Why Israel is moving to quantum computing

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Large-scale quantum computing is set to revolutionize many industries, as it has the potential to be exponentially faster than classical computers in specific applications. China and the United States, among others, have already launched national initiatives for this new paradigm. Israel launched its own initiative in 2018, for which it announced a $62 million budget in February.

Israel is also betting on the quantum. The Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) has selected Quantum Machines to establish its national center for quantum computing. It will house Israel's first fully functional quantum computers for commercial and research applications. It will house several quantum systems based on different qubit technologies to act as a hotbed for innovation.

Israeli Quantum Center based on Quantum Machines control stack

With this announcement, the Israel National Quantum Initiative said its quantum computers will be based on Quantum Machines' quantum orchestration platform, an integrated control stack called the Pulse Processing Unit that aims for flexibility, extensibility and scalability.

According to Quantum Machines, computers at the Center will have a comprehensive software and hardware platform capable of running any off-the-shelf algorithm, including quantum error correction and multi-calibration -qubit. As quantum computing is known for the different distinct approaches to creating qubits, the platform will also enable multiple qubit technologies, so the center won't have to bet everything on one technology that may not turn out successful, reducing the risk.

Modular and open architecture for hedging bets

Plus, they're modular for easy upgrading to keep up with rapid advancements in the field, so they don't quickly become obsolete. This is necessary because quantum computers become exponentially faster as the number of qubits increases, while the number of qubits itself should also increase exponentially.

"The open architecture approach that Quantum Machines and our world-leading consortium partners are delivering to ensure compatibility with future quantum technologies," said Itamar Sivan, co-founder and CEO of Quantum Machines. “This will allow quantum computers at the center to scale from 10 qubits today to hundreds and thousands of qubits in the next few years. Our goal is to give Israeli companies access to the most advanced quantum technologies and services so that they can develop deep quantum expertise in industry and academia. This expertise will enable Israeli companies from a wide range of sectors and industries to gain a global leadership position. »

In addition to Quantum Machines, several other companies are also part of the consortium. Notably, three companies will provide their distinct approach to quantum computing. Israel said it would be the first quantum system to support three separate technologies. One partner will provide a superconducting quantum processing unit, while the second will provide its quantum photonic computing system. The third will provide its quantum computing system based on cold atoms. There are also partners for quantum application design, services for HPC and quantum software development.

Israel expects the system to be operational in 12-18 months with around 50 qubits, but aims to scale the platform to thousands of qubits over time.