IBM’s Quantum System One Quantum Computer Now Operational at PINQ²

PINQ²'s installation of the IBM Quantum System One in Quebec marks a historic moment for the province and Canada, positioning them as key players in the rapidly advancing field of quantum computing.

Strengthens Quebec's position in quantum sciences and sustainable development on an international level
Provides companies in the Innovation Zone with a unique and powerful asset to achieve their objectives
Offers improved coherence times and lower error rates compared to previous quantum systems from IBM

The Platform for Digital and Quantum Innovation of Quebec (PINQ²) has made a significant stride in the field of Quantum Computing with the inauguration of an IBM Quantum System One at IBM Bromont. This marks a historic moment for Quebec and Canada, as it positions them as key players in the rapidly advancing field of quantum computing.

PINQ², a non-profit organization founded by the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy of Quebec and the Université de Sherbrooke, along with IBM, will be the sole administrator of an IBM Quantum System One in Canada. This state-of-the-art quantum computer is one of the most advanced in IBM’s global fleet.

The installation of this quantum computer in Quebec strengthens the province’s position in quantum sciences and sustainable development on an international level. It also opens up new possibilities for innovation in sectors such as healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and the environment.

DistriQ, the quantum innovation zone in Sherbrooke, aims to create the world’s largest commercial quantum research infrastructure. The addition of the IBM Quantum System One will provide companies in the Innovation Zone with a unique and powerful asset to achieve their objectives.

In addition to the quantum computer, PINQ²’s high-performance computing center in Sherbrooke will offer a hybrid computing approach. This will allow businesses to access a full range of hybrid quantum computing services, providing them with valuable insights and opportunities for technological advancements.

As part of their partnership, PINQ² and IBM will lead a world-class quantum working group focused on developing solutions to sustainability challenges. Founding members Hydro-Québec and the Université de Sherbrooke will contribute their expertise to this collaborative effort.

Christian Bélanger, Senior Director – Research & Innovation at Hydro-Québec, believes that quantum technologies offer promising prospects for the energy sector. The ongoing energy and digital transitions require increasingly efficient calculations, and quantum computing has the potential to provide valuable solutions.

PINQ² is the only entity in Canada to offer access to an IBM Quantum System One, positioning Quebec as a global leader in quantum research and industrial innovation. This partnership with IBM marks a significant milestone in the advancement of quantum computing.

To accelerate the adoption of quantum technologies, PINQ² has established a Center of Excellence dedicated to quantum software development. This center will support a community of researchers and businesses, fostering collaboration and setting industry benchmarks in software engineering.

The ultimate goal of PINQ² is to make quantum technologies accessible to all. The Center of Excellence will evolve into a platform offering training opportunities, collaborative projects, and the development of open-source algorithms. The École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS) is the inaugural partner in this initiative, contributing their expertise in democratizing best practices in quantum software.

Éric Capelle, General Manager of PINQ², sees the inauguration of the IBM Quantum System One as a historic turning point for Quebec and Canada. PINQ² is proud to play a key role in this technological revolution and is committed to supporting organizations in their digital transformation and training the talents of tomorrow.

In addition to their collaboration with academic partners, PINQ² is accelerating its services for businesses. They are working with a network of Canadian academic partners to collaborate with the industry and train quantum talent.

The IBM Quantum System One is an integrated quantum system designed for stability, reliability, and continuous use. With its 127-Qubit utility processor, it offers improved coherence times and lower error rates compared to previous quantum systems from IBM. This compact and optimized design has been deployed in various locations worldwide, including Germany, Japan, the United States, and now Canada.

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Background Information

About IBM: IBM, or International Business Machines Corporation, is a globally American multinational technology company with a storied history dating back to its founding in 1911. Over the decades, IBM has consistently been at the forefront of innovation in the field of information technology. The company is known for its pioneering work in computer hardware, software, and services, with breakthroughs like the IBM System/360 and the invention of the relational database.

Technology Explained

Quantum Computing: Quantum computing is a type of advanced computing that takes advantage of the strange behaviors of very small particles. It's like having a supercharged computer that can solve incredibly complex problems much faster than regular computers. It does this by using special "bits" that can be both 0 and 1 at the same time, which allows it to process information in a very unique way. This technology has the potential to make a big impact in areas like data security and solving really tough scientific challenges, but there are still some technical hurdles to overcome before it becomes widely useful.