On August 26 (local time), IBM and AMD jointly announced their plan to collaborate on developing a next-generation computing architecture that combines quantum computing and high-performance computing (HPC) — known as quantum-centric supercomputing. The two companies are working together to build a scalable, open-source platform, leveraging IBM’s leadership in developing the world’s highest-performance quantum computers and software, as well as AMD’s leadership in HPC and AI accelerators, to redefine the future of computing.
Quantum computing represents an entirely different way of representing and processing information. While classical computers use bits that can only be "0" or "1", quantum computers’ qubits represent information based on the laws of natural quantum mechanics. These characteristics expand the computing landscape, enabling exploration of solutions to complex problems that lie beyond the reach of classical computing alone — including fields such as drug discovery, materials discovery, optimization, and logistics.
"Quantum computing will simulate the natural world and represent information in entirely new ways," said Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM. "By exploring how IBM’s quantum computers and AMD’s advanced HPC technologies can work in synergy, we will build a powerful hybrid model that pushes the boundaries of traditional computing."
"High-performance computing is the foundation for solving the world’s most critical challenges," said Dr. Lisa Su, Chairman and CEO of AMD. "As we collaborate with IBM to explore the convergence of HPC and quantum technologies, we see tremendous opportunities to accelerate discovery and innovation."
In a quantum-centric supercomputing architecture, quantum computers work in tandem with robust HPC and AI infrastructure — typically supported by CPUs, GPUs, and other computing engines. Under this hybrid approach, different components of a problem are handled by the paradigm best suited to solve them. For example, future quantum computers could simulate the behavior of atoms and molecules, while AI-powered classical supercomputers process massive volumes of data. Together, these technologies can solve real-world problems at unprecedented speed and scale.
IBM and AMD are exploring how to integrate AMD CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs with IBM quantum computers to effectively accelerate a new class of emerging algorithms that currently exceed the capabilities of either paradigm working in isolation. The proposed effort may also help advance IBM’s vision of delivering fault-tolerant quantum computers by the end of this decade. AMD technologies are expected to provide real-time error correction — a critical element of fault-tolerant quantum computing.
The teams plan to conduct initial demonstrations later this year to showcase how IBM quantum computers can work in collaboration with AMD technologies to deploy hybrid quantum-classical workflows. The two companies also intend to explore how open-source ecosystems like Qiskit can facilitate the development and adoption of new algorithms that leverage quantum-centric supercomputing.
IBM has already taken the first steps toward its vision of seamless integration between quantum and classical computing. This includes its recent collaboration with RIKEN to deploy IBM Quantum System Two — IBM’s modular quantum computer — and connect it to Fugaku, one of the world’s fastest classical supercomputers. Additionally, IBM has partnered with industry leaders such as Cleveland Clinic, the Basque Government, and Lockheed Martin to demonstrate how combining quantum and classical resources can deliver valuable results for tough problems that go beyond what classical computers alone can achieve.
AMD CPUs and GPUs power Frontier at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory — the first supercomputer in history to officially break the exascale barrier. Today, according to the TOP500 list, AMD EPYC™ CPUs and AMD Instinct™ GPU technologies also power El Capitan at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, making AMD the provider of technology for the two fastest supercomputers in the world. Beyond HPC, AMD CPUs, GPUs, and open-source software enable numerous generative AI solutions for leading enterprises and cloud providers worldwide.
(Reprinted from China Grid https://news.eccn.com)