The Future of Quantum Computing

Key Concepts

• Utility-scale quantum computer
• Million-qubit scale
• Fault tolerance
• Silicon photonics platform
• Semiconductor industry leverage
• Commercial applications
• Scale vs. small demonstrations

Why Chicago?

CI quantum chose Chicago as the location for building the country's first utility-scale quantum computer due to an understanding within the local ecosystem of the project's immense scale and complexity. The project involves a commitment of at least a billion dollars in capital.

Addressing the Hype Around Quantum Computing

The speaker acknowledges the hype surrounding quantum computing and emphasizes the importance of focusing on delivering truly useful commercial applications. He argues that breakthroughs are followed by a decade or more of hard technological development. CI quantum's breakthrough was identifying a path to leverage the semiconductor industry to build a million-qubit scale, fault-tolerant, utility-scale quantum computer.

Silicon Photonics Platform

CI quantum differentiates itself through its focus on a silicon photonics platform. This platform allows them to leverage the trillions of dollars invested in the semiconductor industry. The company has spent 20 years developing this platform, recognizing that it is essential for achieving quantum computing at scale.

Competition and Approach

The speaker avoids framing the field as a "race," emphasizing that hard technologies are subject to a "filter." CI quantum's approach differs from others by focusing on the scale required for valuable commercial applications (a million qubits). They have deliberately avoided small demonstrations and proofs of principle, comparing this to using ladders to reach the moon versus building a rocket.

Collaboration with Illinois Government

CI quantum has enjoyed great partnerships with the Illinois government, from the governor to the alderman. This collaboration is driven by an understanding of the project's complexity. An example is the early involvement of the power utility in discussions, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to the project's needs.

Notable Quotes

• "Breakthroughs precipitate a decade or more of of hard work, you know, real hard technological development."
• "...the only way to be able to do that is to leverage the, you know, trillion dollars and, you know, better part of a century that went into the semiconductor industry..."
• "If you want to get to the moon, ladders are not really the way to get you there."

Technical Terms

• Utility-scale quantum computer: A quantum computer powerful enough to solve real-world problems at a scale comparable to traditional computing infrastructure.
• Qubit: The basic unit of information in a quantum computer.
• Fault tolerance: The ability of a quantum computer to correct errors that occur during computation.
• Silicon photonics: A technology that uses silicon to create optical devices, enabling the integration of photonics with electronics.

Synthesis/Conclusion

CI quantum is pursuing a unique approach to quantum computing by focusing on building a million-qubit scale, fault-tolerant, utility-scale quantum computer. They are leveraging the semiconductor industry through their silicon photonics platform and have established a strong partnership with the state of Illinois. Their strategy is to prioritize scale and commercial applications over small demonstrations, aiming to deliver a truly useful quantum computing solution.