IBM and AMD Target Quantum-Classical Computing Integration
IBM and AMD have announced a partnership to develop computing systems that combine quantum processors with traditional supercomputers, addressing growing enterprise demand for more powerful simulation and analysis capabilities.
Quantum machines show promise for complex calculations like molecular modelling but struggle at practical business tasks, whilst traditional supercomputers excel at data processing but struggle with certain types of optimisation problems.
“Quantum computing will simulate the natural world and represent information in an entirely new way,” says Arvind Krishna, IBM’s Chairman and CEO.
Why quantum computers need classical partners
Where classical computers use binary bits – either on or off – quantum computers employ qubits that can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This allows them to explore many solutions at once, but the technology remains fragile.
Current quantum computers operate for only milliseconds before external interference disrupts their calculations. They also cannot handle basic computing tasks like data storage or user interfaces. IBM’s quantum machines sit in specialised facilities, accessed remotely by researchers and companies testing specific algorithms.
The hybrid approach would assign different parts of a problem to whichever system handles them best. A pharmaceutical company developing new drugs might use quantum computers to model how molecules interact with proteins, whilst AMD processors analyse clinical trial data and regulatory requirements for the same compound.
“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,” Arvind Krishna says.
- IBM and AMD plan to integrate quantum computers with high-performance computing systems for hybrid workflows
- AMD processors will provide error correction capabilities for IBM's quantum systems
- Partnership targets drug discovery, materials research and supply chain optimisation applications
AMD's supercomputing expertise
AMD has serious credentials in high-performance computing. The company’s processors power Frontier at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the first computer to break the exascale barrier by performing over one quintillion calculations per second. AMD chips also run El Capitan at Lawrence Livermore, giving the company two of the world’s fastest supercomputers.
“High-performance computing is the foundation for solving the world's most important challenges,” says Dr 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.”
AMD’s processors handle everything from climate modelling to nuclear weapons simulations, often working with datasets that would overwhelm conventional systems.
The quantum partnership builds on this foundation rather than replacing it. AMD processors would handle error correction for quantum systems – a crucial task since quantum computers need constant monitoring to maintain accuracy. Traditional processors would also manage data movement between systems and provide the interface for human users.
IBM has tested similar arrangements before. The company already connects quantum hardware with Fugaku, one of Japan's fastest supercomputers, through a partnership with research institute RIKEN. Projects with Cleveland Clinic, the Basque Government and Lockheed Martin have shown that hybrid systems can tackle problems neither technology handles alone.
Real problems drive partnership timeline
The partnership targets business problems where current computing methods fail or take too long to deliver answers. Pharmaceutical companies, for instance, spend over US$2.6bn and 10-15 years developing each new drug, partly because molecular simulation requires enormous computational resources.
Current approaches to these challenges force compromises. Companies can either run detailed quantum simulations of small molecular systems or traditional simulations of larger systems with less precision, but neither approach captures the complexity of how drugs interact with human biology.
A hybrid system might change this calculation. Quantum computers could model protein folding and molecular interactions whilst AMD processors analyse patient data, clinical trials and manufacturing constraints
Financial services present different but related challenges. Banks need to model risk across millions of transactions whilst considering regulatory requirements, market volatility and operational constraints. Current systems can either explore multiple scenarios quickly or analyse detailed risk factors thoroughly, but rarely both simultaneously.
Supply chains offer another test case. Global logistics involves interconnected variables – shipping routes, inventory levels, demand forecasts and supplier reliability – that change constantly. Quantum computers might explore routing options whilst traditional systems process real-time updates and operational data.
“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,” Dr Lisa Su says.
