Researchers from Quantinuum and Amgen have conducted a study on using quantum computers for computational biology. They built quantum models to perform sequence classification relevant to the design of therapeutic proteins. The models were run on emulators of state-of-the-art noisy quantum processors and then on the Quantinuum H1-1 trapped-ion quantum processor. The results were in close agreement with noiseless exact simulation. This work is the first application of near-term quantum computing to a task critical to the design of therapeutic proteins, suggesting potential for larger-scale applications in this and related fields. The work is published in Arxiv, "Peptide Binding Classification on Quantum Computers".

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched the Amazon Braket Digital Learning Plan, a free learning programme for quantum computing developers, educators, and enthusiasts. The free quantum computing course programme offers foundational knowledge on quantum computing and Amazon Braket, AWS's quantum computing service. Participants can earn a digital badge after completing a series of courses and scoring at least 80% on an assessment. The learning plan includes two online courses focusing on domain knowledge, Braket features, and hands-on tutorials. The initiative aims to support experienced quantum instructors, enable students to gain practical experience, and help customers develop their quantum applications.

German quantum software company, Kipu Quantum, has joined the DLR Quantum Computing Initiative's (DLR QCI) project, BASIQ. The project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, aims to develop battery material simulations on an atomic level for gate-based quantum computers. Kipu Quantum's unique algorithms, which require significantly less circuit depth to solve problems, will be used in the project. The company's technology has applications in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, logistics, artificial intelligence, and finance. Prof. Enrique Solano and Dr. Daniel Volz, co-founders of Kipu Quantum, expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration.

Researchers at Texas A&M University have used quantum computing to assist with genetic research, discovering new links between genes. The team used the technology to map gene regulatory networks (GRNs), which show how genes can activate or deactivate each other. Published in npj Quantum Information, the study suggests quantum computing could help predict gene relationships more accurately, with potential implications for human and animal medicine. The team, including Ph.D. student Cristhian Roman Vicharra, found quantum computing allowed for more complex gene comparisons than traditional computing. The researchers plan to compare healthy cells with diseased or mutated ones in future.

Quantum software company Classiq, in collaboration with NVIDIA and the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, has launched the Quantum Computing for Life Sciences & Healthcare Center. The initiative aims to develop quantum algorithms and applications to revolutionise life sciences and healthcare, including drug discovery, molecular analysis, and personalised medical treatments. The centre will also address challenges in supply chain and treatment coordination. Classiq CEO Nir Minerbi believes the software driving quantum computing is growing rapidly. The centre will utilise NVIDIAH100 Tensor Core GPU capabilities and NVIDIA CUDA Quantum programming platform. The Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center will initiate the centre's collaborative approach.

Scientists have demonstrated the use of a robotic arm in quantum technology. The arm, equipped with a magnet, can sensitise a quantum magnetometer in challenging conditions. This development could increase speed, control, and robustness in quantum technology applications. The team's work suggests that robotics could replace traditional methods in experimental physics and quantum technologies, particularly in highly constrained environments. The next step is to develop an algorithm that can generate on-demand magnetic fields, potentially revolutionising the field of quantum technology.

Researchers Michael Kuehn and Davide Vodola at BASF, the world's largest chemical company, are using quantum computing to study NTA, a compound used to remove toxic metals from wastewater. They have simulated the equivalent of 24 qubits, the processing engines of a quantum computer, on GPUs and recently ran their first 60 qubit simulations on NVIDIA’s Eos H100 Supercomputer. The simulations are run on NVIDIA CUDA Quantum, a platform for programming CPUs, GPUs, and quantum computers. BASF's quantum computing initiative, launched in 2017, is also developing use cases for machine learning, logistics, and scheduling.

The European Space Agency (ESA) is advancing its quantum technology initiatives, including sending a quantum-enabled probe to Jupiter and developing quantum-based communications. The agency is also planning to fly a quantum clock to the International Space Station. Quantum technology was identified as a strategic priority by ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher. ESA opto-electronics system engineer Eric Wille stated that the agency has been working on quantum technologies for 25 years. The ESA is also collaborating with the European Commission and industry partnerships like the Eagle-1 mission with satellite manufacturer SES to develop quantum key distribution for secure communications.

D-Wave a leading quantum computing company, has announced successful Quantum Error Mitigation (QEM) in its Advantage2 annealing quantum computing prototype. The QEM techniques reduce errors in quantum simulations, leading to results consistent with the quantum system maintaining its quantum state for a significantly longer time. This advancement is expected to improve performance in the forthcoming Advantage2 system and future processors. The research, led by Mohammad Amin, marks D-Wave's first experimental demonstration of Zero-Noise Extrapolation, a practical QEM technique. This could help tackle complex problems in scientific and machine learning applications.

Qubit Pharmaceuticals has made a breakthrough in quantum chemistry, aiming to improve the efficiency and accessibility of quantum chemistry simulations. The company combines classical and quantum methodologies to enhance drug design. They use NVIDIA GPUs and their own state-vector emulator, Hyperion HPC, to conduct exact simulations across systems. Their research focuses on Quantum State Preparation and a new method called Overlap-ADAPT-VQE, which significantly improves quantum chemistry simulations. This could lead to advancements in drug development and materials science.

Cleveland Clinic has launched the Quantum Innovation Catalyzer Program, a competitive initiative for start-ups to explore quantum computing applications in healthcare and life sciences. Four companies will be selected to receive a 24-week immersive experience, including access to IBM Quantum System One computer for research. The program is part of Cleveland Clinic’s and IBM’s 10-year partnership aimed at advancing biomedical research through quantum and advanced computing. The application for the program is open until January 15, with the program launching in April.

Quandela, a European leader in photonic quantum computing, has delivered its first quantum computer, MosaiQ, to OVHcloud datacenters, marking a significant milestone as the first European quantum computing company to supply a machine to an industrial client. OVHcloud becomes the first European cloud services provider to own a quantum system based on photonic processors. The quantum computer is modular and scalable, with the ability to add new modules to increase computational capabilities. Three more machines are in production at Quandela, with deliveries planned for 2024.

Microsoft's Azure Quantum has developed a hybrid quantum supercomputer that combines quantum and classical computing to solve complex problems. The system requires at least one million stable and controllable qubits, and uses error correction to maintain stability. Microsoft's unique topological qubit design aids this stability. The hybrid nature of the supercomputer allows for the integration of quantum and classical computing. Researchers from Microsoft and Quantinuum have successfully run Magic State Distillation and Repeat-Until-Success algorithms on the Azure Quantum system. The system uses Quantum Intermediate Representation to represent quantum and classical logic, optimising program logic.

Quantum computing, which uses principles of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems, is being explored by financial institutions for its potential to transform computations. President Biden signed the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act in 2022, acknowledging the potential threat of quantum decryption. Major financial institutions are investing in quantum computing, with up to $850 billion expected over the next 30 years. Public sector investment in quantum computing has also increased, with the U.S., European Union and Canada investing over $3.1 billion. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has initiated research into the opportunities and risks of quantum computing.

QuEra Computing, a leader in neutral-atom quantum computers, celebrates the one-year anniversary of its quantum computer, Aquila, being publicly available on Amazon Braket, a service from Amazon Web Services. QuEra's machine is the only publicly-accessible neutral-atom quantum computer and the largest of its kind with up to 256 qubits. The company has increased the availability of its quantum computer on Amazon Braket to over 100 hours per week, a tenfold increase from its launch. QuEra's technology is used globally for applications ranging from high-energy physics to material sciences. CEO Alex Keesling emphasises the company's commitment to expanding quantum computing access.

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) has contracted ParityQC to develop new methods for molecular simulation on quantum computers. The project, QuantiCoM Q2H, is part of DLR's QuantiCoM initiative, aiming to advance materials science and engineering through quantum computing. Over three years, ParityQC will create quantum computing algorithms for atomistic simulations, starting with hydrogen and water molecules. The project could lead to more accurate simulations of chemical systems, impacting various industries including drug discovery, energy, manufacturing, construction, automotive, electronics, and aerospace. ParityQC, a spinoff of the University of Innsbruck, is the world's only quantum architecture company.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $11.4 million funding for six projects in quantum information science (QIS) relevant to fusion and plasma science. The Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) program, which supports this research, aims to develop a fusion energy source. The QIS portfolio within FES explores areas where QIS could impact FES mission areas, including fusion and discovery plasma science. Jean Paul Allain, Associate Director of Science for FES, believes the convergence of quantum science, fusion energy, and plasma science is an exciting discovery area. The projects will advance quantum algorithms, develop measurement techniques for plasmas, and explore high energy density physics methods.

Multiverse Computing, Moody’s Analytics, and Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) have secured funding from Innovate UK to develop large-scale flood prediction models using quantum methods. The project, overseen by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, aims to improve the country's response to extreme weather events linked to climate change. Multiverse will provide the software and technical formulation, OQC will supply the quantum hardware, and Moody’s will contribute industry expertise and data insights. The project marks the first time Multiverse has applied quantum algorithms to assess potential flood damage.

Scientists are developing a universal software framework for quantum simulations, aiming to enhance understanding of the quantum world and facilitate global collaboration. The project, named COSMOS, is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and led by UCL, with researchers from the University of Warwick and other institutions. The software will help scientists explore quantum dynamics more efficiently, aiding in designing new molecules and materials. The project is expected to accelerate developments in the quantum domain, positioning the UK as a global leader in this field. Principal investigators include Professor Scott Habershon and Professor Graham Worth.