SANTA CLARA — In a significant stride towards Japan’s quantum computing aspirations, NVIDIA has unveiled its collaboration with the nation’s quantum research initiative through the ABCI-Q supercomputer. This advanced computing system, set to be operational early next year, aims to catalyze quantum research endeavors across various industries.
ABCI-Q, housed at the Global Research and Development Center for Business by Quantum-AI Technology (G-QuAT) at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), is a pivotal component of Japan’s quantum technology innovation strategy. The supercomputer, developed by Fujitsu, stands as a testament to Japan’s commitment to fostering quantum technology’s potential for societal and economic advancement.
Powered by NVIDIA’s cutting-edge platforms, ABCI-Q is poised to revolutionize quantum computing research. Leveraging NVIDIA Hopper Architecture and CUDA-Q, an open-source hybrid quantum computing platform, the supercomputer promises high-fidelity quantum simulations with unparalleled performance and scalability.
With over 2,000 NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs integrated into 500+ nodes interconnected by NVIDIA Quantum-2 InfiniBand, ABCI-Q boasts formidable computing power. This infrastructure is tailor-made to facilitate research in quantum circuit simulation, quantum machine learning, and the development of classical-quantum hybrid systems.
Tim Costa, Director of High Performance Computing and Quantum Computing at NVIDIA, emphasized the significance of high-performance simulation in advancing quantum computing. He stated, “CUDA-Q and the NVIDIA H100 equip pioneers such as those at ABCI to make critical advances and speed the development of quantum-integrated supercomputing.”
Masahiro Horibe, Deputy Director of G-QuAT/AIST, highlighted ABCI-Q’s pivotal role in propelling Japan’s quantum computing endeavors. He remarked, “ABCI-Q will let Japanese researchers explore quantum computing technology to test and accelerate the development of its practical applications.”
Beyond its academic significance, ABCI-Q is envisioned as a platform for collaborative efforts between academia and industry. NVIDIA and G-QuAT/AIST plan to synergize their expertise to explore industrial applications harnessing the supercomputer’s capabilities.
Japan’s investment in ABCI-Q reflects a broader commitment to leveraging quantum technology to address societal challenges and unlock new avenues for innovation. As the supercomputer prepares to usher in a new era of quantum computing research, the global scientific community eagerly anticipates the breakthroughs it will catalyze.
