IBM and AMD have announced a collaboration to develop new computing architectures that combine quantum computers with high-performance computing systems. The companies aim to create scalable, open-source platforms for what they describe as quantum-centric supercomputing. This effort will bring together IBM’s experience in quantum computing and software with AMD’s expertise in high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) accelerators.

Quantum computing uses qubits instead of traditional bits, allowing information to be represented based on the laws of quantum mechanics. This enables more complex computations than classical computers can achieve, which could benefit areas such as drug discovery, materials science, optimization, and logistics.

Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM, said, "Quantum computing will simulate the natural world and represent information in an entirely new way. By exploring how quantum computers from IBM and the advanced high-performance compute technologies of AMD can work together, we will build a powerful hybrid model that pushes past the limits of traditional computing."

Dr. Lisa Su, Chair and CEO of AMD, added: "High-performance computing is the foundation for solving the world's most important challenges. As we partner with IBM to explore the convergence of high-performance computing and quantum technologies, we see tremendous opportunities to accelerate discovery and innovation."

In this approach, quantum computers would work alongside HPC infrastructure supported by CPUs, GPUs, and other compute engines. Each component would address parts of a problem best suited to its capabilities; for example, quantum systems could simulate molecular behavior while classical supercomputers powered by AI handle large-scale data analysis.

The two companies are looking at ways to integrate AMD CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs with IBM’s quantum systems to accelerate algorithms that neither technology could efficiently solve alone. Their collaboration also aims to support IBM's goal of building fault-tolerant quantum computers within this decade. Real-time error correction—a key aspect of fault tolerance—could benefit from AMD’s technologies.

An initial demonstration is planned for later this year to show how hybrid workflows between IBM’s quantum computers and AMD hardware might function. The companies intend to leverage open-source ecosystems like Qiskit to encourage development and adoption of algorithms designed for these new architectures.

IBM has already started integrating quantum and classical resources through partnerships such as one with RIKEN in Japan that connects its modular Quantum System Two computer with Fugaku—one of the fastest classical supercomputers globally—and collaborations with organizations including Cleveland Clinic, the Basque Government, and Lockheed Martin.

AMD’s technology currently powers some of the world’s leading supercomputers. Its CPUs and GPUs run Frontier at Oak Ridge National Laboratory—the first machine ever confirmed to break the exascale performance barrier—and El Capitan at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. These achievements place AMD components at the core of both top-ranked systems on the TOP500 list (https://www.top500.org/lists/top500/2024/06/). Beyond HPC applications, AMD products are used widely in generative AI solutions across various industries.

IBM provides hybrid cloud services and consulting expertise for clients in over 175 countries. Its offerings include industry-specific cloud solutions backed by a commitment to trust and transparency.

AMD has spent more than five decades developing innovations in high-performance computing technology used by individuals, businesses, and research institutions worldwide.