IBM, Capgemini, Airbus & Others Make Moves To Boost Quantum Computing

Over the past couple of years, the world of quantum computing has grown exponentially.

A move that initially saw only a handful of companies has quickly drawn the interest of several startups and established technology conglomerates.

Today, the quantum computing space is filled with big names such as Amazon, D-Wave, Fujitsu and RIKEN, Google, Intel, Microsoft, QuEra, Quantinuum, and more.

However, one of the first names associated with propelling quantum computing technology to the next level is IBM, a computing giant that’s never shied away from investing big in building quantum computing infrastructure.

In a move that would see the company double down on its efforts, IBM recently announced further investments.

The tech giant plans to pour in $150 billion over the next five years to fuel the United States economy and boost its position as a computing leader. Out of this, over $30 billion is earmarked for research and development (R&D) to advance and continue its American manufacturing of mainframe and quantum computers.

“Technology doesn't just build the future—it defines it,” said Arvind Krishna, IBM Chairman, President, and CEO. “We have been focused on American jobs and manufacturing since our founding 114 years ago, and with this investment and manufacturing commitment we are ensuring that IBM remains the epicenter of the world's most advanced computing and AI capabilities.”

Currently, IBM operates the world's largest fleet of quantum computer systems, and the move will help it grow its position by enabling it to continue designing, building, and assembling quantum computers in the U.S.

Furthermore, IBM's Quantum Network provides access to IBM's quantum systems for around 300 Fortune 500 companies, academic institutions, national laboratories, and startups, and is accessed by more than 600,000 active users.

The move comes as American companies such as Apple and NVIDIA (with the help of TSMC) pledged to spend $500 billion each in the country over the next few years to advance supercomputer technology and more.


Ahead of this, quantum computing technology is being applied to a wide range of industries.

This is what Capgemini and Airbus are planning to leverage, as the two companies look to explore the potential of quantum computing in advancing materials science for aerospace innovation.

The collaboration between Capgemini’s Quantum Lab (Q Lab) and Airbus will focus on innovation and building long-term strategic advantages. This includes using the technology to solve complex materials science challenges such as surface corrosion.

In fact, solving some of these problems could benefit more industries—from manufacturing to infrastructure, where the estimated global cost exceeds $2.5 trillion, according to a report.

“Understanding the fundamental processes of corrosion remains an important area of materials research—especially as the aerospace industry continually seeks to improve performance, longevity, material efficiency and decrease. In aerospace, corrosion often leads to significant barriers to growth like reduced efficiency, decreased aircraft lifespans, and increased maintenance costs,” reads the blog post announcing the partnership.

Further pushing the initiative to use quantum computing technology to benefit industries, researchers at the University of Copenhagen and Ruhr University Bochum have just beaten a major challenge in quantum research—they've gained simultaneous control over two quantum light sources for the first time.

Until now, scientists have only been able to execute this process for one light source. Controlling multiple light sources is at the base of quantum networking, while entanglement (the linking of two light sources across any amount of distance) is a key component of quantum physics.

Furthermore, the achievement enables scientists to build fast quantum computers and powerful, next-generation encryption. 

"We can now control two quantum light sources and connect them. It might not sound like much, but it’s a major advancement and builds upon the past 20 years of work," said Peter Lodahl, a leading figure behind the project, who also claimed the feat is a big move towards practical applications.

Do you think these moves will help boost the quantum computing sector and gather more interest from major technology companies?

Let us know in the comments below!