IQM Quantum Computers, the quantum computing firm, launched “IQM Spark,” comprising a superconducting quantum computer and tailored learning experiences for universities and research labs worldwide. IQM Spark comes pre-installed with a 5-qubit quantum processing unit, with more options available allowing for a wide variety of research experiments.
What is the mission behind the initiative?
This will help universities kick-start their quantum program. Also, universities will have free maintenance for one year, and IQM will provide training for running the system and learning materials accessible through IQM Academy, an online platform. With IQM Spark, students of all levels (bachelor, master, and PhD) will now learn hands-on about quantum computing.
Additionally, universities across the globe can also provide their students with the skillset needed for a quantum-enabled future by leveraging both hardware and software within the learning materials. With its technical track record and world-class expertise, IQM is also committed to collaborating with universities to drive advancements in quantum science.
IQM has already delivered 5-qubit quantum computers to some universities and research institutions, including the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre in Germany. The quantum computer at VTT has been connected to LUMI, Europe’s most powerful supercomputer, hosted by the CSC – IT Center for Science.
What does the initiative mean for IQM?
Dr. Kuan Yen Tan, Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder of IQM Quantum Computers, commented: “Since our inception, we have invested in and promoted quantum education and the advancement of research, and it’s apparent that universities around the globe need critical tools like IQM Spark to train the workforce needed for the next generation.”
“Given the potential of quantum computing, the ecosystem will require a wide range of talent across electronics, chip fabrication, hardware design, and software engineering. Our system will facilitate the learning experience and engage students with the physical system.”
“We’ve designed this offering for universities and research labs to build up their quantum expertise and we believe that our system will not only perform fundamental quantum experiments and raise interest in STEM but we will also advance university science around quantum computing in general, while addressing the shortage of talent and providing value for the job market,” said Dr. Björn Pötter, Head of Product at IQM Quantum Computers.
What does the initiative mean for universities and labs?
“VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and IQM successfully collaborated in delivering Finland’s first quantum computer in 2021. The 5-qubit quantum computer enables users to take the first steps in developing quantum algorithms and learn how to utilise the new technology in practice,” said Pekka Pursula, Research Manager in Quantum Technologies, VTT.
“On-premises quantum hardware is only available from a limited number of vendors. This makes it hard for us to provide this hardware to our scientists. Pricing and missing learning resources make it even harder to make this technology available for educational purposes for our students,” said Prof. Dr. Dieter Kranzlmüller, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre, which caters to all universities of Bavaria in Germany.
“IQM Spark will address three major challenges: availability, learning resources, and affordability. In that way, universities can give practical experience to the next generation of quantum computing experts. Making on-premises quantum computer hardware available to our scientists and students as a low-barrier resource will give a boost to scientific progress and educate the next generation of quantum experts,” Prof. Dr. Dieter Kranzlmüller added.
“This paves the way for students in Bavarian universities, like Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) and Technical University of Munich (TUM) students, to become entrepreneurs in the field of quantum tech and live up to the excellence claim of the Munich universities.”
