IBM and Japan Just Launched a Quantum-Supercomputer Hybrid

Tech firm IBM (IBM) and Japan’s top research institute, RIKEN, have launched the first IBM Quantum System Two (IBM’s most advanced quantum computer) outside of the U.S. However, what makes this even more interesting is that it has been physically installed alongside RIKEN’s Fugaku supercomputer, which is one of the world’s most powerful classical computers. This milestone is part of a national Japanese project to combine quantum and supercomputing technologies. It is worth noting that the new system runs on IBM’s Heron processor, which has 156 qubits and is currently the company’s best-performing quantum chip.

Indeed, Heron is ten times more accurate and faster than the previous Eagle processor, thanks to improvements like a much lower error rate and a speed of 250,000 CLOPS (circuit layer operations per second). As a result, this powerful chip can now handle quantum problems that are too complex for traditional computers. In addition, its close connection with Fugaku will allow RIKEN researchers to explore new hybrid computing methods by combining the strengths of both quantum and classical systems.

The IBM Quantum System Two and Fugaku are directly linked at a low hardware level at RIKEN’s Center for Computational Science in Kobe, which creates a platform for real-time collaboration between the two systems. This allows engineers to design tasks that run partly on each system, depending on which one is better suited for the job. IBM and RIKEN hope to prove that today’s quantum computers can provide real scientific results. A recent example involves using quantum tools to model iron sulfides, a complex compound found in nature, which was previously thought to require significantly more advanced quantum hardware.

What Is the Target Price for IBM?

Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on IBM stock based on seven Buys, five Holds, and two Sells assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. Furthermore, the average IBM price target of $269.46 per share implies 8.3% downside risk.

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