NVIDIA Unveils World’s Largest Quantum Research Supercomputer, ABCI-Q, to Accelerate Quantum-AI Innovations

NVIDIA Powers the World’s Largest Quantum Research Supercomputer At Computex, NVIDIA announced the launch of the Global Research and Development Center for Business by Quantum-AI Technology (G-QuAT), which is home to the ABCI-Q — the world’s largest research supercomputer dedicated to quantum computing. This powerful system, delivered by Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), promises to significantly accelerate the development and practical application of quantum technology across various fields, including healthcare, energy, and finance. ABCI-Q is equipped with 2,020 NVIDIA H100 GPUs, all interconnected via the NVIDIA Quantum-2 InfiniBand networking platform. This configuration allows the supercomputer to handle complex, large-scale quantum computing tasks with superior efficiency and performance. Additionally, the system leverages NVIDIA CUDA-Q™, an open-source hybrid computing platform that orchestrates the hardware and software necessary for running advanced quantum applications. Tim Costa, senior director of computer-aided engineering, quantum, and CUDA-X™ at NVIDIA, highlighted the importance of this integration. "By seamlessly coupling quantum hardware with AI supercomputing, we can expedite the realization of practical quantum computing for a wide range of applications. Our collaboration with AIST will drive advancements in critical areas such as quantum error correction and application development." The ABCI-Q supercomputer is designed to support a variety of quantum processors, including a superconducting qubit processor from Fujitsu, a neutral atom quantum processor from QuEra, and a photonic processor from OptQC. This multifaceted approach enables researchers to explore different qubit technologies and run hybrid quantum-GPU workloads, enhancing the versatility and effectiveness of their experiments. Masahiro Horibe, deputy director of G-QuAT and AIST, emphasized the potential impact of this new supercomputer. "ABCI-Q will empower researchers in Japan to tackle the foundational challenges of quantum computing and accelerate the journey to practical use cases. With NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platform, scientists can test and refine the systems essential for advancing quantum technology." To gain deeper insights into this groundbreaking initiative, you can watch the Computex keynote from NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang, or attend sessions at NVIDIA GTC Taipei for more detailed discussions on the technology and its implications.