IBM unveils new hybrid quantum computing architecture

IBM is betting on hybrid systems being the future of near-term quantum computing, introducing a new computing architecture that uses both classical and quantum-specific technology to apply the benefits of quantum-based capabilities to current problems. 

Announced on Thursday, the new architecture combines quantum hardware with leading classical processing and graphics processing units — along with larger infrastructure like high-speed networks and shared digital storage — to leverage the promised benefits of quantum advantage to modern problems. 

Images shared with Nextgov/FCW depict the new architecture as being underpinned by the combination of classical CPUs and GPUs that work alongside IBM’s quantum compute systems, such as its recent large-scale processors, Starling and Heron. It connects to a quantum management resource interface that sits below classical and quantum programming software models, which all receive information from applications and classical and quantum programming libraries.

Some entities are already making use of IBM’s new architecture, including Cleveland Clinic researchers simulating digital models of protein molecules and IBM and RIKEN scientists simulating iron-sulfur clusters. 

“Today’s quantum processors are beginning to tackle the hardest parts of scientific problems — those governed by quantum mechanics in chemistry,” Jay Gambetta, director of IBM Research and an IBM fellow, said in a press release. “The future lies in quantum-centric supercomputing, where quantum processors work together with classical high-performance computing to solve problems that were previously out of reach. IBM is building the technology and systems that brings this future of computing into reality today.”

Hybrid computing architectures have emerged as a way to bring quantum-inspired computing to market, as fault-tolerant quantum computers still need to be successfully developed. IBM joins Microsoft and NVIDIA as companies launching various hardware, middleware and software solutions aimed at incorporating into a tech stack that can bring the benefits of quantum computing to existing and reliable classical infrastructures.