California-based startup D-Wave Quantum Inc. has achieved a significant milestone in the field of quantum computing.
Using its Advantage 2 prototype annealing quantum computer, the company has successfully solved a real-world, computationally challenging problem—one that would take the most advanced supercomputers millions of years to crack.
The breakthrough was validated through a peer-reviewed paper published in a prestigious scientific journal, further solidifying its credibility.
The race for more powerful computing
According to Moore’s Law, computing power has historically doubled every two years. Over the decades, we have witnessed dramatic advancements in computational capabilities while devices have simultaneously shrunk in size.
However, despite these advancements, scientists continue to push for more powerful computing systems—ones capable of handling exascale computations and addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change and drug discovery.
Yet, many experts believe that these problems are beyond the reach of even the most advanced high-performance computing (HPC) centers and supercomputers. Instead, quantum computing, which leverages quantum mechanics to perform calculations exponentially faster than traditional computing systems, is seen as the key to unlocking these solutions.
While quantum computing has been a hot topic in recent years, much of the discussion has focused on increasing qubit counts rather than demonstrating real-world applications. Until now, practical deployment of quantum technology has been limited.
What problem did D-Wave solve?
D-Wave researchers took on the challenge of simulating programmable spin glasses—a problem related to magnetic materials that is known for its computational difficulty.
These materials are used in applications ranging from medicine and semiconductors to sensor design and electric motors.
Traditional methods for tackling this problem rely on high-performance computing (HPC) centers and supercomputers equipped with graphics processing units (GPUs). However, this approach is both energy-intensive and time-consuming.
Recognizing this as the perfect use case for its technology, the D-Wave research team leveraged its Advantage 2 prototype annealing quantum computer to take on the challenge.
How did the quantum computer outperform a supercomputer?
D-Wave’s annealing quantum computer operates by using quantum mechanics to find optimal solutions to complex problems.
Unlike conventional computers, which process data sequentially, annealing quantum systems explore multiple possible solutions simultaneously and gradually adjust parameters to reach the most efficient answer.
To test the power of their quantum system, D-Wave researchers posed the magnetic material simulation problem to both their quantum computer and the Frontier supercomputer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The results were staggering:
- D-Wave’s quantum computer solved the problem in minutes.
- Frontier, the world’s fastest supercomputer, would take an estimated one million years to reach the same solution—while consuming an entire year’s worth of global electricity.
A new era for quantum computing
D-Wave’s CEO, Dr. Alan Baratz, called the achievement a landmark moment for the quantum computing industry.
“This is a remarkable day for quantum computing. Our demonstration of quantum computational supremacy on a useful problem is an industry first,” Baratz stated.
“All other claims of quantum systems outperforming classical computers have been disputed or involved random number generation of no practical value. Our achievement shows, without question, that D-Wave’s annealing quantum computers are now capable of solving useful problems beyond the reach of the world’s most powerful supercomputers.”
D-Wave is making this technology more accessible through its quantum cloud service, allowing researchers and businesses to leverage its computing power remotely. The company has also made significant advancements in scalability, increasing the number of qubits in its system by fourfold.
With this breakthrough, D-Wave has firmly positioned itself as a leader in real-world quantum computing applications, paving the way for future innovations that could revolutionize industries worldwide.
