IBM and AMD team up to build quantum-centric supercomputers

IBM and AMD have announced a collaboration to develop “quantum-centric supercomputing” architectures that integrate quantum systems with high-performance computing and AI accelerators. The partnership aims to create hybrid computing models that could tackle scientific and industrial problems at unprecedented speeds and scales, with quantum hardware simulating atoms and molecules while traditional supercomputers analyze large-scale data.

What you should know: The collaboration focuses on blending IBM’s quantum expertise with AMD’s high-performance computing and AI technologies to push beyond traditional computing limitations.

• The companies plan to integrate AMD’s CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs (specialized processing chips) with IBM quantum computers to explore new classes of algorithms.
• A demonstration later this year will show how IBM’s quantum computers and AMD hardware can jointly execute hybrid workflows.
• The effort could advance IBM’s goal of achieving fault-tolerant quantum computing, with AMD technologies supporting real-time error correction.

Why this matters: Quantum computing uses qubits that can represent more complex information than binary bits, potentially solving problems in materials discovery, logistics, and drug development that are difficult for classical systems alone.

• The hybrid approach combines quantum simulation capabilities with the data processing power of traditional supercomputers.
• Such integration could enable breakthrough discoveries in scientific research and industrial applications.

What they’re saying: Both CEOs emphasized the transformative potential of combining their technologies.

• “Quantum computing will simulate the natural world and represent information in an entirely new way,” said Arvind Krishna, IBM’s chairman and CEO. “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.”
• “High-performance computing is the foundation for solving the world’s most important challenges,” added Lisa Su, AMD’s chair and CEO. “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.”

Strategic context: Both companies bring significant infrastructure and partnerships to the collaboration.

• IBM has recently partnered with Japan’s RIKEN research institute to connect its IBM Quantum System Two with Fugaku, one of the world’s most powerful classical supercomputers.
• The company also works with Cleveland Clinic, the Basque Government, and Lockheed Martin on quantum-classical integration in applied settings.
• AMD currently provides CPUs and GPUs for leading supercomputing systems, including Frontier and El Capitan, which rank among the fastest supercomputers globally.