Atos and IQM have announced the findings from the first global IDC study on the current status and future of quantum computing in high performance computing (HPC). Commissioned by IQM and Atos, the study reveals that 76% of HPC data centers worldwide plan to use quantum computing by 2023, and that 71% plan to move to on-premises quantum computing by 2026. IQM is part of Atos Scaler, an accelerator program creating partnerships with the start-up ecosystem.
One of the key findings from the study is that it is becoming increasingly difficult for users to get the optimal performance out of high-performance computing while ensuring both security and resilience.
110 key decision-makers from high-performance computing (HPC) centers worldwide were surveyed. For the first time, the results provide concrete insights into a technology area that will change Europe and the world significantly.
Investment in quantum computing on the rise
Quantum computing is the number one technology in Europe and among the top three technologies of the top 500 HPC data centers worldwide. 76 percent of HPC centers are already using quantum computing or plan to use them in the next two years. The expected benefits of the introduction of quantum computers are clear for HPC data centers: the survey shows that these are: tackling new problems such as supply chain logistics or challenges related climate change (45 percent) and solving existing problems faster (38 percent) – while at the same time reducing computing costs (42 percent).
Increasing complexity as an opportunity
Cloud is a key part of this HPC architecture, mixing standard elements with custom-developed infrastructure components. Based on the survey responses, hybrid and cloud deployments are especially important in the EMEA region. 50 percent state that a hybrid HPC architecture is top priority, (North America 46 percent; APAC 38 percent). Yet, there is a lack of knowledge about how quantum computing will work alongside a classical HPC infrastructure. Therefore, outsourcing operations and maintenance with partners will continue with the increase in quantum computing.
A market in transition
Developing and testing real-world use cases is critical to the future success of quantum computing. The four most important use cases for quantum computing are currently linked to the analysis of huge amounts of data and solving industry-specific use cases. The top use cases identified by the HPC centers interviewed are:
- Searching databases (59 percent)
- Investment risk analysis (45 percent)
- Molecular modelling (41 percent)
- Asset Management (32 percent)
Dr. Jan Goetz, CEO and Co-Founder of IQM Quantum Computers summarizes: “We work with some of the leading HPC centers in the world, and we planned this study to provide the quantum industry with a thorough understanding of the state of quantum at HPC centers globally. The strong investments for on-premise quantum computers, focus on skills gap and sustainability are very important findings from this study, and it will help IQM, Atos and our ecosystem partners in creating new products and offerings”
Dr. Stefano Perini, IDC European Quantum Computing Practice Co-lead Spokesperson of IDC, adds: “Quantum computing has all the credentials to change the way both scientific and business challenges will be addressed. Yet, there is little data on what are the current and future adoption trends of this cutting-edge technology by organizations around the world. The study sheds light on how HPC centers are experimenting with quantum computing and how they’re planning to do it in the future. By filling this gap, we have been able to define the key steps to undertake in order for quantum computing to flourish and achieve a significant impact over the next years.”