IBM has announced the expansion of its Quantum Data Center in Poughkeepsie, New York, where it operates the largest number of quantum computers globally in a single location. The company has completed the installation of its second IBM Heron quantum processor, the most powerful to date, which is now available to customers worldwide through the IBM cloud.
This advancement is part of IBM’s mission to bring useful quantum computing to the world. The 156-qubit Heron quantum processor, first introduced last year, offers performance 16 times better and speed 25 times faster than IBM’s quantum systems in 2022. Furthermore, all quantum systems in Poughkeepsie can now operate at utility scale, surpassing the brute-force simulation capabilities of classical computers. This allows global users to explore new frontiers in quantum computing, paving the way for the development of quantum algorithms that could transform various industries.
Global momentum in quantum development
IBM has significantly invested in deploying advanced quantum hardware to fulfill its vision of making quantum computing useful worldwide. Since 2016, when IBM made the first quantum computer available in the cloud, the company has made constant advancements in quantum hardware and software, creating the largest and highest-performing fleet of globally accessible quantum systems.
Jay Gambetta, IBM Quantum’s Vice President, highlighted the importance of the data center in Poughkeepsie, which has become a hub for organizations worldwide interested in solving relevant industrial problems using real quantum hardware. “With over 250 organizations in our network, we will continue to accelerate the pace of discovery in quantum computing,” Gambetta stated.
Innovation in hardware and software
Advancements in IBM’s quantum hardware are supported by a growing ecosystem of quantum software and services, powered by the Qiskit quantum software platform. This tool makes programming quantum computers easier and enables users to create quantum algorithms more easily. Several startups, such as Algorithmiq, Q-CTRL, and Qedma, are using Qiskit’s capabilities to simplify system performance management of quantum systems and develop solutions for complex chemistry and optimization problems.
Dorit Aharonov, Chief Scientist at Qedma Quantum Computing, stated, “To achieve algorithmic quantum advantage, it is essential to work with reliable and high-performance quantum hardware. IBM provides the advanced engineering we need to confidently achieve our goals.”
Michael Biercuk, CEO of Q-CTRL, praised IBM’s vision of empowering its partners to push the boundaries of what is possible in quantum computing. His company has incorporated innovative performance management solutions through Qiskit’s feature catalog, delivering value to a wide range of users.
Future projects and global expansion
IBM will continue to expand its quantum data center in Poughkeepsie and open a second center in Ehningen, Germany, as part of its plan to increase its global quantum fleet. The company also plans to strengthen the technological ecosystem in New York, aiming to drive discoveries in areas such as semiconductors, hybrid cloud, and artificial intelligence.
This strategic growth aligns with IBM’s quantum development roadmap, which aims to increase the complexity and size of quantum workloads that users can execute, bringing quantum computing closer to practical and everyday use.
IBM and its commitment to technology
IBM is one of the world’s leading companies in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and hybrid cloud enterprise solutions. Through its cloud platform and technological innovations, the company supports thousands of customers in over 175 countries. Its commitment to trust, transparency, and inclusion remains key to its global strategy.