Moving Quantum Computing from Hype to Prototype

When quantum is seemingly everywhere and in everything, is it possible to spin true value out of the hype cycle? DARPA is attempting just that - armed with a healthy dose of skepticism, scientific rigor, and industry and academic expertise.

DARPA is starting a new effort to examine industrial quantum computing. The Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) will benchmark quantum computing applications and algorithms as well as significantly expand our efforts to validate quantum computer hardware progress. DARPA's goal is to determine if it's possible to actually build an industrially useful quantum computer much faster than conventional predictions.

In order to predict if quantum computing will grow from a primarily scientific endeavor to a critical industrial tool, DARPA has established new collaborations with the Department of Energy's Office of Science - a national leader in quantum computing research and high-performance computing - as well as with the State of Illinois, which is investing heavily to create a new quantum computing corridor in the greater Chicago area. To support these collaborations, DARPA will be leveraging Department of Defense experts, in particular, quantum scientists and engineers at the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, New York.

The Quantum Benchmarking Initiative is an outgrowth of two DARPA programs: Quantum Benchmarking and Underexplored Systems for Utility-Scale Quantum Computing (US2QC). The former seeks to determine the yardstick for impact. In the simplest terms, if a fully functioning quantum computer magically appeared, what would it make possible that a standard computer cannot accomplish? The latter asks whether building an industrially useful fault-tolerant quantum computer is even possible.

Quantum Benchmarking teams recently released preprints of research findings describing application areas where quantum computing could be transformative, as well as the size and type of quantum computer needed to realize that transformation. On the hardware side, multiple performers on US2QC have shown plausible - but by no means guaranteed - paths from research plans to utility-scale computer systems, paths that lead through critical prototype system demonstrations. QBI combines the software and application focus of Quantum Benchmarking and the quantum computing hardware-validation focus of US2QC.

QBI aims to significantly increase engagement with and funding for quantum computing hardware companies that believe they have what it takes to make it through DARPA's rigorous verification and validation process.

"Our opening position is skepticism," said Dr. Joe Altepeter, the DARPA program manager leading the charge on this exploration. "Specifically, skepticism that a fully fault-tolerant quantum computer with a sufficient number of logical qubits can ever be built. We will walk into the room and say, 'We're pretty sure whatever you're doing is not going to work.' I will bring a small army of scientists and engineers, we will listen to your evidence, and we will double and triple check using our own analysis. And if we're convinced the technology you're developing checks out and you're onto something big, we'll tell the rest of government and become a strong advocate for your approach."

Altepeter notes that proving (or disproving) the promise of quantum computing will require a broad research and development collaboration across industry, academia, and government. The range of investments required include workforce development, infrastructure, and verification and validation expertise.

DARPA has established a framework with the Department of Energy's Office of Science to plan and coordinate research, development, engineering, and testing quantum computing activities to ensure maximum impact of U.S. government investment in this area.

"Realizing practical quantum computers has the potential to dramatically accelerate the pace of discovery across the science and technology landscape," said Dr. Ceren Susut, DOE Associate Director of Science for the Advanced Scientific Computing Research program. "The Office of Science is proud to bring decades of experience in fundamental science for quantum computing, best in-class tools for scientific research, and unique experience in development, acquisition, and application of the world's most powerful computers to this partnership. We are looking forward to collaborating with DARPA to prove the promise of quantum computing technologies."

DARPA is teaming with the State of Illinois to leverage the state's advanced quantum computing infrastructure, such as the Illinois Quantum Campus.

"DARPA and the federal government are recognizing the massive steps we've taken to make Illinois a quantum hub and affirming the value of the infrastructure and workforce our state provides," said Governor JB Pritzker. "As we continue to explore the future of what quantum can offer us, Illinois looks forward to working closely with DARPA and federal leaders to develop a quantum campus and lead the nation in innovation and discovery."

QBI is also building on existing collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Information Directorate's advanced quantum computing facilities in Rome, New York, allowing DARPA to leverage AFRL's systems engineering and broad quantum expertise.

AFRL's Senior Scientist for quantum, Dr. Kathy-Anne Soderberg, emphasized the significance of the partnership with DARPA in QBI.

"This initiative will significantly enhance AFRL's efforts in validating progress in high-performance computing," Soderberg said. "The collaboration excels at leveraging new programs and approaches, adapting to evolving scientific and technical knowledge in quantum. This is in an effort to help shape the future of Quantum Information Science and Technology and to prepare the nation for all possibilities."

Companies interested in learning more about QBI should view the special notice announcing an anticipated QBI program solicitation.

"It is in the best interest of any company who thinks they can prove they are on the path to industrial quantum computing - definitely including companies who have previously applied to US2QC - to compete for QBI funding," Altepeter said.

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