Quantum News Briefs: December 19, 2023:
ROHM Completes Demonstration of Manufacturing Process Optimization by Applying Quanmatic’s Quantum Technology
ROHM Semiconductor and Quanmatic have collaborated since January 2023 to integrate quantum technology into the Electrical Die Sorting (EDS) process in semiconductor manufacturing, marking a pioneering effort in using quantum technology for large-scale production line optimization. Their efforts culminated in a successful demonstration in September 2023, combining Quanmatic’s quantum computing efficiency enhancements and ROHM’s extensive expertise and data. The prototype tested in ROHM’s factories showed promising results, notably improving key performance indicators and significantly reducing computation time. With the target of full-scale implementation by April 2024, this initiative represents a major advancement in the semiconductor industry, potentially leading to more optimized manufacturing processes and contributing to the realization of Japan’s vision for a Quantum Society. Both companies continue to refine the system, aiming to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of semiconductor production.
University of Tokyo Researchers Find Quantum batteries could charge by breaking our understanding of time
In a Physical Review Letters study, scientists have demonstrated a novel way to charge quantum batteries, defying traditional concepts of cause-and-effect. Unlike their chemical counterparts, Quantum batteries store energy in the quantum states of atoms and molecules. Researchers from the University of Tokyo used a setup involving lasers, lenses, and mirrors to mimic a large-scale quantum battery. They leveraged a phenomenon called “indefinite causal order” (ICO), allowing for simultaneous, rather than sequential, charging steps. This approach not only improved the system’s energy storage and thermal efficiency but also revealed an inverse interaction effect, where a weaker power source surprisingly resulted in better charging efficiency. Although currently at the experimental stage, this discovery opens new possibilities in energy storage, challenging our fundamental understanding of time and causality in the quantum realm.
UConn Innovation Experts Make Their Pitch for Quantum Technology, Unleashing Excitement, Urgency
At the “Imagining a Quantum Future” event in Hartford, attended by over 150 leaders from academia, government, and industry, quantum-computing expert Rajeeb Hazra emphasized the potential of quantum technology to revolutionize industries, including healthcare, aerospace, and finance in Connecticut. Hazra, President and CEO of Quantinuum highlighted the transformative possibilities of quantum techs, such as curing chronic diseases and creating long-lasting batteries. The event marked a significant step in Connecticut’s ambition to become a national hub for quantum technology, driven by Quantum CT—a collaboration of academic, business, and government entities. This initiative has already garnered support, including a $1 million planning grant from the National Science Foundation. Leaders from UConn, Yale University, and the state government expressed their commitment to making Connecticut a leader in quantum technology, focusing on economic development, workforce education, and inclusive growth. The event, symbolizing the start of a concerted effort to position Connecticut at the forefront of quantum tech innovation, reflects the state’s readiness to embrace and lead in this groundbreaking field.
MSU receives $26.7M Air Force grant for quantum tech facility
Montana State University (MSU) has received a significant $26.7 million grant from the U.S. Air Force to establish an advanced quantum technology research facility. This 20-month grant will support the Applied Quantum CORE facility at MSU’s Innovation Campus within the under-construction INDUSTRY Bozeman building. The facility will focus on research areas crucial to cybersecurity, communications technology, and national defense. The grant will be used to purchase equipment for testing prototype quantum components under extremely cold conditions, simulating the operational environment of quantum devices. Yves Idzerda, dean of MSU’s College of Letters and Science, stated that the facility aims to integrate quantum science into technological applications benefiting both government and private sectors. The Applied Quantum CORE will also act as an incubator for scientists and entrepreneurs, aiding in developing and marketing innovative quantum technologies, thereby contributing significantly to economic development and the regional economy.
Quantum Ecosystems and Technology Council of India (QETCI) organizes National Quantum Science and Technology Symposium 2023
The 1st National Quantum Science and Technology Symposium (NQSTS), organized by the Quantum Ecosystems and Technology Council of India (QETCI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITy), took place on 14th and 15th December 2023 in New Delhi. The symposium aimed to stimulate the quantum ecosystem in India and develop synergies for applying quantum technology to real-world problems. Key highlights included the Centre for Quantum Security and Forum launch, a collaboration between QETCI and CR Rao AIMSCS, aimed at advancing quantum security measures. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between QETCI and BeST Cluster to support the Bangalore Quantum Ecosystem, and a Quantum Security Centre was launched. The event also saw the release of the Quantum Value Chain Report, a comprehensive analysis of India’s quantum ecosystem, in the presence of dignitaries, including Dr. V K Saraswat, Chairman of QETCI, and Shri S Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY. The symposium emphasized the importance of collaboration in education, research, and international partnerships to strengthen India’s position in the global quantum landscape.
In Other News: Yahoo Finance article: “9 Quantum Computing Stocks Billionaires Are Piling Into”
Quantum computing is emerging as a revolutionary field in technology, and billionaires are increasingly investing in stocks related to this burgeoning industry, a Yahoo Finance article states. With a combined $34 billion in government investments worldwide, the sector is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in cybersecurity, communications, and national defense applications. Leading tech companies such as Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), IBM (NYSE:IBM), and JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) are actively exploring and advancing quantum computing technologies. For instance, IBM is making significant strides with its proprietary quantum computing chips and systems, attracting partnerships across various industries. The Quantum Computing as a Service (QCaaS) model is also gaining traction, predicted to grow from $4 billion in 2025 to $26 billion by 2030. Top quantum computing stocks drawing billionaire interest include Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), and NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA), with billionaires and hedge funds heavily investing in these and other related companies, signaling strong confidence in the future of quantum computing.
In Other News: Investor Place article: “The Quantum Edge: 3 Stocks on the Cutting Edge”
Quantum computing, akin to artificial intelligence, holds transformative potential across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and environmental science, as an Investor Place article highlights. Its proficiency in performing complex calculations could swiftly expedite drug and vaccine development, with companies like Roche looking to leverage quantum simulations for faster production of medical treatments. In finance, it promises enhanced analytics and quicker transaction processing while contributing to finding solutions for climate change goals. According to Fortune Business Insights, the quantum computing market is expected to surge from $928.8 million in 2023 to $6.5 billion by 2030. Among the promising quantum computing stocks, IonQ (NYSE:IONQ) has shown significant growth, with its IonQ Forte now available on Amazon Braket, and a reported 121% year-over-year revenue increase. Quantum Computing (NASDAQ:QUBT) is also gaining traction with new contracts, including from NASA, and the commercial delivery of its computing technologies. For diversified investment, the Defiance Quantum ETF (NYSEARCA:QTUM) offers exposure to quantum computing, AI, and machine learning, including stakes in Intel, Nvidia, and Applied Materials, and is poised for further growth.
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry is the Managing Editor at Inside Quantum Technology and the Science Communicator at JILA (a partnership between the University of Colorado Boulder and NIST). Her writing beats include deep tech, quantum computing, and AI. Her work has been featured in Scientific American, Discover Magazine, New Scientist, Ars Technica, and more.