Cloud Platform. Users can run quantum programs and experiments.
With its leading quantum volume and a focus on developing practical applications, Google is poised to drive early real-world adoption of quantum computing.
3. Intel
Intel is investing in quantum research to cement its position as a future leader in quantum and traditional computing chips. Some key points:
- Intel leverages its expertise in manufacturing traditional microprocessors to build quantum chips using silicon spins.
- In 2018, Intel unveiled its 49-qubit quantum chip Tangle Lake. It is currently developing a next-gen chip Horse Ridge with 100 qubits.
- Intel is exploring how cryogenic control chips can optimize the performance of quantum processors by minimizing errors and delays.
- Intel joined forces with QuTech, a pioneering quantum research institute, to accelerate development of quantum computing systems.
- Intel aims to produce a practical-scale quantum system by 2025 with 1000+ qubits.
With its chipmaking capabilities and strategic partnerships, Intel has an edge that can help drive rapid progress towards scalable quantum computers.
4. Honeywell
Honeywell has been a leading player in the quantum computing race through its Honeywell Quantum Solutions division. Here are some key facts:
- Honeywell’s trapped ion approach to quantum has yielded some of the highest performing qubits (quantum bits) demonstrated to date.
- Honeywell unveiled its quantum computer H1 with 6 fully-connected trapped ion qubits in 2020. It plans to launch H10 by 2022 with 10 qubits.
- The company uses patented fabrication technology adapted from the semiconductor industry to build ion traps at scale. This can accelerate the development of larger, commercial systems.
- Honeywell is part of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) to drive commercial applications in chemistry, machine learning, optimization, and security.
- Honeywell aims to eventually build quantum accelerators that can be integrated into data centers alongside classical systems.
With its high-performance qubit technology and focus on scalability, Honeywell aims to be at the vanguard of bringing quantum computing into the enterprise world.
5. Rigetti Computing
Rigetti has built one of the largest quantum computers to date and offers commercial access to its systems over cloud. Some salient points:
- Rigetti’s latest generation quantum chip Anthropic is based on superconducting qubits and contains 128 qubits.
- The company’s cloud platform Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services allows users to run algorithms and tests on a real quantum processor.
- Rigetti is using techniques like hybrid algorithms to combine classical and quantum computing to scale to larger problem sizes.
- Rigetti has partnered with organizations like NASA and Lawrence Livermore Labs to develop quantum applications for chemistry, optimization, and machine learning.
- The company aims to produce quantum chips with 1000+ qubits over the next few years to reach commercial scale.
Rigetti’s large qubit quantum computers and commercial cloud access make it a promising startup in the quantum computing arena.
In summary, these leading companies at the cutting edge of quantum computing are racing to make the promise of quantum computing a practical reality. I expect major leaps in quantum capabilities in the coming decade that could revolutionize many industries. The company that builds the first commercial-scale quantum computer with high stability and error correction will gain a major edge in the marketplace. It remains to be seen who gets there first, but these 5 contenders are leading the pack and are well-positioned to drive the quantum future.
