Japan launches ABCI-Q, a hybrid system with 2,020 NVIDIA H100 GPUs to advance applied quantum computing
During the COMPUTEX event, NVIDIA announced the launch of the G-QuAT research center (Global Research and Development Center for Business by Quantum-AI Technology), which houses the supercomputer ABCI-Q, considered the largest system in the world dedicated exclusively to quantum computing research.
The project was developed by the Advanced Industrial Science and Technology Institute of Japan (AIST) and represents a significant milestone toward the practical integration of artificial intelligence and quantum processors. The ABCI-Q combines 2,020 NVIDIA H100 GPUs, interconnected via the NVIDIA Quantum-2 InfiniBand network, with quantum processors of various technologies.
The system is supported by CUDA-Q™, an open-source hybrid computing platform developed by NVIDIA that efficiently coordinates the software and hardware necessary to run large-scale quantum applications.
“The seamless integration of quantum hardware with AI-based supercomputing will accelerate the realization of quantum computing promises for everyone,” stated Tim Costa, Senior Director of Computer-Assisted Engineering, Quantum Computing, and CUDA-X™ at NVIDIA. According to him, collaboration with AIST will significantly advance key areas such as quantum error correction and the development of new applications.
The ABCI-Q is not limited to a single quantum architecture. It is designed as a hybrid environment capable of executing combined workloads between GPUs and different types of qubits. The system includes:
- A superconducting qubit processor developed by Fujitsu.
- A neutral atoms processor created by QuEra.
- A photonic processor provided by OptQC.
This enables researchers to compare and experiment with various quantum technologies in parallel, a crucial capability at a time when a dominant standard in quantum hardware has yet to be established.
“The ABCI-Q will allow researchers in Japan to tackle the key technical challenges of quantum computing and accelerate its practical application,” said Masahiro Horibe, Deputy Director of the G-QuAT center and AIST. “NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platform will provide scientists the tools needed to build systems that transition into the quantum era.”
This announcement reinforces Japan’s position as a leading country in advancing applied quantum computing and marks a new chapter in international collaboration among tech giants like NVIDIA, research centers, and specialized quantum hardware companies.
The complete presentation of the project and its implications was showcased during the opening keynote by Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, at the GTC Taipei.