IBM to Build Europe’s First Quantum Computer in Germany.
What are Quantum Computers?
Quantum computers are not the same thing as classical computers. Instead, quantum computers can almost be thought of as “super computers,” which can be used to solve complex problems that go far beyond the capabilities and complexities of a classical computer.
According to IBM, the technological tool “could spur the development of new breakthroughs in science, medications to save lives, machine learning methods to diagnose illnesses sooner, materials to make more efficient devices and structures, financial strategies to live well in retirement, and algorithms to quickly direct resources such as ambulances.”
Classical computers manipulate individual bits, which stores information as binary 0 and 1 states. Quantum computing on the other hand, is based on quantum bits, or quibits to manipulate data that significantly increases the amount of information the computer can process.
While quantum computing is still several years away from being in widespread use, researchers are experimenting with a number of applications.
So, what’s the hot gossip in Germany?
IBM will build a 9 ft tall Q System One quantum computer at one of its facilities in Germany, partnering with the Fraunhofer Society - an applied research institute - to build a research unit and community around it. The German research institute is backed by the government which plans to invest 650 million euros ($717 million) over two years in wider research in the field.
IBM currently allows companies and scientific bodies to run algorithms on its US-based quantum computers, via the cloud. However, with the somewhat recent implementation of tightening data sovereignty laws, such as the General Data Privacy Regulation (GDPR), transatlantic data flows are more reluctant than in the past. The German government has said the technology is “extremely relevant to security policy,” particularly in the field of cryptography.