Publisher Correction: A 98-qubit trapped-ion quantum computer with all-to-all connectivity

Guest Post: Why Chemistry Could Be Quantum Computing’s First Foothold

Quantum computing's most credible near-term commercial application is molecular chemistry simulation. Classical computers struggle because quantum state descriptions grow exponentially with particle count — simulating even a caffeine molecule would require ~10⁴⁸ classical bits. Quantum processors can represent molecular states directly using encodings like Jordan-Wigner transformations, needing only a linear qubit increase per particle. Chemistry problems also require fewer qubits and shallower circuits than headline applications like breaking RSA encryption, making them achievable sooner. Current hybrid approaches pair quantum processors (running algorithms like VQE) with classical supercomputers. Recent milestones include Quantinuum's error-corrected chemistry workflow (May 2025), IonQ and AstraZeneca achieving a 20x speedup in drug synthesis simulation, and IBM coupling a quantum processor to Japan's Fugaku supercomputer for biological molecule modeling. Key targets include protein-drug binding, solid-state batteries, green hydrogen catalysts, and fertilizer chemistry. McKinsey estimates quantum computing could unlock $400B in life sciences by 2035.

Oak Ridge, Cleveland Clinic, and IBM Demonstrate Quantum Simulations for Fusion Materials

Các nhà nghiên cứu từ Oak Ridge, Cleveland Clinic và IBM đã sử dụng máy tính lượng tử để tính toán chín cấu hình phân tử của FLiBe, một loại muối nóng chảy quan trọng trong sản xuất nhiên liệu triti cho lò phản ứng nhiệt hạch. Họ kết hợp CPU, GPU và QPU trong kỹ thuật siêu máy tính tập trung vào lượng tử để xác định cấu trúc điện tử và tính chất liên kết triti của FLiBe, vốn khó mô phỏng chính xác trên máy tính cổ điển.

Lập trình viên quan tâm đến ứng dụng thực tế của công nghệ lượng tử sẽ tìm hiểu cách kết hợp các phần mềm truyền thống (CPU/GPU) với máy tính lượng tử (QPU) để giải quyết vấn đề vật lý phức tạp, mở ra cơ hội phát triển các công cụ mô phỏng vật lý mới cho các lĩnh vực như vật liệu fusion.

Governments Face a New Quantum Reality as IBM Report Urges Broader Strategy Beyond Computing

An IBM Center for The Business of Government report warns that governments focusing narrowly on quantum computing risk falling behind in a broader technology race. The report compares quantum strategies of the US, China, EU, India, and Australia, identifying five strategic pillars: investment, innovation, education, security, and cooperation. It highlights urgent cybersecurity concerns around 'harvest now, decrypt later' attacks and calls for accelerated adoption of post-quantum cryptography. Global public and private quantum investment exceeded $40 billion in 2024. The report concludes that long-term leadership depends on sustaining investment, building a skilled workforce, securing digital infrastructure, and translating research into practical applications across quantum computing, communications, and sensing.

USC Researcher Explores Quantum Computing for Database Optimization USC Researcher Explores Quantum Computing for Database Optimization

USC assistant professor Ibrahim Sabek has received a $627,250 NSF CAREER Award for a five-year project called 'Toward Quantum-Augmented Database Systems.' The research aims to integrate quantum processors directly into database engines to tackle complex optimization tasks including query planning, transaction scheduling, and index selection. Because current quantum hardware is limited, the approach is hybrid: quantum processors handle the hardest combinatorial subproblems while classical components manage the rest. Early prototypes have already shown speedups exceeding 10x over conventional database optimizers on benchmark queries. The project also aims to identify which database optimization problems can achieve a true 'quantum advantage' and to build high-level tools so database developers can use quantum solvers without deep quantum expertise. Sabek's team has access to IBM quantum processors and the D-Wave Advantage system at USC's Quantum Computing Center.

IBM Adds Post-Quantum Security Features to New z17 and LinuxONE Systems

IBM has announced new z17 and LinuxONE 5 configurations, introducing rack mount options alongside single frame systems for the first time across its full Z and LinuxONE portfolio. The new systems support up to 82 cores and 18 TB of memory, with post-quantum cryptography now standard on z17 and LinuxONE Rockhopper 5. Additional capabilities include on-chip AI acceleration via the Telum II processor, confidential computing, and new IBM Crypto Discovery & Inventory tools to help organizations assess their cryptographic posture and prepare for post-quantum standards. IBM COBOL Elevate for z/OS and Infrastructure Management for Z and LinuxONE are also announced to simplify operations. General availability is set for August 12, 2026.

South Africa’s quantum bet starts to leave the lab

South Africa's national quantum technology initiative (SA QuTI), now in its second phase with R142-million in government funding, is beginning to show early commercial signs after four years of academic research. The University of Pretoria has joined as the sixth node in the network. Key research milestones include a 12,900km quantum communication link between Beijing and Stellenbosch, a world record for teleporting quantum states, and a Wits breakthrough in topologically resilient quantum states. The first commercial product has emerged via spin-out Button Optics, which offers structured-light-based secure communication and advanced imaging systems. Industry interest is concentrated on post-quantum security, particularly from the financial and cybersecurity sectors, though no established South African company has yet been named as piloting quantum applications.

White House to Convene Quantum Industry Summit as Administration Pushes Innovation Agenda

The White House is hosting a Quantum Innovation Summit on July 7 at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, bringing together senior federal officials and U.S. quantum industry representatives. The event follows two Trump executive orders aimed at strengthening quantum R&D and accelerating post-quantum cryptography adoption across critical government and infrastructure networks. Key participants include officials from OSTP, Commerce, Defense, Energy, NSF, and the U.S. CTO's office. Discussions will cover agency implementation strategies, industry perspectives, supply chains, and workforce development as quantum technologies approach commercial deployment.