"We are currently in the era of the 'Second Quantum Revolution.' Quantum computing is already being utilized in various industries, including life sciences and drug development," said Petra Florijune, IBM's Global Quantum Sales Director, during the 'IBM Asia-Pacific Quantum Connect' media briefing held at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul.
IBM emphasized that quantum computing has progressed beyond research and experimental stages and is now being applied in real-world industrial settings. The company aims to enhance the applicability for businesses through a hybrid approach that combines traditional central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), and quantum processing units (QPUs).
At the event, IBM presented the latest advancements in global quantum technology and its applications across various industries. Florijune and Dr. Baek Han-hee, IBM's Quantum Director, discussed the current state of quantum computing, industry use cases, and future commercialization roadmaps.
Florijune characterized the present as the 'Second Quantum Revolution.' He stated, "Following the first quantum revolution that enabled technologies such as semiconductors, lasers, and MRI, quantum computing has now entered a new phase that innovates areas difficult to solve with classical computing."
He added, "Quantum computing is no longer a distant future technology; it is now being utilized to solve real problems. We are moving from an experimental phase to a stage where businesses and research institutions apply 'quantum utility' in their actual workflows."
Florijune also highlighted the rapidly increasing economic value of the quantum computing market. According to IBM, the Boston Consulting Group estimates the potential economic value of quantum computing to exceed $850 billion.
IBM emphasized the importance of a 'hybrid approach' to enable practical applications of quantum computing.
Dr. Baek stated, "It is crucial that quantum computers do not completely replace CPUs or GPUs but rather combine the strengths of each technology."
To this end, IBM is conducting research to integrate its quantum systems with Japan's RIKEN supercomputer Fugaku and the University of Tokyo's GPU-based supercomputer Miyabi.
The briefing also highlighted industry application cases. In the life sciences sector, a collaboration between the Cleveland Clinic and RIKEN expanded molecular simulations from eight atoms to over 12,000 atoms by 2024. Florijune remarked, "This case is just the beginning and is developing rapidly."
In finance, HSBC has implemented quantum computing for bond issuance predictions and trading optimization, achieving a 34% improvement in prediction accuracy.
In materials and logistics, Boeing is conducting molecular simulations for new materials to address aircraft corrosion issues. Additionally, they are developing algorithms to optimize delivery routes for thousands of ships and vehicles.
IBM reported a cumulative contract amount of approximately $1 billion in its quantum computing business last year.
The company outlined its roadmap for the commercialization of quantum computing technology. IBM aims to demonstrate 'quantum advantage' in terms of cost and accuracy compared to classical computers within this year. By 2029, it plans to introduce fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC).
IBM also emphasized its strategy for expanding the ecosystem. Florijune noted, "Currently, over 300 partners, including large corporations, startups, universities, and research institutions, are participating in the IBM Quantum Network. IBM's open-source development kit, Qiskit, has become a platform widely used by global quantum developers."
Dr. Baek stated, "If the quantum ecosystem in the Korean market expands, we will continue to provide ongoing support and collaboration, including additional system implementations."
Florijune concluded, "Quantum computing is a technology that requires a long preparation time. We must start practicing now to complete the marathon of the future."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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