What is Quantum Supremacy?
Quantum supremacy is the theoretical future ability of a quantum computer to process data that is impossible for a traditional computer to process. This new level of computing power requires a large number of qubits, or quantum bits, which can represent both a 0 and 1 simultaneously.
As technology continues to push into new realms, it is likely that quantum computers will soon have the power to supersede traditional computers in many areas of processing. Though quantum computing is still a new, nascent field, countries around the world have already invested heavily in the research, development and implementation of quantum computing and are leading the charge for quantum supremacy.
Leading Countries in the Race for Quantum Supremacy
When it comes to quantum computing, several countries are leading the charge in terms of both research and development. Currently, the countries making the biggest investments, and improvements in the field of quantum computing are the United States of America, China, Russia, Canada, and Japan.
The United States
The United States is investing heavily in quantum computing research and development. The United States Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation fund the most research into the development of quantum technology, and the National Institute of Standards and Technologyhas sponsored numerous programs to enable its development.
In addition to their governmental investments, private enterprise in the US is also playing a role in the advancement of quantum computing. Microsoft, IBM, Honeywell and Google have all set up research labs dedicated to the development of quantum computing. Some of the major companies are even heavily investing in the production of quantum computers, such as IBM’s recently unveiled 53-qubit computer.
China
In terms of government funding, the Chinese government has invested over 5 billion dollars into the development of quantum computing since 2016. This investment has not only gone into research and development, but also in educational institutions and technological startup companies.
Additionally, major Chinese companies such as Alibaba have sponsored their own research into the practical applications of quantum computing. Their research is also aided by the fact that two of the highest ranking theoretical physicists in the world are currently living and teaching in China.
Russia
Russia has also been investing heavily in quantum computing research, most notably through their annual “Quantum Technologies” projects. This program is designed to finance research into quantum information theories, technologies and applications of quantum computers.
They have also placed significant investments into the Moscow Institute for Physics and Technology, one of the most renowned quantum research universities in the world. Finally, the Russian company Quantum Technologies has partnered with Mosenergo, a major hydroelectric company, to study the potential ways quantum computers could be used to increase the efficiency of their operations.
Canada
Canada is another major player when it comes to quantum computing. They have invested tens of millions of dollars into the field, setting up their Public Sector Investment Program (PSIP) to fund research projects that focus on the development of quantum computing technology.
Additionally, Canadian universities such as the University of Waterloo are running their own quantum research programs.
Japan
Japan has also invested heavily in quantum computing. Their government has committed over 800 million dollars to research, development and educational programs related to quantum computing and recently unveiled the Japanese Quantum Computing Consortium.
This initiative was one of the biggest advancements in the field of quantum computing, allowing the country to over them to create a large-scale quantum computer. In addition, Japan has also supported private initiatives such as NTT’s experiments with its commercial 5-qubit quantum computer.
Universities and Startups Pushing the Boundaries of Quantum Computing
In addition to the countries, universities and research labs are also pushing the boundaries of quantum computing research. Institutions such as Harvard, MIT and Stanford have produced some of the greatest minds leading the charge for quantum supremacy.
Startups have also proven to be major contributors to the field. One of the largest startups, Rigetti Quantum Computing, has raised over $115 million in venture capital, while other startups such as IonQ, Cambridge Quantum Computing and Strangeworks are also making major advancements with their research and investments.
Quantum computing is still a nascent field, but several major countries, universities and startups are pushing it to the forefront. By investing heavily in both research and development, these countries and institutes are leading the charge for quantum supremacy.
Only time will tell if these investments and research projects will pay off, and whether or not quantum computing will clear the last hurdles that stand between it and emancipation from traditional computing. But if these investments continue, it’s likely that the world will soon see an entirely new generation of supercomputers.
