Quantum News briefs: March 16, 2024:
Qrypt to Provide Quantum Secure Encryption for NVIDIA BlueField-3 DPUs
Qrypt, a leader in quantum-secure encryption, has unveiled its cutting-edge Quantum Entropy and Quantum Secure Key Generation technologies, designed to safeguard AI workloads utilizing NVIDIA BlueField-3 DPUs against the looming threat of quantum computing. Qrypt’s solution replaces traditional, quantum-vulnerable encryption methods with a quantum-secure BLAST protocol by integrating into the IPsec framework used for encrypted AI cluster connections. This protocol enables the creation of symmetric encryption keys for both sender and receiver without key transmission, thus establishing a secure channel impervious to quantum attacks. The technology harnesses true quantum random entropy for key generation, a product of Qrypt’s exclusive partnership with U.S. National Laboratories, ensuring top-tier encryption. This innovation marks a significant shift towards post-quantum cryptography, aiming to future-proof data security against advanced cyber threats and “harvest now, decrypt later” tactics. As part of the NVIDIA Inception program for startups, the collaboration with NVIDIA underscores both companies’ commitment to pioneering the next generation of cybersecurity solutions.
IDQuantique Korea Part of the Korean Telecom Alliance, Including SK Telecom and Nokia
IDQuantique Korea is part of the new Quantum Alliance in South Korea through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which includes other companies like SK Telecom, Nokia Korea, KCS, S.O.S Lab, Wooriro, and Xgate. This alliance aims to bolster the quantum ecosystem within South Korea and expand it globally by exploring joint business opportunities, engaging in joint marketing efforts, consulting on public and national projects, and making joint investments. Leveraging their respective areas of expertise—from quantum-safe networks and hardware-based encryption modules to advanced LiDAR technology, quantum-secure VPNs, and Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) technology—the alliance seeks to capitalize on the rapidly growing domestic and international quantum market, forecasted to expand by an average of 29.2% annually. This initiative not only aims to enhance the competitiveness of South Korea’s quantum industry but also to establish a solid footing in the global quantum market by collaborating with leading domestic and international quantum companies.
Carnegie Mellon University Launches New Quantum Track for Physics
Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Physics has expanded its undergraduate offerings by introducing a new quantum physics track, spearheaded by the enthusiasm of junior physics major Claire Gist. This addition aims to equip students with deep insights into the fundamental elements of matter and the potential technologies emerging from quantum physics discoveries. Gist, driven by her passion for quantum physics since middle school, was crucial in proposing this new track, supported by the department’s steering committee and Physics Department Head Scott Dodelson. The curriculum includes advanced quantum physics, quantum computation, and quantum information theory, along with a mandatory undergraduate research component in quantum physics under faculty supervision. This initiative enhances the university’s academic offerings and aligns with the growing demand for quantum physics knowledge in various career paths, from industry roles to advanced graduate studies. Through this track, Carnegie Mellon reinforces its commitment to preparing students for future technological advancements rooted in quantum physics. It marks a significant step as the field approaches the centennial of foundational quantum mechanics equations by Heisenberg and Schrödinger in 1925.
In Other News: IoT World Today article: “UK Cracks Down on Quantum Computer Exports”
According to a recent IoT World Today article, the U.K. Government has introduced stricter export controls on quantum computers and related technologies to mitigate their potential military use by adversaries, requiring businesses to obtain a special license for exporting quantum computers with over 34 qubits. This update to the Export Control Order 2008 by the Export Control Joint Unit of the Department for Business and Trade includes new regulations on quantum technologies alongside cryogenic, semiconductor technologies, additive manufacturing equipment, and advanced materials. These measures address the dual-use nature of such technologies, which have civilian applications but pose significant military and security risks. Quantum computers’ superior data processing capabilities could impact military operations, logistics, and encryption security. This move reflects growing concerns over the advancements in quantum technology by countries like China and Russia. It aligns with global efforts, including a $57 million investment by the U.K. and the European Union’s strategies to secure critical technologies. It emphasizes the international race to lead in quantum technology development and its importance for national security and defense.
In Other News: Nasdaq article: “Already Up 104% YTD, Wall Street Predicts This Quantum Computing Stock Will Surge Another 58%”
Quantum computing, alongside artificial intelligence (AI), is anticipated to revolutionize technology, with McKinsey projecting the quantum computing market to reach $80 billion by 2035 to 2040, according to a new Nasdaq article. Amidst this backdrop, Rigetti Computing, a Berkeley-based quantum computing company valued at $299 million, has seen its stock more than double since the beginning of the year, despite a pullback ahead of its Q4 earnings release. The company, which designs quantum chips and develops software for various applications, including chemical simulation and machine learning, reported a revenue of $3.11 million in the third quarter, a slight increase from the previous year but below Wall Street expectations. Ahead of tonight’s earnings, analysts are looking for a per-share loss of $0.06 on revenue of $3.08 million, maintaining a “Strong Buy” consensus rating for the stock, which trades at a discount compared to its peers. This optimism reflects the growing excitement around quantum computing’s potential to drive significant advancements in technology and business.
In Other News: Investor Place article: “7 A-Rated Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy in March”
A new Investor Place article highlights that quantum computing is rapidly emerging as the next frontier in technological innovation, with industry giants like Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Nvidia (NVDA), Microsoft (MSFT), and others leading the charge. AMD is collaborating with Riverlane to enhance quantum computing operations. Nvidia has introduced the Cuda Quantum platform, facilitating the integration of quantum processing units with traditional computing hardware. Microsoft is expanding the capabilities of Azure Quantum to accelerate scientific discovery. These developments signify a pivotal shift from traditional binary computing to quantum computing, which utilizes quantum mechanics principles to increase processing speeds significantly. This advancement is crucial for tackling complex problems across various sectors, including predictive analytics, pattern recognition, and optimization tasks. With the quantum computing market projected to grow substantially, these companies are setting the pace for technological advancement and offering lucrative opportunities for investors seeking to tap into the next wave of innovation.